Piura offers something for different kinds of travelers: Catacaos is shaped by religious tradition and historical heritage, its beaches offer watersports and wildlife watching, and Laguna Shimbe is part of a larger lagoon complex. When planning, first consider which of these aspects interests you most.
Culture and history in Catacaos and Chulucanas
Semana Santa in Catacaos has been celebrated since 1540. Every Palm Sunday, a procession carrying Christ on a white live donkey travels from the Carmen de Monte Sullón Chapel along Calle Comercio to Iglesia San Juan Bautista. Details may vary from year to year. Calle Comercio is in Catacaos’ monumental zone, which Peru’s Ministry of Culture declared part of the country’s historical heritage in 1988. About 30 historic houses remain along the street. Iglesia San Juan Bautista is a colonial church; its first building was constructed in 1547.
Chulucanas pottery adds a different cultural dimension: it has had a protected designation of origin since 2006. Production takes place mainly in La Encantada, near Chulucanas within Piura. A tourism overview from 2022 also mentions three destinations with international Safe Travels recognition, as well as three tourist routes or corridors that together encompass 13 attractions.
Lagoons, wetlands and protected landscapes
Each of these scenic locations has its own distinctive features. Laguna Shimbe lies partly within the private Bosques Montanos y Páramos Chicuate Chinguelas protected area of the Comunidad Campesina Segunda y Cajas. It is also part of a complex of more than 30 lagoons known as the Huaringas or Huarinjas. So Laguna Shimbe refers not only to a single lake, but also to part of a larger, named landscape.
The Manglares de San Pedro de Vice in Sechura Province were designated Peru’s 13th Ramsar site. The Banco de Máncora is known for its high diversity of fish and high endemism. Its recognition by the Reserva Nacional del Mar de Grau is set out in Decreto Supremo N° 003-2024-MINAM. Aypate is also linked to the Qhapaq Ñan, which connects Ecuador and Peru on the route toward Cusco. These places offer different ways to experience Piura’s natural and cultural heritage.
Beaches and activities by the sea
There are three stated ways to reach Máncora Beach from the town of Máncora: on foot, by taxi or by mototaxi. As conditions for access may vary, it is a good idea to check them again when planning.
Playa Vichayito offers opportunities for kitesurfing, kayaking, windsurfing and snorkeling. Between August and November, visitors can also watch turtles, dolphins, sea lions and whales there. Playa El Ñuro offers a different mix of activities: swimming, kayaking, surfing, selected forms of deep-sea fishing and windsurfing. Visitors can also swim freely with green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in their natural habitat, without a boat and close to shore. Caleta Cabo Blanco is known for a world record in deep-sea fishing.
Then focus your search on the destination that best matches your interests.
Discover more destinations:
Piura, Máncora, Colán, Lobitos, Sechura, Talara, Sullana, Paita District, Ñuro, Canchaque District, El Alto, Paita
For the broader travel overview: Peru.
