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PeruMagazin · Sights · Santuario Nacional Los Manglares de Tumbes

Nature Reserve

Tumbes · Zarumilla · Mangroves · Nature

Santuario Nacional Los Manglares de Tumbes

Mangroves, tidal channels, and extraordinary wildlife define this protected wetland in the far north of Peru.

Travel conditions today in the Manglares de Tumbes

Weather for Zarumilla, travel recommendations, and Perusino's tip. Tides and precipitation can additionally affect conditions in the mangroves.

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Perusino explains the current travel conditions in Zarumilla
Perusino's Tip

Mind the weather and time of day.

Plan activities according to temperature, rain, and sunlight.

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A visit at a glance

DurationHalf to full dayDepending on route, boat trip, and observation stops.
Visit typeBoat · Nature observationTrips through estuaries and mangrove channels are typical.
Area2,972 haProtected mangrove area in the province of Zarumilla.
Best travel timeApril to DecemberJanuary to March is the rainier season.
Region
Tumbes
Province
Zarumilla
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 08:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00
Admission
General S/ 30; national and local rates are cheaper
Access
Puerto 25 or Puesto de Control El Algarrobo

Visitor information status: SERNANP.

Places and experiences

Santuario Nacional Los Manglares de Tumbes at a glance

The protected area is located in the province of Zarumilla in the Tumbes Department and covers 2,972 hectares. It preserves Peru's most important mangrove habitat on the border with Ecuador.

Tidal channels, mudflats, mangrove roots, and islands form a habitat for numerous fish, crustaceans, mollusks, mammals, and more than 150 bird species. The critically endangered Tumbes crocodile is also part of the region's wildlife.

Image gallery

Mangrove landscape in the Santuario Nacional Los Manglares de Tumbes
Boat trip through the Manglares de Tumbes
Mangrove channels and walkways in Tumbes
Traditional use of the Tumbes mangroves

Why the Santuario Nacional Los Manglares de Tumbes is special

Here, freshwater from the hinterland meets the saltwater of the Pacific. Ebb and flow create constantly changing channels, mudflats, and root areas.

The mangroves protect the coast and provide a refuge for young fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. For visitors, the combination of boat trips, birdwatching, and traditional use of the aquatic landscape is particularly interesting.

Routes and experiences in the protected area

SERNANP distinguishes between a traditional and a specialized route. Both start at the Embarcadero Puerto 25 or the Puesto de Control El Algarrobo.

Traditional route

The route leads via the Estero Zarumilla to the Sendero El Gallegos. The focus is on the mangrove landscape, flora and fauna, and traveling through the waterways.

Specialized route

This variant is aimed specifically at birdwatchers and leads via Isla Matapalo to Punta Capones.

Estero Zarumilla

The estuary is one of the defining waterways of the protected area. Depending on the tide, water levels, shoreline areas, and observation opportunities change.

Isla Matapalo

The island is on the specialized route and is one of the areas where nature observation and the mangrove landscape are particularly prominent.

Punta Capones

Punta Capones is located near the border with Ecuador and is a prominent destination of the specialized route.

Birdwatching in the morning

For birdwatchers, SERNANP especially recommends the Algarrobo, Soledad, and Zarumilla estuaries in the early morning.

Wildlife and mangrove ecosystem

More than 150 bird species have been recorded in the Sanctuary. In addition, there are numerous fish species, crustaceans, snails, and mollusks. The tidal zones serve as a feeding ground and nursery for many species.

The protected area is particularly well-known as a refuge for the Tumbes crocodile. Traditional harvesters of "conchas negras" (black clams) and other water resources also define the culture of the mangrove region.

Admission and visiting

The currently published general daily rate is S/ 30. For Peruvian visitors, SERNANP lists S/ 11 for adults and S/ 5 for minors aged 5 to 16. Local residents pay S/ 5 or S/ 3 upon presentation of their ID.

Children under five are admitted free of charge. Separate rates apply for stays of two to three days and four to thirty days.

Check official tickets

Opening hours and best travel time

SERNANP currently publishes tourist visiting hours from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 13:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00.

April to December is considered the recommended time to travel. January to March is the rainier season. The climate is warm, with typical temperatures between about 18 and 30 °C.

Current visitor tips

Tides, weather, and local organization play an important role in boat trips and observation tours. Therefore, before making a long journey, it should be checked which route is actually offered on the day of your visit.

SERNANP also points out that no tour operators are currently registered within the protected area. Visitors should register at the checkpoints and follow the instructions of the park rangers.

What is a visit like?

A visit is physically much less demanding than a trekking destination. Many sections are covered by boat or canoe. However, short paths may lead over damp or muddy ground.

For nature observation, a calm pace with time for birdwatching and photo stops is worthwhile. Conditions are often particularly interesting early in the morning.

What should be in your backpack?

  • Sun protection and headwear
  • Insect repellent
  • Sufficient drinking water
  • Light, airy clothing
  • Binoculars for birdwatching
  • Splash protection for camera and mobile phone
  • Suitable footwear for damp or muddy areas

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Frequently asked questions about the Santuario Nacional Los Manglares de Tumbes

Where is the Sanctuary located?

The protected area is located in the province of Zarumilla in the Tumbes Department near the border with Ecuador.

When is the best time to travel?

SERNANP especially recommends the months of April to December. January to March is the rainier season.

How much is the admission?

The general daily rate is currently S/ 30. Cheaper rates apply for Peruvian and local visitors.

Can you visit the mangroves by boat?

Yes. Boat trips are one of the typical activities on the tourist routes in the protected area.

What access points are there?

Important starting points are Puerto 25 and the Puesto de Control El Algarrobo near Zarumilla.

Sources

  • SERNANP – Santuario Nacional Los Manglares de Tumbes
  • Ministerio del Ambiente del Perú – Information on nature and protected areas
  • Wikimedia Commons – Manglares de Tumbes, Javier Távara, CC BY 2.0
  • Wikimedia Commons – Manglares Tumbes, Riccardo Specchia, CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Wikimedia Commons – Manglares de Tumbes by boat
  • Wikimedia Commons – Manglares Labirint
  • Wikimedia Commons – Manglares de Tumbes – Perú, GraceAlison