You Absolutely Can’t Eat This in Lima! Top 3 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Piura, Peru’s Hidden Gourmet Paradise
Located in northern Peru, Piura is a city rarely featured in mainstream tourist guidebooks. For most international tourists, it’s often just a brief stopover while traveling between Peru and Ecuador by land. But did you know that Piura is actually dotted with hidden gems that are yet to be discovered by most travelers?
If you're visiting Peru for its ancient ruins or famous Peruvian cuisine, Piura deserves a spot on your itinerary. This northern city offers some of the freshest and most flavorful ceviche made from locally caught fish—an absolute must for foodies! Whether you're crossing the border or exploring lesser-known destinations in Peru, Piura welcomes you with authentic charm and culinary treasures. In this article, we introduce the unique appeal of Piura and why it's worth a visit.
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You Absolutely Can’t Eat This in Lima! Top 3 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Piura, Peru’s Hidden Gourmet Paradise
1. Plaza de Armas
A tour of Piura naturally starts here at Plaza de Armas. Around this square, you'll find essential facilities for all tourists—hotels, restaurants, a tourist information center, travel agencies, and banks. Spend some time relaxing in this park with locals, maybe enjoying an ice cream. It’s the perfect way to unwind and relieve the fatigue from your journey.
Another highlight of Piura is its ceviche, renowned for its quality unmatched in other cities. The restaurant that every local recommends is Cevichería Pedrito. It's about a 10-minute walk from Plaza de Armas. Despite being small, it’s always bustling with customers. On every table, you'll see their famous fresh ceviche. And the price? About half of what you'd pay in Lima! It’s a place you definitely shouldn’t miss.
2. Máncora Beach
Just 2 to 3 hours from Piura lies Máncora Beach, a beloved destination for both local Peruvians and international tourists, especially from North America and Europe. If you're in Piura, it's almost inevitable that someone will ask, “Aren’t you going to Máncora?”—that’s how iconic this coastal spot is in the region.
Máncora is known for its youthful energy, attracting a vibrant crowd of young travelers and surfers. By night, the town transforms into a lively party hub with music, dancing, and drinks flowing into the early hours. It's a must-visit if you're seeking fun and a youthful beach vibe.
But beyond the festive spirit, Máncora's most breathtaking attraction is its sunset. The sun sinking slowly into the horizon over the Pacific creates a dazzling spectacle—arguably among the most stunning sunsets in all of Peru. While several beaches in the country offer great views, Máncora stands out for its dramatic coastal setting.
You can get there by bus, but if you're not confident in your Spanish, it's highly recommended to book a guided tour from a travel agency in downtown Piura. This ensures a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience, especially for foreign visitors.
3. Paita
Paita is a port town located about an hour by bus from the city of Piura. Along with Callao near Lima, it is one of the most well-known port cities in Peru. Especially from Paita, seafood like squid and conger eel, making it an important fishing port as well.
Naturally, the seafood dishes centered around ceviche in this town are fresher, tastier, and cheaper than in any other Peruvian city! Even just the ceviche sold at the street stalls around the market is sure to satisfy. If you're visiting Piura, it's highly recommended to go a bit further and visit Paita as well.
However, keep in mind that areas around Peruvian ports are not particularly safe. It’s best not to take out your belongings unnecessarily, especially smartphones. Most non-locals return to Piura by evening, so it’s best to visit during lunchtime.
◎ Summary
What did you think? This concludes the highlights of Piura, a lesser-known city in northern Peru. While cities like Trujillo and Chiclayo attract tourists with their ancient ruins and cuisine, Piura is often just a stopover point.
Still, this local-centered city holds its own unique charm. It’s worth visiting for the seafood dishes alone. The quality of ceviche here is as good as what you might find in Lima but at a much more affordable price. Definitely consider paying a visit!
