General Data
• Location: The department of Piura is located on the coast, in the northern region of the country.
• Area: 35 891 km2
• Capital: Piura (29 masl)
• Altitude: 3 masl (Pita, Los Órganos) Lowest town. 2 709 masl (Ayabaca) highest town.
• Average annual temperature: 24º C (35,2º C maximum and 16º C minimum).
• Rainy season: January to April.
Access Routes
• By land: Lima-Piura (1 035 km) on the Pan-American highway. The trips takes about 16 h drive.
• By air: Daily flights from Lima with stopovers in the cities of Chiclayo and Trujillo (about 1 h 15 min).
Historical Overview
The most important culture that developed in the Piura region was Vicus, which stood out for its ceramics and delicate work in gold. In 1 532 Francisco Pizarro founded the first Spanish city, in the Valley of Tangarará, on the banks of the Chira river, and named it San Miguel de Piura. Later, in 1 534 the capital was moved to Monte de los Padres (Morropón), and again to San Francisco de la Buena Esperanza (Paita) in 1 578. The permanent attacks of the English pirates and corsairs forced a final relocation of the city to its actual location in 1 588. On January 4TH, 1 821, the independence of Piura was proclaimed in the Church of San Francisco.
Attraction in the city
The Cathedral
Calle Huancavelica 362.
Visits: Monday to Friday 7:00-8:00 and 19:00-20:00, Saturday and Sunday 8:00-12:00.
The Cathedral dates back to Colonial times and houses paintings representing Saint Martín de Porres and the Virgin Mary by Ignacio Merino. The main altar is covered in gold leaf. The construction of the main church which is known today as the Cathedral began in 1 586 next to the Main Square. This temple has sustained several reconstructions in different times.
Church of San Francisco
Calle Lima block 6. Visits: Monday to Sunday 8:00-9:00 and 17:30-19:00. The oldest church in the city. Here the independence of this department was proclaimed on January 4th, 1 821.
Almirante Miguel Grau House Museum
Jr. Tacna 662, Piura. Visits: Monday to Saturday 9:00-13:00 and 15:00-18:00. This is where the most remarkable Peruvian Navy hero was born.
Church of El Carmen
Jr. La Libertad 366 facing plazuela Merino. Visits: during Mass hours. This church dates back to the eighteenth century, at present, it has been conditioned as Religious Art Museum. This building was declared National Historical Monument in
1974.
The Peace
Dove Civic Center of Piura facing the Main Square. Erected in 1 982 by sculptor Víctor Delfín, a native of Piura.
Outskirts of the city
Chulucanas
Located 60 km east of Piura and about 45 minutes drive, this lively and warm city is known as The guitar of Piura. Land of golden lemons, leafy mango trees and the best chicherías in the northern region, its clay pottery is typical.
Catacaos
At 12 km southwest from Piura and about 20 minutes drive from Piura. This is a typical town with deeply rooted customs. It stands out for its straw work, cotton handicrafts and, primarily for its gold and silver filigree work. The city is also noted for its excellent traditional picanterías.
Archaeological Remains of Narihualá
Located 5 km south of Catacaos, about 10 minutes drive.
Visits: Monday to Sunday 8:00-18:00.
Narihualá is considered the capital of the Tallán Nation and is the most important architectural evidence of a great monument.
Folklore
Famous for its lively dances, such as Marinera and Tondero. Folk medicine using herbs and other products, and magical rites are widely practiced. Cock fights gather numerous aficionados at family meetings and festivities. The presentation of experts chalanes riding gait horses is a traditional scene.
Gastronomy
The typical dishes include:
• Cebiche (fish filet cut in chunks and marinated in lemon juice, onions and chili).
• Tortilla de raya (egg omelette made with dried, soaked ray).
• Chinguirito (cebiche based on dry and salted guitarfish flesh).
• Seco de cabrito con frijoles (casserole based on tender kid marinated in chicha de jora and vinegar with beans seasoned with onions and garlic).
• Arroz con pato a la chiclayana (tender duck meat cooked in black beer, mint and cilantro).
• Mala rabia (green banana purée seasoned with chili, onion, pepper and paprika, and chicha or vinegar).
The typical desserts include:
• King-kong (layer-pastry with milk, pineapple and peanut jam filling).
• Stuffed dates.
• Quince jelly.
• Fig preserves.
Festivals
The Sacred Cross of Chalpón. (February and August) Very popular religious festivity in northern Peru. The Cross of Chalpón which appeared in the year 1 868, is venerated in the province of Motupe. Large numbers of devotees from different places both from Peru and abroad gather here during the festivity, making it one of the deepest expressions of religious fervor.
Services
• Airport
• Land Transport
• Railroad Transport
• Health Centers
• Police Stations
• Handicrafts Markets
• Post Office
Machu Picchu Deluxe Tours
Los Pinos St. 156 Of 502 Miraflores, Lima, Peru
+51 (1) 242 9716info@machupicchudeluxetours.com
