GENERAL INFORMATION
The Province of Paita was created together with the Department
of Piura by law promulgated by Ramon Castilla the 30th of May
of 1861. The third article of the mentioned law provides that
the province will be formed by the districts “ Paita,
Colan, Tumbes, Amotape, La Huaca, Sullana and Querecotillo ”.
Limits
On the North By the Province of Talara.
On the South By the Province of Piura.
On the East By the Province of Sullana.
On the West By the Pacific Ocean as far as 200 miles of Grau’s
Sea.
Extension 1,784.24 Km2.
Population 83.058 Inhabitants.
Altitude and Weather
Situated on the west of the Peruvian northern coast, with
a warn weather whose average temperature is 20 °C, being
is maximum altitude 3 m above sea level and its coordinates
are 05°04’57” south latitude and 81°06’57”
west longitude.
Brief History Description
Human groups who settled in the mouth of the Chira Valley
which is at present the province of Piura, started a very
slow cultural development that look many thousands of years.
Between the years 4,00 B.C and 1,300 A.D, the pre –
ceramic period started for Paita’s human groups. All
along this period this people acquired a better knowledge
on navigation and fishing, improving fishing nets and began
the agricultural activities with the pumpkin and Lima bean
crops. They started to use cotton to weave the scare cloth
they wore and, likewise, started to manufacture utilitarian
pottery. During this period men who have arrived at Colan
and Paita went into the Valley and established in Amotape
and Vichayal ( Paredones ).
In the course of the early ceramic period ( 1,300 B.C - 900
B.C ), the former inhabitants improved their ceramic art,
cultivated cotton and pumpkin and, advanced in the art of
weaving and the villages became more organized towns.
During the early horizon period, from 900 B.C to 200 B.C,
the agriculture acquired more importance to supply food to
people. A better knowledge on the art of navigation is achieved,
there is a development in fishing, weaving and pottery. The
tribal groups became well – organized.
The early intermediate horizon period is a long interval of
time which goes from220 B.C to 900 A.D. At that time, the
organization turned advanced and the relationship between
the coastal towns and the inner ones settled in the valleys
became stronger, the agriculture prospered and fishing and
navigation started to use sails.
Where at present is the Province of Paita, a lot of villages
took form, every one was led by a “ curaca “ (
Indian Native Authority ) whose Ethnia was Tallan.
Paita’s Tallanes as a result of living facing sea, depended
on it to exist, but fear it and felt respect for its vastness
as well. Sea was named NI by Tallanes and MAMACOCHA by quechuas.
Tallanes from Paita adored sea but in was not identified with
any idol. The cult of sea lasted till colonial period. Likewise
they adored Moon that was named SHI and pay tribute to dead
as well the most famous religious place was “ La Huaca”,
where seemingly, a main people’s cementer existed.
Their languages was “ Sec ”which made them different
from Mochicas and Chimus.
Paita and Colan were the sites where the most important human
groups developed; I the inner zone, the most important towns
was Amotape.
The former paiteños had dealing with the other inner
Tallanes towns by land and the same way, an intensive trade
by sea.
Tallanes’ Navigation knowledge was not use for fishing
activities but, to trade mainly, because the rafts were perfect
allowing them to sail longer crossings.
Fish used to be dry and cured by smoke to commercialize it
and transport it to inner zones.
Tallanes learned to manufacture nets and improved their boats.
Agriculture was its main activity which was showing their
cultural development level though the century.
Between 900 A.D and 1,200 A.D. Mochicas became a powerful
and well – developed town that extended influence to
the Tallan territory becoming to be interested in improving
their pottery, hydraulic irrigation works, trade and navigation.
By the years 1400 A.D, a powerful state had arisen in the
Trujillo Region: The Chimu Kingdom which was led by a fighting
and conquering king named Winchan Guaman, who after bloody
combats conquered Mochicas intimidating the Tallanes afterwards
who preferred to come to an agreement and be considered as
tributary subjects, because they were not in condition to
face up with a well – organized army like the enemy’s.
Chimus allowed the Tallanes “ Curacas ” go on
leading their people, becoming interested in improving the
irrigation channels and agriculture turned thriving.
Garcilazo reports that one year after his – born son
CUSI HUALPA or HUASCAR was weaned, the Inca Huayna Capac met
a powerful 40,000 – warrior army going to the kingdom
of Quito and conquered it taking the king’s first –
born daughter as concubine and the king became dethroned.
After Quito was conquered, the Inca went down to hot land
and conquered the valleys of Chicama ( Chicama ), Pacasmayu,
Zaña, Collque , Cintu, Tucmi, Sayanca, Motupi, Pichin
and Sullana.
