Tumbes
Punta Sal © Marco Garro / PROMPERÚ
A practical guide for visitors
Tumbes National Mangrove Sanctuary Š Gihan Tubbeh / PROMPERÚ
Nature in Tumbes is a hymn to diversity: mangrove forests and incredible wildlife, which includes amazing birds, red crabs and black scallops.
Tumbes Location
Northern coast of Peru on the border with Ecuador
Capital
Tumbes (6 meters)
Elevation Min.: 5 meters (Caleta La Cruz) Max.: 1650 meters (Amotapes Mountain Range - San Jacinto)
Climate Temperature Max.:
32 ยบC
Min.:
21 ยบC
Dec - Mar
June - Sept
Mar - June
Sept - Dec
Arriving By land
20 hr. Piura - Tumbes: 278 km / 5 hr. 30 min Lima - Tumbes: 1259 km /
Machala (Ecuador) - Tumbes: 97.1 km /
1 hr. 30 min
By air Regular flights from Lima to the city of Tumbes /
1 hr. 50 min
Calendar 6-7 Jan
Anniversary of the Independence of Tumbes
28-29 Jun
Contralmirante Villar Patron Saint’s Feast Day in honor of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
26 July
International day of the Mangrove Ecosystem Defense
10-12 Aug
Santa Clarita Patron Saint’s Feast Day
23-27 Aug
World Ecopoetry Festival, Tumbes
4th week of Sept
Cantata to the Chief Chilimasa, Lord of the Tumpis, Tumbes
24-30 Sept
Mangrove Festival
8 Dec
Immaculate Conception Feast Day
What to eat? The gastronomy of Tumbes is notable for the freshness of its ingredients, primarily ocean fish and shellfish. Black shell, emblematic of the region, are the base of tasty ceviches and rice dishes. There is also traditional ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice), caldo de bolas de plátano (stuffed banana balls in a broth), parihuela (shellfish soup), chicharrón de pescado (fried seafood), majarisco (cooked plantain with shellfish sauce) and causa de plátano (potato salad stuffed with banana). The area’s fruit is used to prepare drinks such as chinguirito (made with coconut juice), macerado de grosella (soaked redcurrants) and cóctel de guayaba (guava cocktail); and desserts such as antecoco (a coconut flan), dulce de guineo (silk banana sweet) and dulce de pechiche (pechiche fruit sweet).
What to buy? In the fishing coves, the craftsmen sell ornaments and jewelry made from seashells, different colored spondylus (mollusk) and corals. The pasalla, a fiber from the stem of the banana tree, is used to make decorations inspired by the area’s typical wildlife.
Distances
By private travel from the city of Tumbes to the cities of: DESTINATION
DISTANCE
TIME
Puerto Pizarro (Tumbes Province)
13 km
15 min
La Cruz (Tumbes Province)
16 km
15 min
Zarumilla (Zarumilla Province)
23 km
25 min
Zorritos (Contralmirante Villar Province)
27 km
30 min
Aguas Verdes (Zarumilla Province)
27 km
30 min
Canoas de Punta Sal (Contralmirante Villar Province)
80 km
1 hr. 30 min
Black scallop ceviche © Manchamanteles / PROMPERÚ
Tours
3 days (the minimum recommended stay)
1 day
Archeology and city: Center of Tumbes and the Cabeza de Vaca Archeological Monumental Area
1 day
Mangroves: Mangroves and Puerto Pizarro islands and the Tumbes National Mangrove Sanctuary.
1 day
Forests: Amotape Hills National Park
1 day
Beaches: La Cruz Beach, Zorritos seaside resort, Bocapán Beach and Punta Sal seaside resort.
1 day
Border: Aguas Verdes shopping and the International Bridge.
Departmental capital Provincial capital District capital Tourist a raction International border Provincial border Main road Asphalted road Unmade road Port Airport
Flamingos in the Tumbes mangroves © Gihan Tubbeh / PROMPERÚ
Natural Protected Area
Approved by RD N° 0360/RE, December 01, 2016. These limits do not prejudge about the international limits.
Tumbes
Bocapán Beach
Bonanza Beach Acapulco Beach
Peña Redonda Beach
Punta Mero Beach
Punta Sal Seaside Resort
To Piura To Chiclayo
Scale (km)
PACIFIC OCEAN To Ecuador Punta Capones Beach
Tumbes National Mangrove Sanctuary The Mangrove's House
Mangroves and Puerto Pizarro islands
CEBAF PerĂş
Hermosa Beach Cabeza de Vaca Archaeological Monumental Area
La Cruz Beach Caleta Grau Beach Zorritos Seaside Resort Los Pinos Beach
Hervideros Hot Water Springs
Amotape Hills National Park
Tumbes National Reserve
What to see? Tumbes Province The Main Square
In the center of the city of Tumbes. The feature here is “El encuentro de dos mundos” (The meeting of two worlds), a mosaic which adorns the acoustic shell located at one end of the square. There is also a sculpture of a horse, the work of the renowned Peruvian artist Víctor Delfín and a representation of the cacique or curaca Chilimasa, who resisted the Spanish occupation.
