The mangroves of Tumbes bring together natural landscapes, cultural knowledge and regional cuisine. In 2022, the Ministry of Culture declared the knowledge and practices involved in harvesting black mangrove clams and red mangrove crabs in the mangroves of Tumbes National Cultural Heritage. Cebiche de conchas negras is one of the coastal region’s well-known culinary specialties and is prepared with black mangrove clams.

The cultural heritage designation concerns the harvesting practices and the knowledge associated with them; the dish is specifically linked to the black mangrove clam. This regional theme therefore encompasses both knowledge of mangrove resources and a specific culinary specialty.

Mangrove Routes and Birdwatching

The Ruta Tradicional in the Santuario Nacional Los Manglares de Tumbes offers opportunities for birdwatching. The Ruta Especializada runs from the Embarcadero de Puerto 25 or the Puesto de Control El Algarrobo via Isla Matapalo to Punta Capones. It also includes a demonstration of how hydrobiological resources are harvested. The Santuario is located in the province of Zarumilla in the department of Tumbes.

The routes differ in their stated focus: the Ruta Tradicional is associated with birdwatching, while the Ruta Especializada offers a specific route and the demonstration. You can choose based on the activities that interest you most.

The route information is supplemented by a practical guide: the road journey from Zarumilla to the Puerto 25 control post is 5 km and takes 10 minutes. This gives you a specific road section in the area around the Santuario.

Rica Playa: Walks and River Activities

Another natural setting is the Rica Playa sector, the main access point to Parque Nacional Cerros de Amotape. The walks there combine nature, adventure and relaxation. Rica Playa is located in the district of San Jacinto in the province of Tumbes. The sector can therefore be described both by its role as an access point to the national park and by the walks offered there.

Bocana Carrillo is located within the sector. There, visitors can travel along the Río Tumbes, as well as enjoy recreational fishing and canoeing. Rica Playa also has areas suitable for camping. The activities mentioned range from walks and river activities to areas suitable for camping.

Compared with the mangrove routes, Rica Playa focuses on different experiences: walks, river activities and areas suitable for camping, rather than the birdwatching and demonstration mentioned at the Santuario. This distinction can help you choose nature experiences in Tumbes according to your interests.

Protected Areas in Tumbes

The Reserva Nacional de Tumbes is part of the Reserva de Biosfera del Noroeste and is located in the provinces of Tumbes and Zarumilla in the department of Tumbes. Its biosphere reserve status adds another geographical perspective on the protected area to the specific routes and activities.

Discover more destinations: Cancas, Canoas, La Bocana, Bocapán, Tumbes, Zorritos, Cardalito, Caleta Cruz, Zarumilla, Provincia de Tumbes, Provincia de Contralmirante Villar.

For the broader travel overview: Peru.