Visiting Piura (Peru): Best Things to Do, Where to Stay & How to Get There
Piura, in northern Peru near the Ecuadorian border, is much more than a stopover on the way to Máncora’s beaches. It’s a destination in its own right, full of sunshine, flavor, and history.
Known as the first city founded by Pizarro in Peru, Piura is now called the City of Eternal Sunshine and the City of Hospitality. And it truly lives up to both names, with its warm weather, friendly locals, and excellent seafood.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best things to do in Piura, including all must-see attractions, top local experiences, where to stay and eat (depending on your budget), and how to get there from Lima.
Let’s plan your visit!
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All the best places to visit in and around Piura
1. The heart of the city
As you’ll soon notice on a trip to Peru, the Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor) is always the heart of a city.
So it’s the place to go to watch people talk and stroll around, while enjoying some cool shade. You’ll also find the beautiful Basílica Catedral San Miguel de Arcángel (1588).
Just a few steps away, don’t miss the Casa Museo Almirante Grau, dedicated to Peru’s naval hero. Housed in his birthplace, a listed historic monument, the museum displays personal objects, period furniture, documents and models relating to his life and the history of Piura.
2. Catacaos
A picturesque village just 7.5 miles (15 min by bus) from Piura, Catacaos is best known for its craftsmen who create wonders with gold, silver and other materials such as straw, wood and even leather.
In fact, its straw hats have long been exported to Germany. The town was even awarded the title of “crafts capital” – that’s saying something!
It was also the heart of the pre-Inca Tallan culture (900 BC), which was highly developed in terms of maritime trade. The “best sailors on the continent” is a quote you will hear a lot. This remains to be verified, but it’s certainly a good sign of their talent.
Just 3 miles from Catacaos is the fortress of Narihuala, an ancient Tallan village with a museum displaying many ceramic objects.
When visiting Catacaos, don’t miss the opportunity to visit a picanteria, one of those typical little restaurants easily recognized by the white flag on the door.
Try, for example, the “pasado”, a fish cooked in hot water (simple but tasty!), the “malarrabia” a dish with cooked banana, olives and cheese or the “seco de chabelo” a mixture of fried banana, dried meat, tomato, onion and aji panca (Peruvian chili pepper).
From Piura, you can also book a guided tour to Catacaos with a visit to the cathedral, the Miguel Grau museum, artisan workshops and tasting of regional products, for a complete cultural outing:
3. Chulucanas
Located 40 miles from Piura, this town is renowned for its traditional ceramics, which have been classified as part of Peru’s cultural heritage.
Produced by families descended from the ancient Tallanes (an ethnic group), these unique pieces using ancestral techniques rub shoulders with a fascinating pre-Hispanic heritage, as witnessed by the Vicus archaeological site, with its boot-shaped tombs and offerings in ceramic, copper and gold.
Chulucanas is also known as the capital of mango, lemon and ceramics.
4. Morropón and Caracucho Falls
Morropon is a peaceful village in the Sierra Piurana, perfect for gaining altitude before continuing on to the Cataratas de Caracucho.
Here, you can enjoy a fresh ceviche for just 4 soles, stroll around the main square and then take a mototaxi to the falls.
To get there from Piura, go to Terminal Castilla and take the bus to Morropón (1h30 – 6 soles per person). From Morropón, the mototaxi (8 soles – 20 min) will drop you off at the roadside, at the start of the trail leading to the Cataratas de Caracucho.
Walk 1h30 through magnificent sierra landscapes (the path is well marked): rock formations, birds, native vegetation…
The 50-65 feet waterfall empties into a small lagoon, perfect for a refreshing break! And the place is very quiet, except at weekends when local families come to enjoy this natural setting.
Admission costs 3 soles.
5. Canchaque
Canchaque is a charming mountain village renowned for its generous nature, local coffee production and traditional gastronomy.
Popular with weekend travelers from Piura and Sullana, it offers typical dishes such as chicharrón con mote, caballa con guineo and yuca con queso.
