The city of Tumbes is the capital of the department of the same name. Its history comes from the Tumpis culture, which are considered the best navigators in the entire north coast of Peru, as well as expert sea shell carvers. It is known that, in the Inca era, it was a territory ruled by Pachacútec and later acquired great military and administrative importance (hence, there are different temples and historical complexes here). During the conquest, Tumbes did not submit easily to the Spaniards, but instead fought hard to try to free himself, although he finally gave up and belonged to the viceroyalty. Then, during Independence, Tumbes achieved something unusual: to be the first independent city, all this in 1821. But it played a more significant role in the fight against Ecuador, since the residents of Tumbes fervently supported the Peruvian troops, that's why in 1942 it was recognized as a department.
Climate in Tumbes
● Tumbes is a city with hot and dry weather, with a clear sky and almost always full of sun. Usually their winters are hot or cool, but very rarely cold. The maximum temperature it can reach is 39°C and very rarely its temperature drops below 19°C. It is for this reason that, even when there is no sun, the embarrassment is present in the day-to-day life of the residents of Tumbes.
Hotels in Tumbes
● Hotel "Hosting LM"
- Address: Calle Bolívar # 648, Tumbes.
- Price: From S / 50.
- Services: A good lodging if you are looking for an economical option as it offers what is necessary to spend a comfortable night. In addition to offering private rooms, there is also a private bathroom and free WIFI.
● Hotel "Grand Imperial Accommodation"
- Address: Jirón Los Andes # 240, Tumbes.
- Price: From S / 72.
Services: This fabulous hotel is close to the Plaza de Armas, so it is an option for those who want a central but cheap place. In addition to WIFI, it also offers cable television and air conditioning.
● Hotel Casa César.
- Address: Huáscar Street # 311, Tumbes.
- Price: From S / 163.
- Services: It is located 2 blocks from the Plaza de Armas and is a great option among tourists who come to Tumbes to have a good time. Among what it offers is WIFI, laundry and room service.
● Wyndham Costa del Sol Hotel.
- Address: Jirón San Martín # 275, Tumbes.
- Price: From S / 200.
- Services: It is a very complete hotel and at an economical price. All rooms have air conditioning, WIFI and cable television. In addition, inside the hotel there is a restaurant that serves excellent Northern food.
Restaurants & Bars in Tumbes
● Restaurant "Eduardo El Brujo"
Address: Bolognesi Street, Tumbes (Reference: At the intersection with the Benavides Malecon).
Price: From S / 10.
Services: This is a spectacular place to try delicious marine food as it specializes in seafood and fish. However, if you want to try classic northern food, you can do it.
● El Manglar Restaurant.
Address: Calle San Martín # 275, Tumbes.
Price: From S / 40.
Services: It is a restaurant inside a hotel called El Sol de Tumbes. It stands out among others for its elegant and romantic atmosphere, so it is perfect for those couples who want time alone.
● Laiqa Restobar.
Address: Huáscar Avenue # 512, Tumbes.
Services: A great place to spend a night with friends and drinks. Your letter is extensive, you will surely find something you like, and the attention is one of the best in the city. In addition, the accompanying music is phenomenal.
● Beer House Tumbes.
Address: Jirón Grau # 505, Tumbes.
Services: An excellent bar to taste classic northern beer. Here the atmosphere is cozy, excellent for those friends who want to have a good time in a comfortable place.
The most touristic places in Tumbes
● Zorritos: This place is very popular among international and national tourists due to its crystal clear water spas. In addition, it is a place of incredible parties and great nightlife, making it the favorite place to go on vacation.
● Puerto Pizarro: Another place where you will find amazing beaches to spend the holidays, one of them is the Island of Love and the Bone Island. But if you are interested in wildlife, here you can go to a crocodile farm and marvel at the mangroves.
● Punta Sal: This is the perfect place for those who love water sports sales such as surfing due to the constantly changing tides and the beautiful landscape.
● San Nicolás de Tolentino Mother Church: It is a very old church that stands out among the others for its history. Inside he has different paintings and carvings of the Lord Jesus Christ, both his image and passages of his history.
● Jerusalem Walk: This passage contains a 15-meter sculpture of Christ, a piece of great importance for believers in Tumbes and is repeatedly visited by the Catholic faithful.
Important dates in Tumbes
● January 7 - Anniversary of the city of Tumbes: This day is very special because the city is venerated. In addition to the classic events with food and fireworks, masses and parades are held where people dance and sing with much joy. It is a very popular activity among tourists due to the excitement that is lived.
● June 24 - Anniversary of the battle of Zarumilla: On this day it is remembered the battle that took place against Ecuador in 1941 and the fallen ones who gave everything for the country. It is also a day to remember José Abelardo Quiñones, who sacrificed himself to destroy an Ecuadorian post.
● June 28 - Patron Saint of San Pedro and San Pablo: This activity is carried out in a large part of the Peruvian coast, so Tumbes is no exception. On this day the fishermen come together to celebrate their patrons, San Pedro and San Pablo, who leave the church to travel to the main ports and thus bless the fishing of the year.
● September 21 - Tumbes Tourist Week: During this week, the streets of Tumbes are filled with national and international tourists due to the different activities that are celebrated and the colorful parades.
● December 1 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception: The Immaculate Conception is a very important religious event in Tumbes, which is why it is celebrated with a duration of 2 weeks. The main day is December 8, but on the other days there are masses, processions and dinners.
How to move around Tumbes?
To move around in the city of Tumbes, the tourist has 2 options: public bus, commonly regulated by the municipality or the authority in charge, or taxi, driven by a citizen who provides the service.
● Public bus: It is the most popular way of transporting within the city, as well as being very economical. The fare, also called a ticket, does not usually go up from S/5 per person. The public bus has different stops where it picks up passengers, so the trip can be a bit slow.
● Taxi: This is the fastest way of transport within the city. It does not have stops, so it goes straight to the desired destination. You can contact it on the avenue or by calling a company or through an application. The rate here is usually higher, usually exceeding S/10.
How to reach Tumbes?
● Tumbes by bus: Traveling to Tumbes by bus is a great opportunity to get to know the routes of northern Peru and watch at the incredible sea. If you leave from Lima, the journey can last 20 hours. The time from another point of origin will vary depending of the distance.
● Tumbes by train: Currently there is no train route that leads to Tumbes, because these roads are not yet expanded throughout Peru.
● Tumbes by plane: In Tumbes is the Pedro Canga Rodríguez International Airport, so arriving here by plane is possible if your place of origin has connections. If the flight is taken from Lima, the plane usually takes between an hour and a half to two hours.