The San Nicolás de Tolentino Mother Church
Cl. Grau, 3rd block, opposite the Tumbes Main Square. This 17th century baroque temple features two domes coated in mosaics. Its main altar is carved in wood and also displays mosaic work.
The Los Libertadores Pedestrian Mall
Jirón Bolívar, 1st and 2nd block. The city’s main commercial activities take place along this mall, which is home to banks, shops and restaurants. In honor of the liberators for whom it is named, the mall is lined with sculptures of José de San Martín and Simón Bolívar.
"La Concordia Peruana-Ecuatoriana” Pedestrian Mall Av. San Martín, 1st and 2nd block. This mall symbolizes the ties of brotherhood between Peru and Ecuador.
The Jerusalén Mall
Av. San Martín, 4th and 5th block. Monuments which portray the life of Jesus Christ line this pedestrian mall. The most emblematic is 15 meters tall and represents the Ascension. A shield gifted to the city of Tumbes by the people of Jerusalem hangs on a wall along the mall.
Puerto Pizarro seaside resort © Marco Garro / PROMPERÚ
Tumbes Cathedral © Marco Garro / PROMPERÚ
Cabeza de Vaca Archeological Monumental Area
6 km to the southwest of the city of Tumbes (10 min. by car), in the village of Cabeza de Vaca, in the district of Corrales. Ticket entry. This is a guided circuit which begins with the Chief Chilimasa and the Cabeza de Vaca (the Cow’s Head) site museum, whose rooms exhibit archeological materials and documents that link the archeological area with Qhapaq Ñan (the Inca Trail). A path connects the museum with a lookout, from where Pre-Hispanic structures can be seen, as well as the surrounding area. The path continues to the Huaca of the Sun, made of adobe and stone.
Hermosa Beach
13 km to the south of the city of Tumbes (20 min. by car), taking the La Jota village detour. As there are no tourist services, it is necessary to organize transport to reach this wide beach with calm waters and fine sand. Because of the rich variety of species, it is an ideal place for angling and spearfishing, among a range of aquatic sports.
La Cruz Beach
16 km to the south of the city of Tumbes (15 min. by car). This beach is very popular with both locals and tourists. It has a crescent shape and as its waters are rich in fish, it a«racts angling enthusiasts.
Mangroves and Puerto Pizarro Islands
13 km to the north of the city of Tumbes (15 min. by car). Boat trips tour the estuaries of the Tumbes River delta. The accumulation of sediment and silt has formed islands such as Amor (Love) and Hueso de Ballena (The Whale’s Bone), where you can disembark and enjoy the beaches. Pájaros is another popular island, where a large number of birds arrive at dusk, in particular the frigatebird. The area is rich in species such as black scallops and mollusk, which are a very common part of the regional cuisine. The captive breeding center for the Tumbes crocodile, a species unique to the country, can also be visited.
The Mangrove's House
Rivera del Mar Norte Esplanade, to the side of the Puerto Pizarro harbor master. Through displays of flora and fauna, photographs and infographics, the objective of the center is to present the rich biology of the mangrove ecosystem and the area’s cultural practices, such as the ancient fishing techniques.
Zarumilla Province Aguas Verdes
27 km to the north of the city of Tumbes (30 min. by car). This is an important city for commerce because of its location on the border. The International Bridge connects it with the Ecuadorian city of Huaquillas.
Tumbes National Mangrove Sanctuary
30 km to the north of the city of Tumbes (50 min. by car), in the district of Aguas Verdes. Ticket entry. This forest consists of five species of mangrove (red, crimson, white, black and bu«onwood). This characteristic means it has rich biodiversity, with more than 148 bird species, 41 plant species, 135 fish species and 16 of crustaceans (the black scallop is the outstanding example) and 74 species of mollusk. The environment is conducive to ecotourism, experiential tourism and adventure sports.
Punta Capones Beach
4 hr. by rowboat / 1 hr. by motorboat from Port 25 at the Tumbes National Mangrove Sanctuary. The main quality of this virgin beach is the warmth of its waters. A large number of red crabs congregate on its shores between January and April, offering the visitor a rare natural spectacle.
