At Mirador Tres Cruces, scenic views meet religious symbolism. From there, you can see the Chira Valley and the beaches of the Colán District. The three wooden crosses date from 1990 and are associated with Semana Santa celebrations. Access is via a roughly 300-meter footpath from the Plazuela de Pueblo Nuevo de Colán; the walk takes about six minutes.

Iglesia San Lucas: History and Architecture

Iglesia San Lucas de Colán was built in 1536 by Dominican priests on a sacred promontory of the Tallán culture. It has been a National Monument and part of the Nation’s Cultural Heritage since January 1983. It is considered the only Indigenous church in Piura still in operation that preserves 16th-century colonial Baroque elements. The Habsburg coat of arms is carved into the doors of the tabernacle at the main altar. Perched on a hill, the church offers panoramic views of the seaside resort and the ocean. Here, history, architecture and views are different facets of the same landmark.

Beaches and Coastal Scenery

Playa Colán is suitable for surfing. The wooden houses characteristic of Colán stand on algarrobo-wood stilts above the beach. Playa La Bocana is about four kilometers long and is suitable for shore fishing. The two beaches thus differ in the specific activities they offer: surfing at Playa Colán and shore fishing at Playa La Bocana.

Biodiversity in the Paita Destination

Within the wider Paita destination, Isla Foca is a distinctive nature destination. The island is one of four sectors of the Reserva Nacional Mar Tropical de Grau and is considered an ecological area for sustainable ecotourism. Thirty-one species of seabirds have been recorded on Isla Foca, including the Peruvian pelican (Pelecanus thagus), the blackish oystercatcher (Haematopus ater), the kelp gull (Larus dominicanus) and the Peruvian diving petrel (Hydrobates tethys kelsalli).

Dates and Practical Information

The Festividad del Apóstol Santiago includes a cultural night and dances in the forecourt of Iglesia San Lucas de Colán on July 25 and 26. If you would like to include these celebrations in your travel plans, check the dates and program locally.

From Paita, a 17-kilometer paved road leads to Playa Colán. The drive takes about 20 minutes by tourist minibus. Check current transport conditions before setting out.

The archaeological site of Conchales de San Lucas de Colán is under provisional protection for two years, with the possibility of an extension for a further two years. Check its current legal status before planning access.

Discover more destinations: Colán, Paita, Máncora, Piura

Go to the main travel overview: Piura.