Province of Tumbes: Nature, Archaeology and Plazas

The Province of Tumbes offers a range of ways to shape a trip: nature watching and hikes in the Ceibal sector, archaeological visits at Cabeza De Vaca, and notable places in Tumbes. You can consider whether nature, history or experiencing urban plazas should be the main focus when choosing your stay.

Experience nature in the Ceibal sector

The Parque Nacional Cerros de Amotape extends into the Province of Tumbes. The districts of Pampas de Hospital and San Juan de la Virgen are part of the Área de Conservación Regional Angostura Faical. The Mirador Natural Turístico de Ceibal is located in the Ceibal sector of this area. Activities there include observing the flora, fauna and landscape, nature photography, hiking and environmental interpretation.

If nature experiences are an important factor in choosing your holiday rental, Ceibal offers a specific focus for your trip.

Archaeology and route connections

The Zona Arqueológica Monumental Cabeza De Vaca occupies a strategic position on the Qhapaq Ñan and the coastal section of the Inca road. It is also connected to the Spondylus sea route. These connections give the site its own historical and archaeological focus. At the Cabeza De Vaca site, guided tours are offered of the Museo de Sitio, the space dedicated to the Qhapaq Ñan, and the Huaca del Sol; virtual visits are also available.

For your selection, this means that if you are particularly interested in archaeological sites and the aforementioned land and sea routes, you can put Cabeza De Vaca on your list as a key place to visit. The guided tours and virtual visits are different ways to explore the site. They complement the nature activities in Ceibal with a cultural and historical perspective.

Plazas and views in Tumbes

The Plaza Mayor de Tumbes features several distinctive elements: a 15-metre-high concha acústica, the “Encuentro de dos mundos” mosaic and a sculpture of cacique Chilimasa. A flag-raising ceremony accompanied by a civilian parade takes place there on Sundays. If you want to include public plazas and their designed features in your trip, the Plaza combines permanent artworks with this Sunday event.

The Malecón Tercer Milenio has an elevated viewpoint overlooking the banks and valley of the Río Tumbes. It is used to watch the sunset. Plazuela El Beso is located at the beginning of the Malecón, by the Río Tumbes. Its sculpture depicts a kissing couple whose bodies form a heart. It is 350 metres from there to the Plaza Mayor de Tumbes; the walk takes seven minutes. This information makes it possible to plan a specific walk between the two plazas.

Choose the right focus for your accommodation

Read more: Cruz de Pizarro.

More pages to help you plan: Tumbes, Province of Contralmirante Villar, Zorritos.

Return to the main travel overview: Tumbes.