The Northern Beaches
a warm blue paradise
Peru's far north coast, between Tumbes and Piura, features superb beaches of white sand and deep blue sea that stretch along a number of bays uninterrupted by bars, points or islands. They are ideal for watersports such as windsurfing, water skiing and scuba diving.The area also has adequate and comfortable hotel infrastructure.
Some of the most popular beaches include Punta Sal, 84 km (52 miles) from the city of Tumbes, where the sea is gentle and warm; and Zorritos, 27 km (16 miles) from Tumbes, where the water temperature averages 26°C (78ş F).
Piura offers visitors a wide variety of beaches, including: Cabo Blanco, 40 km (25 miles) north of Talara and 100 km (62 miles) south of the city of Tumbes. The beach is a one-kilometer stretch (less than a mile) of sand and regular waves. The area is a deep-sea fisherman's paradise, with black marlin as the prize catch. Mancora, 68 km (42 miles) from Talara, spreads along some 20 km (12 miles) of sandy beaches with powerful breakers. It is one of the most beautiful and frequently-visited beaches along the Peruvian coastline.
Altitude
Sea level.
How to Get There
- By air: daily flights from Lima to Piura (90 minutes); from Lima to Tumbes (90 minutes); from Trujillo to Tumbes (40 minutes).
- Overland: from Lima to Piura, 990 km / 615 miles (13 hours); Lima to Tumbes, 1270 km / 789 miles (18 hours); from Tujillo to Tumbes, 694 km / 431 miles (10 hours).
Lodging
Up to three-star hotels in Piura, Máncora, Tumbes and Punta Sal; there is also basic lodging in areas near the beach.
Activities
Surfing, deep-sea fishing, water skiing, scuba diving.
Tourist Services
Restaurants in Tumbes, Piura and Mancora.
Public transport in all the towns, rental of gear for watersports at some hotels and specialized firms.
Minimum Length of Stay
Five days to visit the different beaches.
Recommendations
There are mosquitoes in the area, and it is extremely hot in the summer. Visitors should pack plenty of sunscreen, insect repellent and a hat.
Nearby Attractions
Easily accessible from the city of Tumbes are the Tumbes National Mangrove Sanctuary, the Cerros de Amotape National Park and the Tumbes Reserved Zone, with protected wildlife. The mysterious mangrove swamps of Puerto Pizarro are also accessible.
Near Piura are the Colan beach resort, the town of Catacaos known for its arts and crafts and gold and silver jewelry, and the town of Chulucanas, famous for its pottery.
Season / Climate
Sunshine all year-round, hot during the day and cool at night.
Festivals
- Anniversary of Mancora (September 11).
- Tumbes Tourism Week (last week in June).
- Regional Fair 8th December Fair (December 1 -15).
Gastronomy
- Cebiche de Conchas Negras: black scallops from the mangrove swamps marinated in lime juice, onion and hot chili pepper.
- Ají de Langostinos: prawns in a cream sauce of breadcrumbs with hot chili pepper.
- Majarisco: plantain cooked in a shellfish sauce.
- Cebiche: raw fish marinated in lime juice, onion and hot chili pepper.
- Chifles: deep-fried banana chips.
Arts & Crafts
A variety of craftsmen's traditions come together in Piura. Catacaos is known for its goldsmiths and silver filigree work; Chulucanas is famous for its pottery; Santo Domingo for its straw hats; in Huancabamba, craftsmen make floral arrangements with seashells, and weave baskets, blankets and ponchos on traditional waist-high looms; and Tumbes is known for its wood carvings.
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