The Tumbes National Reserve
51 km to the northeast of the city of Tumbes (3 hr. by car). The reserve’s 19,266.72 hectares are the refuge of characteristic coastal species (such as the coastal fox), mountain species (the Andean condor) and species of the Amazon (the jaguar). It is also the habitat of endangered species such as the Tumbes mantled howler monkey and the white-headed capuchin (the only two species of monkey on the Peruvian coast), the Tumbes crocodile and the northwestern o«er. The angolo, the kapok and the Peruvian carob feature among the most representative species of plants. The ideal time to visit the reserve is when it is not raining, between the months of May and November.
Contralmirante Villar Province Hervideros Hot Water Springs
Cl. J
org
eH
err
era
40 km from the city of Tumbes (45 min by car). South of Zorritos, taking a detour in Bocapán. Small pools of brackish and thermal water with different properties that are apparently in constant boiling. They are located in the middle of an equatorial dry forest area and the water temperature is about 30 °C.
Amotape Hills National Park © Pilar Olivares / PROMPERÚ j. M
aria
no
Me
lga
r
The Huarapal, Pozo Azul and Pilares de Peña Blanca waterfalls are amongst the delights of the Amotape Hills, an ideal place for camping, hikes and observing the flora and the wildlife. Cl.
Cl.
Má
rtir
Jos
éO
lay
Cl. a
Lo
sÁ
Cl.
ng
e
Los
Tum
pis
Beaches • Caleta Grau 23 km to the south of the city of Tumbes (20 min. by car). It’s calm and shallow waters make this an ideal location for water sports and camping. • Zorritos Seaside Resort 27 km to the south of the city of Tumbes (30 min. by car). Because the water is warm and the waves continuous, this resort is one of the favorite destinations of surfing, power boating and fishing enthusiasts. It has a wide range of tourist facilities including hotels and restaurants. • Los Pinos 30 km to the south of the city of Tumbes (34 min. by car). This beach is suitable for water sports. • Bocapán 35 km to the south of the city of Tumbes (40 min. by car). The northern end of the beach is sandy and the southern is pebbly. There are tourist facilities. • Bonanza 40 km to the south of the city of Tumbes (45 min. by car). This beach has fine sand. • Acapulco 45 km to the south of the city of Tumbes (50 min. by car). This beach is broad, rich in fish as well as shellfish and crustaceans and is ideal for angling and spear fishing. • Peña Redonda 60 km to the south of the city of Tumbes (1 hr. by car). This is one of the most popular beaches for surfing. It is characterized by short waves and occasional tubes. • Punta Sal Seaside Resort 80 km to the south of the city of Tumbes (1 hr. 30 min. by bus). With its warm and gentle waters and clear sand, this is one of the most popular beaches of northern Peru. It has high quality services for tourists. Surfing, boating, sport fishing and diving are among the activities offered. Trips to watch dolphins and humpback whales are not-to-be missed between July and September.
Tumbes City Center Urban area
1
San Nicolás de Tolentino Mother Church
2
Old Town Hall
3
"La Concordia Peruana-Ecuatoriana” pedestrian mall
4
Los Libertadores pedestrian mall
5
Jerusalén pedestrian mall
6
La Madre boulevard
7
Virgen Inmaculada Concepción mall
Amotape Hills National Park
36 km from the city of Tumbes (1 hr. 5 min by car), along the Tumbes-Rica Playa route. Visits by prior arrangement with SERNANP, telephone (072) 526-489 or email: pncerrosdeamotape@sernanp.gob.pe This park can be accessed from the border between the Tumbes and Piura regions through the sectors of Caucho, Angostura, Rica Playa, Casitas, Matapalo or Fernández. It is vast and ranges from an elevation of 120 meters (Rica Playa) to 1538 meters (Cerro Campana). Hiking allows the visitor to see flora such as the Peruvian carob, the hualtaco, the sapota and the guayacan; as well as varied wildlife including species emblematic of tropical forests (the oncilla, the collared peccary, the red head parrot), of arid zones (the northern anteater) and of the Andes (the Andean condor). As well as navigating the Tumbes River canyon, the visitor can enjoy the Pozo Azul, Huarapal and Pilares de Peña Blanca Waterfalls (Casitas). The ideal time to visit the park is when it is not raining, between the months of May and November.
IPERÚ Police City Hall Post Office
llid
e
o an u Un Cl .H ipó lito
An dré sA
Psj
Cl.
o ieg
de
ma
Al
z ñe bá oI Cl
én Ja s
Jua
nd
ez
e Pr.
eD
cas
Cl.
Án
Án
ios
ros
Almend
lac
i)
ión
arán
uasc
Cl. H
Cl. Huiracoch
a
Cl. e
ua lpa Ata h
equ
bay
ri
ita
ers
niv
Lam
.U Av
o ard éP
os
j. J
Ps
Cl.
