Piura Department, Administrative region in northwestern Peru.
Piura Department is an administrative region in northwestern Peru that stretches from the Pacific coast to the foothills of the Andes and includes eight provinces. The landscape shifts from sandy plains and desert strips along the coast to green valleys and hills inland.
Spanish settlers founded the first town on Peruvian soil here in 1532, laying the groundwork for later colonial rule in the region. Administrative boundaries were adjusted several times over the centuries until the current structure was established in the 20th century.
Coastal towns bear Spanish names and plazas with arcaded walkways, while in the countryside goat herders and fishermen make their living using methods passed down over centuries. Markets sell dried seafood, woven baskets, and locally made straw hats crafted by artisans in small workshops.
An airport near the capital connects the region to Lima and other Peruvian cities through daily domestic flights. Coastal towns are accessible via paved roads, while mountain villages sometimes require unpaved routes.
Two ocean currents meet here and create unusual temperature differences along the coast that strongly influence climate and fish stocks. Desert foxes and iguanas live in the sand, though they are rarely seen during the day.
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