Tumbes: Mangroves, River and Nature

Mangroves, birdwatching and activities on the Río Tumbes give Tumbes a diverse natural profile. The cuisine of the coastal region is also part of the picture: Cebiche de conchas negras is prepared with black mangrove cockles from the mangroves of Tumbes. So a practical question can be a good starting point when choosing a vacation rental: Would you mainly like to experience the mangroves, explore the trails in Rica Playa, or spend time by the river?

Mangroves: Natural and Cultural Significance

The knowledge, know-how and practices involved in harvesting black mangrove cockles and red mangrove crabs from the mangroves of Tumbes have been declared National Cultural Heritage. This means that the use of these mangrove resources is also a cultural topic. Together with the culinary specialty Cebiche de conchas negras, this illustrates the connection between mangroves, traditional resource harvesting and regional cuisine. The cockles are more than just an ingredient: harvesting them from the mangroves is part of the recognized cultural heritage.

The Santuario Nacional Los Manglares de Tumbes offers another perspective on the mangroves. The Ruta Tradicional offers opportunities for birdwatching. If birds are a particular interest, you can take this into account when planning your trip. The route therefore has its own focus on nature, while the Ruta Especializada is associated with a different, specific experience.

Routes in the Santuario Nacional Los Manglares de Tumbes

The Ruta Especializada runs from the Embarcadero de Puerto 25 or the Puesto de Control El Algarrobo via Isla Matapalo to Punta Capones. The route also includes a demonstration of how hydrobiological resources are harvested. This route therefore offers both a clearly described itinerary and a demonstration. When choosing, consider whether you would prefer the birdwatching opportunities on the Ruta Tradicional or the route with this itinerary and demonstration.

The journey to the Santuario can also be described with a specific figure: the road trip from Zarumilla to the Puerto 25 control post is 5 km and takes 10 minutes. This information applies to that specific stretch. It can be useful as a guide if you are considering Zarumilla while deciding which experiences to include in your travel plans.

Trails, River and Other Nature Experiences

The main access point to Parque Nacional Cerros de Amotape is in the Rica Playa sector. There are trails there that combine nature, adventure and relaxation. Some areas in Rica Playa are also suitable for camping. This makes it a different kind of stay from one focused on birdwatching or the mangrove routes. When choosing where to stay for your trip, you can first decide which of these nature experiences matters most to you.

At Bocana Carrillo, visitors can travel along the Río Tumbes, go recreational fishing and canoe. These activities offer a different focus from the trails in Rica Playa or the routes in the Santuario. If you would like to choose between nature observation, time on the water and a trail walk, Tumbes offers a range of ideas for your trip. Each of the options mentioned should be considered on its own; they refer to different places and activities.

The Reserva Nacional de Tumbes is also part of the region’s context: it is part of the Reserva de Biosfera del Noroeste. This connection adds the perspective of a larger biosphere reserve to the nature-related attractions of the Departamento de Tumbes.

Explore Tumbes’s Subregions

For your next search, you can explore the subregions individually: CancasCancas, CanoasCanoas, La BocanaLa Bocana, BocapánBocapán, TumbesTumbes, ZorritosZorritos, CardalitoCardalito, Caleta CruzCaleta Cruz, ZarumillaZarumilla, Provincia de TumbesProvincia de Tumbes and Provincia de Contralmirante VillarProvincia de Contralmirante Villar. This lets you start your vacation rental search in the part of Tumbes that best matches your preferred travel experiences.

For the broader travel overview: Peru.