Huayna Capac got back to Quito and prepared to 50,000 –
warrior army going down to the coast where he established
in the valley of Sullana, which is the nearest one to Tumpiz,
from he sent the habitual requirements; peace or war.
Being in this place and according to traditions the Inca arrived
at Colan and it is thought that perhaps because of either
the importance of the “ Cacique ” ( Local Boss
) or his daughter’s beauty, he took her as concubine.
From this union a son was born being his descendants, according
to gentiles, the “ machares ” who are proud of
their royal linage.
When the Spanish arrived, they decided to install a “
tambo ” ( roadside inn )that at the same time could
be used as a shelter by the north – coming boat’s
crew; so, in this way the port of Paita was founded modestly.
Its official foundation took place in April the 30th , 1532
with the name of Paita and afterwards, the Franciscan Friars
who lived in it called it San Francisco.
By that time “ Tambo ” of Paita had a larger population
than San Miguel of Piura , because many colonist devoted themselves
to port labors and furthermore because many ships that carried
Inca treasure to Panama arrived at that port to get supplied
with food for the long crossing.
“ As weather bothered the inhabitants of Piura the “
the old “ says Victor Eguiguren, they decided to leave
the city and move to the port of “ San Francisco of
the Good Esperanza ”of Paita. It is probable that exodus
took place in 1571. It is sure that in 1585 when the Viceroy
Fernando Torres and Portugal count of Villar and Pardo passed
by Paita the city of Piura had been left by the inhabitants
to move to Paita.
Piura’s seasonal migration runs together with Paita’s
, so when the English Sir Victor Thomas Cavendish in 1587.
attacked Paita, burning the city “ La Merced ”
convent and the neighbors’ houses, people and friars
went to live to Catacaos staying a few inhabitants and the
chief magistrate in Paita. Later in 1587 the viceroy ordered
to find out “ Where could be possible to settle that
city near Tacala that it is situated in the valley of Catacaos
as far a possible from the place where that valley’s
indigenous villages are and where there is more comfort to
found that town and furthermore with abundant land, water,
firewood, rich grazing, good weather and the other necessary
conditions to make life easier leaving Paita as a “
Tambo “.
The 17th of February 1588, the viceroy gave a new measure
at the request of Juan Garcia Torrico “ who in the name
of the neighbors ” of Paita implore the new city be
named “ San Miguel of Piura ”which was the proper
and former name it had and so it is desirable to Paita.
The viceroy granted this request issuing the mentioned measured
as a result.
Tourist, Attractions Natural Resources
§ Tablazo de Paita, flat area, which shows attractive
dunes Yacila beach (17 Km from Paita ), a small beach, 460
m long and 20 – 200 wide with sandy surface, which makes
it ideal for swimming.
§ Cuñuz beach, situated 1.2 Km from Paita city;
it is 2 m long and 50 – 50 wide approximately. Sandy,
story that make it suitable for swimming, for sail, rowing
and motor boats competitions. It is situated on the right
of ENAPU wharf.
§ “ Tea for two ” beach ( 1 Km of Yacila
) suggested for those looking for stillness and loneliness.
§ “ Los Cangrejos ” beach ( 2 Km from Paita
). It is a small beach of approximately 660 m long and 20
– 200 m wide. Sandy with a peaceful waters that make
it ideal for swimming and nautical sports.
§ Colan beach ( 15 Km from Paita ). It is one of the
largest ones on the littoral, it is 20 Km long and 50 to 100
m wide, situated among the slopes of Tablazo of Paita, ancestral
inheritance of the ancient Colanes small bay. Of attractive
aspect, it has a great influx of holidaymakers, it is sandy
with warm quiet waters. Nautical aquatic sports and sports
competitions are performed; besides long walks to the Bocana
( mouth of the river ) can be carried out and go up the terrace
or “ Tablazo “ from where we can admire the greenness
of the river banks which flows into the sea.
§ Chira river’s mouth
§ Las Gaviotas beach, 1,45 Km far from Paita,
this name is because there are seagulls in abundance. It is
a flat, sandy quiet beach with quiet and warn waters.
§ It is surrounded by rocky elevations which give it
a singular attractiveness.
§ Las Gramillas beach, 22 Km from Paita ( 13 Km asphalted
road, 11.5 Km paved surface and 10 minutes of walking time
),it is a small sandy and story beach of approximately 300
Mt with clean water. It has a lot of black hollows whose darkness
is lighted by the remaining marine foam. Within its fauna
there are seals and the famous Humboldt penguins.
§ Miramar beach, 39 Km from Paita, it is situated in
the district of Viuchayal, it is a town that stands out for
its peculiar wind mills built by the inhabitants to take water
from the river so as to irrigate their sown fields. A scene
of a peaceful river with warn water which flow from rocky
grounds to the rivers mouth, the exceptionally fertile lands
and the characteristic windmills is much pleasant.