Canchaque is also home to a unique natural curiosity: the Peroles de Mishahuaca, small natural pools formed in the rock by the erosion of waterfalls, which can be accessed free of charge via a hiking trail.
To get there from Piura, allow around 10 soles by bus.
6. Yacila beach
Yacila is a well-known beach for the inhabitants of Piura, it is said to be one of the most beautiful on Peru’s north coast.
Originally a fishing village, it has evolved over the years into a local seaside destination. What makes it unique is its mix of spectacular rocky landscapes and surprisingly fine sand.
The sunsets here are magnificent, and when a light sea breeze freshens the air at the end of the day, the atmosphere becomes truly magical.
Yacila also attracts thrill-seekers thanks to its natural dunes, ideal for sandboarding.
[su_box title=”Northern beaches” box_color=”#5eca0c” radius=”2″] Piura is also an ideal departure point for other treasures on the north coast, as is the city of Trujillo.
From Piura, you can easily reach Peru’s Most Beautiful Beaches, such as Los Órganos, Vichayito and Punta Sal, perfect for surfing, diving or simply relaxing by the sea.
Máncora, famous for its festive atmosphere, is also within easy reach of Piura: take a van from Avenida Sánchez Cerro (approx. 25 soles for a 2h30 journey). [/su_box]
7. The Sechura desert
The Sechura Desert is Peru’s largest desert.
Little known to international travellers, it nonetheless boasts impressive landscapes and several natural sites of interest not to be missed.
Among its treasures is the Médano Blanco dune, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the country, ideal for sandboarding or taking a buggy ride across the sandy expanses.
But the desert doesn’t stop there: on the coast, you’ll find the Mangroves of Chulliyache, the Virrillá estuary and the Illescas Reserve, veritable havens for the local fauna.
Here, you can observe flamingos and the endangered Peruvian Tern.
To get there from the center of Piura, take a bus to the village of Sechura. There, motorcycle cabs will take you to the region’s various attractions.
You can also book a tour to the Sechura desert from Piura, including sandboarding at Médano Blanco and a visit to the mangroves of Chulliyache:
8. Cerros de Amotape National Park
Another must-see natural site in Piura is the Cerros de Amotape National Park, on the border with Tumbes.
This is where the tropical dry forest meets the Cordillera of northern Peru, creating a unique ecosystem.
The park is home to exceptional biodiversity, with many endemic species. Along the way, you may come across Andean condors, spectacled bears, orchids, lizards and a wide variety of tropical birds.
Several trails will allow you to explore this unspoilt natural setting.
How to get there? Access is mainly by private car or cab. The most convenient departure points are Máncora, Sullana or Tumbes.
To explore this natural gem easily, you can book a tour to Cerros de Amotape National Park from Tumbes, including a hike, a swim in a waterfall and a local lunch, for a complete immersion in nature:
9. Salar de Negritos
Just 2 hours from Piura, in the province of Talara, lies one of the region’s most astonishing landscapes: the Salar de Negritos.
This salt-mirror-like natural area is reminiscent of Bolivia’s famous Salar d’Uyuni, but without leaving Peru.
Its thin white crust, formed by the evaporation of the sun, creates a solid ground on which to walk – a perfect place for lovers of extraordinary landscapes.
To get there, take an EPPO bus from Piura to Talara (approx. 2 hrs, 8 soles), then a colectivo to the village of Negritos, descending to Caleta San Pablo. From here, a mototaxi will take you to the salar in just a few minutes.
For a complete experience without worrying about transport, you can also book a trip to Salar de Negritos from Máncora, including a visit to the petrified forest, lunch at Cabo Blanco, a stop at Talara and sea lion watching at Punta Balcones:
10. Huancabamba and the sacred lagoons of Las Huaringas
In the heart of the Piura region, where the Andes meet the first jungle forests, lies Huancabamba.
This province is famous for its Andean landscapes, traditional healing rituals and mystical atmosphere.
The region’s star attraction is the Las Huaringas lagoons, located 17 miles north of the city.
