After two days of travel, I have finally arrived. At my family's place. The jet lag is still causing a few issues, but we'll manage to work through that too.
Today continues with shopping. Especially for my dear wife. And tomorrow, off to the countryside. Two or three days of something involving hosting. You don't always know exactly how things will turn out here in advance. In Peru, a plan is often more of a friendly recommendation to the day.
Next week, there is supposed to be a little tour of the beaches of northern Peru. Perhaps we will even make it to Ecuador. Let's see what happens.
Arriving first
The first days after a long journey are rarely glamorous. You arrive, get settled, try to find a new rhythm, and realize that your body is still hanging somewhere between Europe and South America.
Exactly such moments are part of a trip. Not every Peru article has to start with a major sight. Sometimes Peru begins with family, a warm breeze, a shopping list, and the attempt not to fall asleep in the middle of the afternoon.
Especially in the north, many things feel different than on the classic Peru routes around Lima, Cusco, or Machu Picchu. Piura and the north coast stand more for warmth, beach, everyday life, family visits, and more relaxed paths.
Inca Kola and Pisco Sour
In any case, the Inca Kola tastes good already. Anyone who knows Peru knows: This yellow drink is somehow part of it, whether you love it, smile at it, or secretly drink it again and again.
Today, unless the daughter-in-law gets in the way, there will be the first Pisco Sour. That, too, is Peru: plans, family, food, drinks, and someone who rearranges the sequence of events all over again.
Such little things often make a trip more personal than any perfect itinerary. Later, you won't just remember beaches or cities, but also when the first Pisco Sour finally worked out.
Alcohol belongs in responsible hands, if at all. Pisco Sour is culture and enjoyment, but not a mandatory event.
Sights in Peru
All sightsYou can find more information under "All sights".
Weather in Piura and on the north coast
The weather is at 29 degrees, exactly where it should be. Not too warm, and there is a pleasant breeze blowing. It is also good that the temperatures drop noticeably at night.
The Piura region belongs to the warm north coast of Peru. PromPerú names Máncora, Colán, Los Órganos, and Cabo Blanco as well-known beach destinations in the Department of Piura. The beaches of Piura and Tumbes are known for sun, sea, and fresh seafood cuisine.
Anyone planning northern Peru should, however, not just look for sun. Wind, sea, roads, season, local holidays, and current conditions can dictate the day. Especially on the coast, it is worth staying flexible.
The hot water problem
Now, however, comes the problem with showering. I am a hot-water showerer. But there is no hot water in the pipes here.
This means: showering in the evening is more or less out of the question. After that, you are wide awake again. Such trivialities are no catastrophe, but they are just as much a part of Peru as beautiful landscapes and good drinks.
Traveling also means briefly renegotiating your own everyday life. Sometimes it's the jet lag, sometimes the water, sometimes the question of who has actually taken over the daily plan.
Current news from Peru
All newsYou can find more information under "All news".
Northern Peru instead of standard routes
Many Peru trips revolve around Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, or Lake Titicaca. This is understandable, but northern Peru has its own charm.
The north coast is warmer, drier, and more defined by the Pacific. Piura, Tumbes, Máncora, Los Órganos, Cabo Blanco, and Colán offer a different Peru feeling than the Andean route.
Those who visit family or stay in the country for longer often experience exactly this side: less guidebook logic, more everyday life. Shopping, visits to the countryside, spontaneous excursions, family dinners, and plans that change along the way.
Practical tips for similar trips
Events in Peru
To the calendarYou can find more information under "To the calendar".
Matching PeruMagazin topics
These pages are suitable for arriving, everyday life, drinks, travel planning, and northern Peru.
Frequently asked questions about northern Peru and Piura
Is Piura a good region for beach trips?
Yes, the coastal towns in the Department of Piura in particular are known for beach, sun, and seafood cuisine.
Which beaches are well-known in Piura?
PromPerú mentions Máncora, Colán, Los Órganos, and Cabo Blanco, among others, as well-known places on the north coast.
Is northern Peru different from Cusco or Lima?
Yes. Northern Peru feels warmer, closer to the coast, and is often less defined by the classic Machu Picchu travel route.
Do you need cash in Piura?
Cash is still useful for small purchases, rural places, markets, and spontaneous expenses.
What is part of the first Peru moments?
For many, they are simple things: family, food, Inca Kola, Pisco Sour, warmth, traffic, and the feeling of finally arriving.
Can you travel on to Ecuador from northern Peru?
Yes, in principle, traveling on towards Ecuador is possible. The route, border formalities, and the current situation should be checked beforehand.
Personal travel report and original text
PromPerú – Information on the Department of Piura
PromPerú – Information on the beaches of northern Peru
SENAMHI – Climate information for Piura
Mincetur – Information on the destination Playas del Norte Piura
PeruMagazin – editorial commentary on everyday life, travel planning, and drinks in Peru
