Los Manglares de Tumbes National Sanctuary

For bird watching fans, with good binoculars in hand, it is recommended to enter in the early hours of the morning to appreciate the tiger heron (Tigrisoma mexicanum), which walks along the shores of the Algarrobo, Soledad and Zarumilla estuaries. The name of this bird is due to its neck beautifully adorned with stripes, similar to those of a tiger. One of the characteristics of tiger herons is that they tend to remain immobile for long periods of time at the water's edge, with their necks extended diagonally, waiting for prey, which can be fish, frogs, crabs, and insects. Depending on the time of the tides, you can see in the Puerto 25 sector (entrance to the PNA) how a traditional extractor puts on his peculiar clothing, which goes from a cloth cap (which, inside, they place a dropper with oil , repellent or coconut oil and cigarettes to repel mosquitoes), and replacement cloth thimbles. Also, thimbles and sleeves, two to three jersey fabric shirts, gabardine pants or sweatpants, a jersey material underwear on top of the pants (this to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes), long socks and rubber boots. Then, they take their canoe with oars and jicra in hand, and they go out at full speed as a competition with their other companions, with the sole mission of saving time from the tide and thus collecting the best hydrobiological products found in the sectors further afield, where the ecosystem is jealously guarded.

• Enter and register in the PNA Checkpoints (PCV).
• Follow the recommendations of the park rangers, they are your friends, and they are here to help you.
• Only travel on the marked routes and trails.
• Avoid using single-use plastics. Always carry cloth bags.
• Respect the fauna, flora, and landscape of the site
• Do not throw your waste on trails: take it with you or dispose it in the available bins.
• Bring comfortable clothes for walks.
• Use repellent and sunscreen to protect yourself from UV rays.
• Use appropriate clothing and accessories for your visit, depending on the climate and characteristics of the site.
• Hire tour operators authorized by Sernanp.
• Support the local economy.
• Respect the PNA rules of conduct. A responsible visit contributes to the conservation of our protected areas.
• Wear hiking boots on mud.