Piura Travel Guide
Travel to Piura - Peru's best beaches
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In Peru's far north, the expansive region of Piura is blessed with excellent weather that attracts beach-goers to its beautiful coast year round. Slightly greener than the rest of coastal Peru, this natural transgression to a more tropical environment speeds up the further north you go.
Like a miniature Lima, the regional capital and old colonial city of Piura is home to dozens of culinary secrets – dishes and ingredients not often used elsewhere. Nearby, the artisan centre of Catacaos shows off the local's special abilities with straw and is home to the Narihuala ruins of their ancestors. Those who prefer to see some of the best pottery in the world should head to Chulucanas where potters have thousands of years of expertise flowing through their veins.
Arriving in the area in the 1530's, conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded South America's first city in the Tangarara valley and called it San Miguel. Moving it a couple of times before finally settling on the current location of Piura and renaming it likewise, the city was the main point from which Inca gold was shipped back to Spain.
Developing a strong creole culture, many regional dances and cuisines were developed. Similar to Peru's famous marinera dance, the Tondero Piurano and its accompanying hymn “San Miguel” can often be seen performed. Dishes like Seco de Chavelo and Tacu Tacu de Cabrito, as well as cocktails such as Algarrobina with Pisco originated here and shouldn't be passed up.
Before the Spanish arrived, and indeed before the Incas arrived, the Tallán civilisation ruled this area. Their capital Narihualá now sits in ruins, its central pyramid topped by a photogenic and centuries old colonial church.
The beach town of Colán, a beautiful picturesque location where wooden homes on stilts line the sea-front, has an even older church. Overlooking the town from the top of a sloping hill it is said to be the oldest in South America.
The potters of Chulucanas maintain a tradition which is older still. They've been making pottery that has been influenced by various indigenous cultures for centuries. Considered the best in the country, their work is widely sought-after.
Further north in Piura are the high-end beach resorts such as the popular Máncora. Often visited by Peruvians from the south of the country during the their colder months, the area is particularly popular with surfers.
Attractions in Piura
Catacaos – A short distance from the city of Piura, Catacaos is an artisan centre famous for its straw weavings. One side of the town's plaza is dedicated to selling beautiful creations such as gold and silver jewellery, pottery, paintings and the famous Piuran white straw hats.
Narihuala – Capital of the Tallán, the first major civilisation in the region, the ruins of Narihualá are now in a poor state but its central pyramid is topped by a photogenic and centuries old colonial church.
Chulucanas – The centre of pottery production in Piura, ancient techniques and styles are preserved in local people's work, pottery is produced that is considered to be of the highest quality in Peru. Beautiful items can be bought on every corner.
Colan – A row of colourful wooden houses on stilts line this beach so picturesque that framed prints of it can be found of it across Piura. Quiet for most of the year, home owners return during the summer months and local resorts burst back into life.
Beach resorts – Along the coast in northern Piura, a series of towns are found with the best beach resorts in Peru. The surf town of Máncora is a hive of activity year-round and has many high-end restaurants and hotels. Los Organos and its groves make for excellent fishing opportunities while Cabo Blanco's rich seas are wonderful for scuba diving or fishing.
Activities in Piura
Catch some waves in Peru's number one surf resort, Máncora.
Fish at Los Organos or Cabo Blanco for huge sword fish and marlin.
Relaxing
Relax on the picturesque beaches of Colán, or visit the various small resorts along the coast during low-season to get a beach to yourself.
Getting Around
Distances in Piura are huge, and the region can be difficult to navigate without private transport. Buses and taxis can take you from the various sites to others nearby, such as Piura-Catacaos, but this is generally backpackers territory unless you find organised transport.
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