Tumbes

Written by Sandra Frank, Jose Quispe
04/08/2025
Experience the breathtaking sunset over Tumbes Beach, Peru, with golden hues reflected in tranquil ocean waves.
manuel alexander Machuca Bardales, Pexels

Tumbes, located in northwestern Peru near the Ecuadorian border, offers a unique blend of pristine beaches, diverse natural reserves, and a rich cultural heritage. Visitors find opportunities to relax on fine sandy shores, explore vibrant mangrove ecosystems, and discover unique wildlife.

In Tumbes, the main square, Plaza de Armas, serves as the city's social and cultural heart, providing a place to connect with local life. While not known for a bustling party scene, coastal areas like Punta Sal and Zorritos, with their resorts and beach activities, allow for relaxed social interactions among travelers and families.

Top 4 Things to do in Tumbes

Activities in Tumbes typically involve beach relaxation and water sports, exploring rich mangrove ecosystems and their wildlife, visiting dry forest national parks, and discovering the city's cultural heart.

1. Relax on the Beaches of Punta Sal and Zorritos

Indulge in the serene beauty of Tumbes' renowned beaches, Punta Sal and Zorritos, characterized by their fine sand and warm, clear waters. These coastal towns offer opportunities for relaxation, sunbathing, and engaging in various water sports. Punta Sal is known for its luxury resorts, while Zorritos provides a picturesque setting for a calm beach vacation. Visitors can also enjoy the local seafood, particularly the black shell ceviche, a regional specialty.

Cost: Accommodation prices vary widely depending on the resort or hotel. Water sports activities like jet-skiing or surfing lessons can incur additional costs, typically ranging from $20 to $50 USD per hour. Self-serving by simply enjoying the public beach is free.

Transport: Punta Sal and Zorritos are located south of Tumbes city. A taxi from Tumbes to Punta Sal can cost approximately $75-$95 USD and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Public bus options are available for around $13-$39 USD, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours. From Tumbes Airport, private transfers to Punta Sal or Zorritos are available for about $25.47 USD per person, taking 1 to 2.5 hours.

2. Explore the Tumbes Mangroves National Sanctuary and Puerto Pizarro Islands

Embark on a unique ecological adventure through the Tumbes Mangroves National Sanctuary, a protected area spanning over 2,900 hectares where freshwater and saltwater converge. A boat tour through the estuaries offers a chance to observe diverse bird species, including herons and pelicans, and the rare Tumbes crocodile at the local crocodile farm. The tour often includes visits to nearby islands like Isla del Amor (Love Island), Isla Hueso de Ballena (Whale Bone Island) for swimming, and Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island) for birdwatching, providing an immersive experience into the region's rich biodiversity.

Cost: A half-day tour to the Mangroves National Sanctuary typically costs around $47 USD per person, which usually includes a guide, life jacket, entrance fees, and transfers. Some tours may also include the experience of extracting black shells or preparing ceviche. A full-day tour from Mancora, which includes the mangroves and visits to Punta Sal and Zorritos, costs approximately $32 USD per person. Private tours are also available.

Transport: The sanctuary is located near Puerto Pizarro, a short distance from Tumbes city. Most tours include transport from Tumbes or nearby coastal towns. Taxis from Tumbes city to Puerto Pizarro are readily available, with costs varying based on negotiation. A guided tour is the most common and recommended way to experience the mangroves and islands, as it includes boat transport within the sanctuary.

3. Discover Cerros de Amotape National Park

Venture into the Cerros de Amotape National Park, a vital conservation area showcasing the unique equatorial dry forest ecosystem. This park offers opportunities for hiking through hills and ravines, allowing for observation of diverse flora and fauna not found elsewhere in Peru. Visitors can also navigate sections of the Tumbes River canyon. It is an ideal destination for those seeking a deeper connection with nature and an active exploration of the region's inland landscapes.

Cost: A guided tour to Cerros de Amotape National Park can cost approximately S/ 280.00 (around $75 USD) per person. This often covers shared transportation, pickup from accommodation, a Spanish-speaking guide, and entrance fees. Food is typically not included.

Transport: The park is located inland from Tumbes. Given its limited access, joining a guided tour is highly recommended as it includes transport directly to the park. Private taxi hire would be an alternative for self-serve, but may be more costly and require a knowledgeable driver for navigating the area.

4. Stroll through Tumbes' Plaza de Armas and visit the Cathedral

Experience the cultural and historical core of Tumbes by visiting its main square, Plaza de Armas. This vibrant hub features 'The Meeting of Two Worlds' mosaic, depicting the encounter between Spanish conquistadors and the local chief Chilimasa, alongside various colonial buildings. Adjacent to the square stands the Mother Church of San Nicolás de Tolentino (Tumbes Cathedral), a Baroque-style sanctuary built by Augustinian priests. Its interior boasts images of religious life, stained glass windows, and intricate carvings.

Cost: Visiting the Plaza de Armas and Tumbes Cathedral is generally free of charge.

Transport: The Plaza de Armas is centrally located within Tumbes city and is easily accessible on foot if staying in the city center. Taxis are available for short distances within the city at minimal cost.

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