Jr. Cahuid e
To San Juan de la Virgen To Pampas de Hospital
a
sc
ri Ma
s lÓ
es
vid
Cl. Los
va
so
ogre
l Pr
Jr. E
.B
rR
ca
ez
Cal
Cl.
lón Co al én
ra (
cía
h
tób Cr is
a en
Piu
Gar
7
Cl. Jim
un
ra
sh
Cl.
ca te uen El P
sé
irc
aru
Cl. Ma y
la stil Ca
Cl.
ón Av.
Jr.
meters
ra
uqu
Ra m
240
Jo
Av .C
Piu
h
inc
S Cl.
i
Cl. Túpac Am
Cl.
na
yac Cl. A
Cl. F ilipin as
de L
M.
ero
P
ca
o iR
es
Cl. Tumbes River
Av.
to
rci
Ejé
ed
6
de En
l r. E
erc
Cl. 7
Psj
sM
El Beso Square
cos
Co
. La
co
iz
Muñ
Psj
ivan
ta
y Ure
o
el V
co
nqu
nd rna
anu
Lim
a
Carras
s . Lo
cY upa
He
io
n ile
ral M
Túp a
Cl.
M er
ene
a
rc Te ón lec
Ma
ait j. P
Ps
n Fra Cl.
Alipio Rosales Square
o Cl. J
ierdo
Cl.
c
Cl. G
Cl. Ge
isc nc .F ra
rge
Mayor Bodero Ibáñ Barracks isco
uch o
Cl. Elo
Centenario Stadium
Market
Cl.
Psj. A braha m
úñ
e
en
l Izqu
art
asco
Ps j. N
Ug
Carr
Lor
gro
D
ast risc Ma
so
n
Hua
eiro egr . Lu
A
Av.
es And Los
on
Cl.
u
ré nd
al C
log Bo
Indecopi
co cis
Fra n Jr.
Alf
jo
au
r sA
orzá
anue
Gra
Cl.
illa
Cl. H
si ne
nc Co la de
Fei jo
ilario
ia
al M
Psj. Francisco Ibáñez
Cl. H
Ital
ez
Elevation: 6 meters
ener
Cl. M
Cl.
Cl.
is N
ar
ia ord
uásc
r líva
eo Pa s
co
o
Tumbes Bridge
120
Cl. G
Psj.
Tum be s Av. Bo ón Sim
3
cis
ll
Fra n
ue
Cl.
dP
ba
2
Cl.
Main Square
y
ylas
Cl.
Bolognesi Square
sV ega
(Pa na m
4
j. A
Ecuadorian Consulate
err
Veg a
Ps
1
lav
Psj. Piu
5
e la
Sa
acútec
od
Cl. Pach
ilas
neral M
Cl. Cl.
arc
eri
Av.
Tac na
can aN ort e)
aG
Cl. Petroperú
Psj .
Av. Ma risc
rau jo
Ca ram elo
stil la al C a
Cl. M
arr ete av cis co N Fra n
Sim ón
Inc
Cl.
To Piura
Be
s
lio
il
C
r (L
Ju
de
Cl.
pa Av.
Tar a
Cl.
Coloma Barracks
0
de
ira flo re
re s )
24
orzán
P
do
Cl.
Vig
Bo
Chamochumbi Barracks
Pa ra
Cl.
ell
la
au l. P
líva
Pu
cá
ad
e
Lib e rt ado
ica Av. Ar
Ab
oyl
os
Cl. Tar at
De lic ias
a
To Immigration To the airport To Zarumilla To CEBAF To Ecuador
j. H
s
s
ría
Cl. Pas am ayi to
mi lla a ru Cl. Z
as Cl. L
Cl.
Ps
ele
Ma
Jr. Ma
nco C
ápac
(01) 574-8000 24 hours iperu@promperu.gob.pe TUMBES (51 1) 616-7300 ext.: 3047, 3049
Centro Jr. Bolognesi 194, Municipalidad Provincial de Tumbes – Centro Cívico Mon-Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Sun 9:00 am - 1:00 pm iperutumbes@promperu.gob.pe
www.peru.travel www.ytuqueplanes.com Opening hours and telephones are subject to variation by each tourist a raction. Confirm times and phones with IPERÚ.
A publication by the Peru Export and Tourism Promotion Board - PROMPERU Calle Uno Oeste N° 50, piso 14, urb. Córpac, San Isidro, Lima - Perú Telephone: (51-1) 616-7300 www.promperu.gob.pe © PROMPERÚ. All rights reserved. Hecho el Depósito Legal en la Biblioteca Nacional del Perú N° 2018-19499 Imprenta: Cadillo Editorial Imprenta S.R.L. (Av. Las Torres No. 397, Urb. Los Sauces, Ate Vitarte-Lima) Lima, diciembre de 2018
The information in this brochure was updated in November 2018. In developing it, PROMPERU has used official information sources and the Tumbes Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism. FREE DISTRIBUTION. NOT FOR SALE.