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.

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. Phone: (074) 32-6541 / 33-1961.
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 1 974.

The Peace Dove
Civic Center of Piura facing the Main Square.
Erected in 1 982 by sculptor Víctor Delfín, a native of Piura.

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 both for its size and the prominent platforms of the two pyramids.

Los Ejidos National Tourist Center
Located 1 km from downtown, about 15 minutes drive.
Visits: Saturday and Sunday 8:00-18:00.
Riverside zone where the richness of the flora and fauna invites visitors to boating, water sports and hiking.

Sullana
At 38 km north from Piura and about 45 minutes drive from the city of Piura. The main attractions of this warm-weather province are the Chira river and its valley, ideal spots to practice some water sports such as motorboating or boating. The palm trees of Marcavelica, the rice fields that get lost in the horizon and the lemon plantations, form the landscape of the fertile valley of Chira. In the heart of this huge garden there lies Sullana, the capital of this province known as The Pearl of Chira.

Paita
Located 57 km west of Piura and some 30 minutes drive, this is a bay with a wide beach and resorts such as: Colán, Esmeralda and Yacila. The port of Paita has an excellent fishing complex. Paita has been one of the main Peruvian ports throughout history.

Sechura
Located 55 km and 1 h drive from Piura. Important for its bay and Parachique fishing center, as well as for the exploitation of phosphate and the Trans-Andean Pipeline that discharges into Bayóvar. The 5 240 km2-long Sechura desert, the largest in Peru, can be seen from this area. The most important historical monument in this city is the Church of San Martín de Tours which was blessed on May 30th, 1 778. Its 13th m high and 8 m wide main altar dates from the eighteenth century, and was declared a National Historical Monument on October 15th, 1 945. Under this temple there is a crypt containing the remains of parish priests and noted personalities of Sechura.

Laguna Ramón
Located 45 km and about 45 minutes drive from Piura, this is a natural reservoir of the Piura river, with very picturesque and attractive landscapes.

Las Huaringas
Located in the highlands of the province of Huancabamba (1 953 m.a.s.l.), 214 km and some 4-5 h drive from Piura. The trip is by car up to Guar Guar (2 h 50 minutes) and, later, on mule or on foot (2 h 50 minutes). These are a series of lagoons with mineral, medicinal waters. Las Huaringas (meaning the Inca's water or lagoon) is considered the capital of Peruvian witchcraft. Traditional medicine is nurtured by the sacred waters of these lagoons. Huancabamba, the ultimate magical region is one of the most important places for esoteric tourism.

Archaeological Zone of Vicus
Located 56 km southeast of Piura and about one hour's drive. Vicus was one of the most ancient cultures of the Peruvian coastline which stands out for its delicate work in gold and stylized-line ceramics.

Cerro Amotape National Park
Located a few kilometers and about 10 minutes drive from the city of Talara. The park has an extension of 75 thousand ha and is located on the left bank of the Chira river in the southern direction. There is a large variety of flora and fauna.

San Pedro Lagoon
This 20 km-long lagoon is located 55 km and about 25 minutes drive from Piura. Its attraction lies in its inlets and the proliferation of pink flamingos and herons.

San Pablo Lagoon
Located 50 km from Piura, this lagoon is 20 km long and 100 m wide, with fine, medium sand.

Colán Beach
Located 74 km and about 45 minutes' drive from Piura, Colán is the name given by locals to Esmeralda Beach. The resort is a beautiful spot with the necessary infrastructure to enjoy the most pleasant vacations. Colán also features the Church of San Lucas de Colán built by the Spaniards in the sixteenth century.

Máncora
Located in Talara, 238 km and 1 h drive from Piura. It has beautiful beaches such as las Pocitas, a wide, semi-circular beach with tranquil waters. The name is taken from the small pools (pocitas) formed when the tide is low.

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST
Yacila Beach, Matacaballo Beach, Cangrejos Beach, Parachique Cove, Chulliyache Cove, Cabo Blanco, Punta Balcones, among others.

Characterized by the presence of folk medicine, an activity performed with healing and future prediction purposes, and tondero, the ultimate expression of Piura's folklore.

Catacaos stands out for its filigree work in gold and silver. Chulucanas is famous for its handicrafts and ceramics of La Encantada; Santo Domingo is reputed for its straw hat work; Talara is known for its floral arrangements with marine remains. Waist looms, floorcloths, knapsacks, blankets, ponchos, bags and other items, are manufactured in Huancabamba.

Its typical dishes include:
- Seco de chabelo (casserole of cured meat with kneaded banana).
- Seco de cabrito con frijoles (casserole based on tender kid, marinated in chicha de jora and vinegar and beans seasoned with onion and garlic).
- Cebiche (fish filet cut in chunks and marinated in lemon juice and chili).
- Majado de yuca con chicharrón (cooked cassava crushed with chili and served with pork cracklings).
- Chifles (Banana chips).

The typical dessert of Piura is the natilla (custard).

The traditional drink is the chicha de jora, (a drink based on boiled maize fermented in mud pitchers).

The International Epiphany Fair (January)
Peruvian-Ecuadorean Artistic and Trade Fair.

Feast of Our Lady of las Mercedes (September)
A festivity that gathers a large number of faithful who go on a pilgrimage to the Basilica de La Merced.

Piura's Jubilee Week (October)
Featuring fairs, performances, artworks, and social and cultural events.

The Feast of the Captive Lord (October)
A very important feast featuring pilgrims that come on foot and others on their knees, showing their great devotion to the Lord. This feast lasts more than 20 days.