TUMBES
Location
Tumbes is located in the
northwestern area of the country, its boundary is with the Republic
of Ecuador, where the desert area ends and the Tumbes delta opens
and is the only navigable river in the Peruvian coast. Due to its
proximity to the Ecuador its the warmest and rainiest area and has
fertile land where they grow cotton, rice, fruit and tobacco. The
climate is semi-tropical with sun all year round.
History
Tumbes was
the first city to proclaim its independence from the Spain, it was
on the 7th of January 1821. The fighting spirit of the Tumbesinos
was confirmed once more during the conflict with Ecuador in 1941.
Tumbes was turned into a department in 1942 as acknowledgment of their
support to the Peruvian victory against Ecuador.
After the battle of
Zarumilla the conflict was solved by the signature of the Act of Talara,
predecessor of the Protocol of Rio de Janeiro. Tumbes is a noisy but
welcoming always sunny and peaceful city, today its an active commercial
bordering city with its large houses built with Guayaquil Bambu cane,
hualtaco or algarrobo give it a peculiar distinction.
Paradise Beaches
The main attraction of the area are the beautiful
paradise beaches of crystal clear waters (many of which are appropriate
for water sports) , clean sands, palm trees and extraordinary views
that are unique in Peru as well as its grove of mangrove trees and estuaries
in the Tumbes river delta. On the north of Tumbes you find the beaches
of Puerto Pizarro with its islands Del Amor, Hueso Ballena and Los Pajaros.
Renting boats is recommendable.
On the south you will find the beach of Murmova, caleta de La Cruz,
Puerto Loco, Santa Rosa y Zorritos ( which has a suitable port for
yachts and tuna fishers). Going further south you will find Bocapan,
Cancas and Punta Sal. This last one has a good hotel lodging and is
one of the most beautiful beach resorts in Peru. You can also fly
to Talara in Piura to get these beaches, some of them have bungalows
type accommodations right on the beach.
Tour Sites
The architectonic environment as a whole of
Cabeza de Vaca, where it is said that the "tumpis" lived, reached
a high degree of civilization having constructed a beautiful city
protected by big fortresses.
Cabeza de Vaca is the largest settlement of
the Tumbes culture with evidence of hydraulic works, roads , ceramics
etc.
Protected
Natural Areas
The National Sanctuary of Mangroves of Tumbes
is an area where the grove of mangrove trees are preserved and is
the only sample of mangrove's in Peru. The mangrove grows and develops
in salt water and its plants of various sizes have roots that are
stilt shaped with seeds that germinate on the tree. The mangrove's
area natural barrier against the erosion caused by the sea waves and
the tides and also shelters shell fish and similar species as well
as sea gulls, heron, fishing eagles small mangrove bears, otters,
lizards and crocodiles.
Music and
Dances
Their music is known as the "cumanas"
which are poems sang while playing the guitar. Their motive's are
varied but mainly are love themes, sentimental and witty insults.
The most popular is the "Danza
de la Pava" whose step is similar to that of a turkey and represents
the courting of wild turkeys.
Typical Foods
One
of the typical dishes is the ceviche of black shell fish served with
yucas, sweet potatoes and corn. The chinguirito is a banana soup and
a beverage made of coconut water and Pisco, the antecoco which is
a coconut dessert.
Holidays
- January: Homage to Seņor de Chocan, Tourist
week of Corrales.
- February: Carnival festivities.
- March-April: Easter holidays
- May: Cruz de la Conquista anniversary.
- June: Saint Peter & Saint Pauls patron festivity
- July: Homage to the Virgen del Carmen.
- August: Santa Clarita festivity, homage
to San Jacinto.
- September: Patron festivity to the Virgen
del Perpetuo Socorro
- October: Festivity of the Seņor Cautivo
de Ayabaca
- November: Tourist week of Tumbes.
- December: Festivity in honor of the Inmaculada
Concepcion "December 8".
Folklore
Most of the beliefs, traditions
and festivities have migrated from Ecuador, but there are some that
have come from other places in Peru such as the folkloric beliefs
of "chucaque", "el mal de ojo". Nevertheless the most typical Tumbes
folklore is in their dishes based on sea food, their beverages and
desserts.
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