2 minute read
Old Town Hall
from Tumbes
by Visit Peru
Puerto Pizarro seaside resort © 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 attracts 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.
