Chalanes and Peruvian Paso Horses (Photo: Magali del Solar - PromPeru)
Population
1'679,899 inhabitants
Altitute
Capital: 29 masl (95 ft) (Piura)
Climate
Dry, with median temperatures between 31.2° C (88.1ºF) and 17.7°C (63.8º F).
Piura was the first city to be founded in Peru by Francisco Pizarro, in 1532. Today it is an important economic development center in the north of the country. Twelve kilometers from the city is Catacaos, a town famous for its straw and cotton handicrafts, jewelry in gold and silver filigree and wonderful restaurants. The town of Chulucanas is another famous place, known for its pottery and excellent eateries.
The Piura coastline offers a very attractive and varied circuit. Mancora, close to the department of Tumbes, is a small inlet of beautiful beaches that are very popular among surfers. Further south is Cabo Blanco, famous for deep water fishing for blue marlin, swordfish or grouper, and today an ideal surfing spot because of one of the best waves in Peru. Colán is the main resort in Piura, with traditional houses built on stilts at the edge of the water.
On the road inland towards the Andean highlands, in the province of Huancabamba, lie the Huaringas, an enclave of lakes with medicinal waters, of shamans and natural medicine practitioners, and protective mountain gods.
