In the Northwestern part of Peru lies the province of Tumbes, known for some of the most beautiful beaches and magical sunsets in the world. This is an area that is incredibly close to the equator line making it hot and humid all year round.
This was a populated region long before the Inca empire. The first settlers were hunters and fishers that left evidence of refinement in ceramics, huacas or ruins that you can find still standing today.
The capital of the region is a city by its same name. Tumbes is known for its gorgeous landscaping, fabulous beaches and warm sea water that is ideal for surfing and plenty of marine life.
In addition to the beaches, there are a few other tourist places worth visiting as well. Los Manglares is a magical forest with mangrove trees that grow between land and sea. It is a naturally beautiful place with labyrinths and inlets housing numerous species of fishes, crustaceans, mollusks and plenty of birds. This area is a breeding ground to find black scallops that are served in the most famous, delicious Tumbes dishes.
Puerto Pizarro is a gorgeous port with sparkling white sand beaches and a place where you can sit back, relax and enjoy a great variety of sea food dishes. It is an area with a very calm and tranquil atmosphere. The National Mangroves Sanctuary finds its gateway here.
About 84 kilometers out of the city of Tumbes is Punta Sal. This is a small beach that is considered one of the best on the Peruvian coast. It offers the purest white sands and the sea is ideal for a vast number of water sports. The beach has groves of carob trees and many rich sand dunes.
Zorritos is the capital of the Contralmirante Villar province where in 1860, the first oil well was perforated. It offers fascinating beaches and “post card” like landscaping. Not far from here is Bocapan beach where tourists can swim in the famous Hervidores, bubbling, hot natural springs mixed with iodized salts.
On the Northwest Peruvian coast, 23 kilometers from Tumbes you will find the Mangroves Natural Sanctuary. This is the country's biggest mangroves and it is very well protected housing diverse fauna and flora associated with this unusual Eco-system.
The National Park Cerros de Amotape provides shelter to a unique and large collection of animal and plant wildlife. In 1975 it was created to protect forests and neighboring valleys from intense lumber activity. This was formally an area under attack for the rare hardwoods found here like guayacan and hualtaco.
Tumbes is ideal to visit in October when the Tourism Week Festival is going on. It is a perfect time to enjoy the beaches, home cooking and Peruvian hospitality. Also, in December there is the Peruvian-Ecuatorian Integration Fair with an abundance of artistic performances, cultural activities and plenty of handcraft products on display and for sale.
Tumbes is a region sure to surround you with its natural beauty and warm watered beaches. Be sure to drink a chinguirto during your visit, it's milk from a soft coconut mixed with pisco and the locals say it is simply heaven.