Province of Contralmirante Villar: Beaches, Coastal Towns and History

Rock pools at low tide, snorkeling right from the beach, and a wooden tower with historical significance give the Province of Contralmirante Villar specific points of interest for a trip. The coastal towns offer different highlights: at Playa Bonanza, observing marine life and snorkeling take center stage, while Playa Acapulco is suitable for swimming thanks to its moderate waves. In Canoas de Punta Sal, Playa Punta Sal comprises three named areas.

Beaches with Different Highlights

At Playa Bonanza, you can observe various marine species in small rock pools at low tide. You can also snorkel right from the beach without special equipment. If you want to explore the rock pools, low tide is the key timing to bear in mind; snorkeling offers another way to experience the sea from the beach. From the main road, a short walk takes you to the beach. Check access conditions before your visit.

Playa Acapulco offers another clearly defined highlight: its moderate waves make it suitable for swimming. This lets you choose between the two beaches based on what you want to do by the sea, without suggesting they have the same conditions. At Playa Punta Sal, meanwhile, the names of its three areas help you find your way: Punta Sal Chica, Playa Punta Azul, and the resort town of Punta Sal Grande. This division into three makes the different names within this coastal destination clear.

A Historical Landmark in Zorritos

History is also part of a stay in the province. Plazuela Faustino Piaggio in Zorritos features a wooden tower commemorating the drilling of South America's first oil well on November 2, 1863. The precise date gives this place a specific historical connection. This allows you to complement a beach stay with a look at the history of oil, rather than planning a trip solely around activities on the water.

More Experiences in the Tumbes Destination

In the wider Tumbes destination, the mangroves are also part of the cultural heritage: in 2022, knowledge, know-how, and practices related to harvesting black mangrove cockles and red mangrove crabs from the Tumbes mangroves were declared National Cultural Heritage. Cebiche de conchas negras, prepared with black mangrove cockles from the mangroves, is one of the coastal region's well-known culinary specialties. Culinary tradition and the use of mangrove resources are concretely connected here.

At the Santuario Nacional Los Manglares de Tumbes, the Ruta Tradicional offers opportunities for birdwatching. The Ruta Especializada runs from the Embarcadero de Puerto 25 or the Puesto de Control El Algarrobo via Isla Matapalo to Punta Capones. Activities along this route include a demonstration of how hydrobiological resources are harvested. The Santuario therefore offers both birdwatching and insight into the harvesting of these resources. For road directions in this wider destination: the distance from Zarumilla to the Puerto 25 control post is 5 km, and the drive takes 10 minutes.

For your trip planning, you can keep these themes distinct: the beaches of the Province of Contralmirante Villar offer different ways to enjoy the sea; Zorritos adds a historical landmark to a coastal stay. The mangrove routes and the associated culture are part of the wider Tumbes destination.

Discover more destinations: Plateritos, Province of Tumbes, Zorritos, Tumbes

Go to the main travel overview: Tumbes.