The city of Piura is located in the northwest zone of Peru, and is the capital of the region with the same name. It is located in the Piura river valley, north of the Sechura desert, about 980 km north of Lima and very close to the border with Ecuador. According to the 2017 census, it is the 5th most populous city in Peru. It plays a fundamental role as a department's commercial, administrative and service center. It is said that Francisco Pizarro decided that the Tumbes area was not an appropriate place to plant his base of operations, and preferred to continue his journey south in search of a better place to settle. It was in 1532 when he found this site on the banks of the Chira River, where he founded Piura, the first Spanish city that was erected in Peru. The name of Piura comes from the word "Pirhua" which in Quechua means granary or supply warehouse, and it is that in those times Piura was a supply base for the Quechua settlers.
Piura Weather
Piura is a hot and muggy city, perfect for those who want a good tan. In the summer season, from January to mid-May, which is considered the hottest, Piura can reach a temperature of 33 ° C. In winter, although it should be a colder season, it also reaches a temperature of 27 ° C. Regarding the rains, it is a city where it does not rain much, except in summer.
Hotels in Piura
Piura is one of those places where you feel like having no regrets. Recognized for its beautiful sunny days and beaches, Piura also has places of interest to visit that few people know, such as the Sechura Desert, the Caracucho Waterfall or the Cerros de Amotape National Park. That is why Piura has great level content to stay and have a good time. You can find all kinds of hotels of the highest level as well as inns or hostels for backpacking, very easily.
Restaurantes & Bars in Piura
The culinary secret in Piura is its seasoning, achieving a delicate and delicious unique taste in traditional dishes already known for example in Lima. Their Cebiche or the Sudado have that I don't know what, which is characterized in all their meals. So Restaurants and a variety of flavors will not be necessary, when you want to sit down to eat.
Gastronomy in Piura
In the city of Piura, you will try delicious dishes such as:
- Rachi rachi
- Malarrabia
- Ceviche.
The most tourist places in Piura
● Cathedral Basilica San Miguel Arcángel de Piura: This church is the cathedral of Piura, that is, the most important church in the entire city. It was built in 1588 after several years of planning.
● Vicús Gold Museum: This archaeological museum was opened in 2001. Inside it has a large collection of around 2700 pieces that belonged to the Vicús Culture, many of them made of gold.
● The Admiral Miguel Grau House Museum: This house is appreciated with great affection by the people of Piura because Admiral Miguel Grau, one of the heroes in the war against Chile, was born and grew up here. For lovers of history, this site is essential as objects that once belonged to Grau are still preserved.
● Kurt Beer Ecological Park: An excellent place to practice ecological tourism. Different tourists come here to disconnect from the world and admire the great fauna, since you can see wild cats, craving bears and deer, among others.
● Catacaos: A very popular place among tourists due to its handicrafts market, where you can find different artisan and metallurgical pieces. In addition, it also receives many visitors for its delicious cuisine and you cannot leave here without trying the Seco de Chabelo.
Important dates in Piura
● March 15 - Algarrobina Day: This day is very popular among the piuranos because the carob tree is the representative forest species of this city. That is why every March 15 a celebration is held where, in addition to preparing dishes with carob, there is a cocktail contest with carob.
● September 24 - Virgen de las Mercedes: This festivity is very important for Piurans and many faithful come to Piura just to be present on this day. To celebrate the Virgin, a central mass is held, in addition to colorful parades, Corsicans and different activities where all visitors can participate.
● October 1 - Piura Jubilee Week: A week full of fun and color! If the city of Piura is characterized by being happy, during this week this multiplies. Not only are there different gastronomic fairs and parades full of music, but different artistic shows are also offered.
● All October - Lord Captive of Ayabaca: Several believers from northern Peru come to Piura during this date in order to fulfill their fidelity to the Lord of Ayabaca. The pilgrimage is one of the most anticipated events because, in addition to fulfilling the faith, many travelers are also known.
● November 23 - San Clemente Fair: This festival carries a great tradition in Piura and is always very happy. National tourists enjoy being here during this day due to the number of parades and activities that take place.
How to move around Piura?
To move in the city of Piura, tourists have 2 options: public bus, commonly regulated by the municipality or authority in charge, or taxi, operated by a citizen who provides a service.
● Public bus: It is the most popular form of transportation within the city, as well as being very economical. The fare, also called passage, does not usually go up to S / 5 per person. The public bus has different bus stops where it picks up passengers, so the journey can be a bit slow.
● Taxi: This is the fastest way of transportation within the city. It has no whereabouts, so it goes straight to the desired destination. You can be contacted on the avenue itself, by calling a company or through an application. The rate here is usually higher, usually exceeding S / 10.
How to reach Piura?
● Piura by bus: Traveling to Piura by bus is a great possibility and an event with a long tradition in Peru. The travel time depends on the place of origin, if you depart from Lima it can take up to 15 hours.
● Piura by train: At the moment, it is impossible to get to Piura by train due to the lack of tracks.
● Piura by plane: It is possible to get to Piura by plane because the Guillermo Concha Iberico International Airport is located in this city. If the plane departs from Lima, the trip can take 2 hours.
Things to buy in Piura
The most typical souvenirs you can buy in Piura are:
- Filigree.
- Sapote ornaments.
- Straw Fabrics.
Piura Facts
Piura stands out from other cities in the north because it has different religious art museums and painting galleries, where you can find famous artists such as Luis Montero, Cossío del Pomar and Julio Cálle, among others. In addition, its popularity is also thanks to its delicious gastronomy, where its seasoning and marine food predominate, since the proximity of the sea means that fish and seafood are prepared fresh, which gives another flavor to Peruvian dishes. During independence, the residents of Piura happily received the expedition of Don José de San Martín and independence would be proclaimed on January 4, 1821. Its economy is based mainly on the agricultural, fishing and mining industry, with tourism slowly advancing thanks to the number of visitors that is received annually and that increases over the years.
Mancora and Piura Terminals
Departure Terminal
● Mancora Terminal
● Mancora B
Arrival Terminal
● Piura Terminal
● Av. Loreto
● Av. Avelino Cáceres
Operators that work on the route Lima a Piura
● Civa
● Oltursa
In conclusion
In Piura you will find everything to spend incredible days. Sunny days, with an ideal climate to go to its beaches and bathe in its most. Good food, where you will especially enjoy fresh, unique seafood dishes. Also rich in its history, customs, churches and museums, but above all, for a human warmth that will constantly invite you to want to return.