On November 2, 1863, Well No. 4 was opened in Zorritos, and is considered the first of its kind in Latin America. This oil history adds a distinctive cultural and historical dimension to the beach resort. Several memorials come together in Plazuela Faustino Piaggio, while the recurring festivals give the town a seasonal calendar.

Getting to Zorritos from Tumbes

Zorritos is 27 km south of Tumbes; the drive by car or van takes about 30 minutes. Tumbes is also 27 km from Plazuela Faustino Piaggio; by private car, the drive takes about 30 minutes along a paved road. These details refer to different destinations and should not be read as describing the same route. The estimated 30 minutes is a rough guide and may vary. If you are traveling to Zorritos in general, use the distance to the town; for Plazuela Faustino Piaggio, use the route information given for that destination.

Oil history at the plaza

Genoese Faustino Piaggio developed the oil industry in Zorritos and headed the Compañía Peruana de Refinar Petróleo. In the plaza, a wooden tower commemorates the first oil well in South America, drilled on November 2, 1863; a bust honors Piaggio as a pioneer of the oil industry. The memorials emphasize two different things: the tower commemorates the drilling, while the bust honors Faustino Piaggio. Together, they bring an early event in oil history and the memory of one of its influential figures into one place.

Festivals in February and November

Zorritos’ political founding anniversary is celebrated every year on November 25. Depending on the annual program, the celebrations include sporting competitions that make use of the beach resort’s waters; the program varies from year to year. The summer carnivals take place in February and are a popular local festival. They include beach volleyball and beach soccer competitions, as well as a creative sand-sculpting contest. This means there are two distinct times of year on the calendar: the political anniversary in November and the carnivals in February. However, do not assume the sporting competitions take place every year, as the program varies. If an event is the reason for your trip, check the specific dates and that year’s program before making plans.

Thermal baths south of Zorritos

The Baños termales de Hervideros thermal baths are located south of Zorritos and can be reached via a turnoff near Bocapán. Visits are possible only by prior appointment. Arrange your visit in advance and confirm it before you travel. This is a different planning requirement from attending a festival: for the thermal baths, an appointment is essential; for festivals, check the program for the relevant year.

Hotels and accommodation search

Individual properties and their availability may change, so check specific offers before booking.

For the broader travel guide: Zorritos.