Tumbes is a region and city located in the northwestern part of Peru, bordering Ecuador. The city of Tumbes, the capital of the Tumbes Region, is situated on the banks of the Tumbes River, near the Gulf of Guayaquil. Tumbes is known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and diverse ecosystems. The region is the smallest political region of Peru. Tumbes has a population of around 111,595 as of 2015. The demonym for people from Tumbes is Tumbesino(a).
Tumbes is known as the "City of Eternal Summer" due to its warm, sunny, and humid tropical climate, with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F). Key attractions include the National Sanctuary of the Mangroves of Tumbes, a unique mangrove ecosystem in Peru, and the Cerros de Amotape National Park, both home to diverse flora and fauna. Other attractions include the beaches of Punta Sal and Puerto Pizarro, the Cabeza de Vaca Archaeological Zone, and the Tumbes Plaza de Armas. Tumbes is also historically significant as the point where Francisco Pizarro initiated the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in 1528. Tumbes celebrated the 205th anniversary of its declaration of independence on January 7, 2026.
Recently, Condor Energy secured an extension for its Technical Evaluation Agreement in the Tumbes Basin, indicating potential for oil and gas discoveries in the area. However, in early February 2026, the Regional Governor was arrested on charges of money laundering, leading to the Vice-Governor assuming interim leadership.