Manglares of Tumbes

This national reserve was created to protect the mangrove ecosystem in the northernmost part of the Peruvian coast. It extends between the border with Ecuador in the north and Puerto Pizarro in the south. Of the 4750 remaining hectares, 2988 are protected. There are five species of mangrove, the main one being the red mangrove on whose roots the conchas negras live. At least 200 bird species have been recorded, eight of which are endemic, including the mangrove eagle. The mangroves are under threat from fresh water brought down by the rivers during El Niño and the expanding shrimp farming industry, though at 3000 ha it’s small compared to that of Ecuador. The Río Tumbes is navigable by small boat to the mouth of the river, an interesting two-hour trip with fantastic birdlife and mangrove swamps. The mangrove swamps are full of pelicans; it’s best to visit them at high tide. A few tame birds beg for fish on the beaches.