§ “ La Islilla ”small bay ( 22 Km south of
Paita ), with interesting scenes with an island in front of
the Laguna, Hermosa and Garmitas beaches. The zone has a varied
fauna such as guano birds, penguins, etc.
§ “ La Foca ” isle situated 22 Km from Paita
( 13 Km asphalted, 9 Km paved road and then it is necessary
to cross a mile – wide channel ). It is a guano isle
called isle of seals as well because of the abundance of them
on it.
§ “ Paita bay ”, it is considered one of
the most picturesque bays along the Peruvian littoral.
The scene is outstanding from the so – called “
Paita’s window place on the Tablazo ” from where
the whole city can be seen. Its marine wealth is proverbial.
Cultural Resources
§ San Francisco Church, created by the fairs Jose Tomas
Villanueva and Crispo.
Marmulana of St. Francisco Order. It was built with the name
of “ San Francisco of Paita de la Buena Esperanza ”
that was the Patron Saint’s name. It was rebuilt in
1,700.
§ Sagrado Corazon de Jesus church placed in the district
of pueblo Nuevo of Colan, 35 Km from Paita. It is know as
“ Capilla Sixtina ” for its extraordinary murals
on walls and dome of enormous artistic conception by the Italian
painter J. Gismondi that date back to 1916 and are alike the
extraordinary frescos worked by Miguel Angel.
§ Casa Raygada ( Jorge Chavez avenue – Paita ).
Know as « Miramar Chalet « as well being Mr. Julio
Raygada who had it built by the architect Julio Ginocchio
who surely found inspiration in a European model. It owns
splendid scenery overlooking the sea.
It was given the category of Architectural monument the 24
of November 1992.
§ La Merced Church which is Paita’s Parrish church
belonging to the XIX century Mercedarios Order, it has a Baroque
Churigeresque style. Built by Mercedarios Order as a church
dedicated to the Mercedes Virgin in the former years of the
conquest period.
Other Resources
§ Pesca – human – consume fishing company,
producing tined, frozen food, fish flour, it is placed in
the port of Paita and it belongs to the fishing complex.
§ Main square, whose ornamental and attractive fountain
stands out.
§ Paita’s fishing terminal; with installations
to receive, classify and preserve fish.
§ Paita’s pier. Jorge Chavez avenue – Paita,
it is a picturesque place where people go for a walk and rest.
Folklore
Paita has its costumes and traditions which come from its
ancestors. They stand out for its high religious fervor.
Its music and songs accompanied by its bodily expression create
the mimic dance as a communication way, being Colan dances
which clearly stand out and can be observed during the different
festivities.
Moreover they have a series of beliefs that are similar to
the most northern coast towns’ ones such as “
Chucaque ” mal de ojo ”, the little angels ( sweets
) ” the yunce ” ( typical costumes and manners
). And velaciones “ dead days”.
Crafts
§ Handicrafts works using marine resources. Howe ever,
Paita is famous for its brooms and mats craft which are made
in the zone of Viviate.
Gastronomy
Famous by its wide variety of dishes, most of them on the
basis of fish and sea resources, such as :
§ “ Ceviche de mero “
§ “ Caballa pasada por agua caliente “ (
Typical fish of the zone that is fast passed through hot water
)
§ “ Sudado de Pescado ” ( fish spicy soup
)
§ “ Fried fish “
§ “ Chicha de jora ”
Main Festivities Calendar
§ “ La Merced Virgin ” religious festivity
( September the 24th )
§ “ Santiago Apostle ” religious festivity
( July the 25th )
Lodging Establishments
§ “ Las Dunas de Colan ” Hostal
La Costanera Street, Colan beach – District of Colan
Phone : 074 – 32 – 9040 / 074 – 33 –
2237
§ “ Miramar ” Hostal – 418 Jorge Chavez
avenue
phone : 074 – 61 - 1083 – District of Paita
§ “ Las Brisas ” Hotel – 201Aurora
Jr.
Phone : 074 – 61- 1023, fax : 074 – 61- 2175
Transport Service Name Address Routes
E.T Tupas S.A 525 Sullana Av. Piura – Paita
E.T Our Lady of the Merced 720 Moquegua Piura – Yacila
E.T Suptsa AA.HH. Víctor Raúl Piura –
Paita
E.T Dora E.I.R.L 165 10th street San Jose Piura – Paita
E.T Our Lady of Lourdes San Ramon A – 3 Block Piura
– Paita
E.T Sansisteban E.I.R.L Gulman Av. 1st Block Piura –
Paita
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