The route begins by car to the hamlet of Salalá (approx. 2h30), then on foot or horseback to the Laguna Negra. These sacred lagoons are renowned for their healing properties, attracting people from all over the country in search of energy and purification.
In Huancabamba, don’t miss the Santuario del Señor de Huancabamba, an important pilgrimage site, as well as traditional villages such as Pampa de los Brujos, where curanderos perpetuate ancestral rituals.
You can also indulge in local specialties such as cuy chactado, caldo de piedra or the delicious San Juan bread.
Where to stay in Piura?
Here are my recommendations for accommodation in Piura:
- Hotel Apart Hacienda: Very clean 3* hotel with friendly staff, ideal for a simple, comfortable stay in Piura. Double room from 46$ USD, breakfast included.
- Hotel Costa del Sol Wyndham Piura: Located just a few minutes from the Plaza de Armas, this chic hotel offers a lovely terrace with swimming pool for relaxing after a day of exploring. From 65$ USD per night.
- Los Portales Hotel Piura: Magnificent 4* hotel full of charm, in the heart of the city, right next to the Plaza de Armas. From 68$ USD per night with breakfast. My favorite of the selection.
- Casa Andina Private Collection Piura: Peaceful 5* hotel, perfect for relaxing, with a superb swimming pool and top-notch service. Double room from 98$ USD, breakfast included.
How to get to Piura
Piura is about 605 miles from Lima as the crow flies (a straight line).
You can get there by bus or plane. Here’s how to get there:
By plane from Lima
Flying is the fastest option. Several direct flights depart daily from Lima’s Jorge Chávez airport to Piura airport (Capitán FAP Guillermo Concha Iberico). The flight takes around 1h35.
The main airlines are LATAM, Sky Airline and JetSMART. Departures are generally from the morning (around 5:30 a.m.) to the evening (around 7 p.m.).
Planning a trip to Peru? To get the best deal on your flights, I recommend using this flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner.
It’s the easiest way to find the lowest prices for both international flights and domestic flights within Peru—ensuring you pay the best rate with no hassle!
By bus from Lima
The bus is an economical option, but much longer. The journey takes between 9 and 17 hours, depending on the type of service chosen (express or standard).
The main companies are Cruz del Sur, Civa, Oltursa and Tepsa, with frequent departures from the Plaza Norte or Javier Prado terminals in Lima.
Arrival is at the Piura bus terminal.
Where and what to eat in Piura
Piura is a hot city. So you’ll want to take a cool break!
In the Plaza de Armas you’ll find El Chalan (Avenida Grau, 173), Piura‘s oldest creamery. It offers good ice cream (especially algarrobina ice cream!) and excellent cremoladas.
Cremoladas, a must on any trip to Peru, are a kind of sorbet, halfway between ice cream and fresh fruit juice. As Peru has an incredible variety of fruits, everything here is 100% natural, with no added coloring or flavoring. Of course, I invite you to try the exotic flavours of cremoladas such as lucuma or tamarindo.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, check out Dulceria Dos en Uno (Av. Loreto 105-111). It’s a typical pastry shop where you’ll find little treasures like lemons and figs filled with dulce de leche or cocadas.
For seafood and fish, there’s no shortage of restaurants, as this is Piura’s great specialty.
El Caracol Azul (Urb. Chira Piura Mz. A15) has been welcoming Peru’s leading political figures and intellectuals to the city for years. Don’t worry, it’s not a fancy restaurant, but their dishes have managed to stand out. Try the orgia de mariscos, or seafood orgy presented in a small boat!
I also recommend La Tomasita (Calle Tacna Nº 853 – 857, 15-25 soles). Firstly, because the restaurant is closer to the center, but also because the service is so friendly.
Their specialty, arroz con cabrito (rice with goatling prepared with many tasty ingredients) won a city gastronomic competition. The seafood Tacu Tacu is also very good.
You’ll find a well-priced menu (7-13 soles) at Snack Bar Romano (Ayacucho 580) and vegetarian restaurant Ganimedes (Jiron Lima 440).
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