Your stay — Hostal Elica
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The Property — Hostal Elica
Hostal Elica is a straightforward, family-run 3-star property a few blocks from Tumbes' main plaza. The lobby feels like a clean but dated Peruvian guesthouse – laminate floors, a small reception desk with a handwritten weather board, and a faint scent of floor polish. It suits budget-conscious travellers who need a reliable base for one or two nights while passing through northern Peru, not those seeking character or amenities.
Chronicles of Tumbes
Tumbes was founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1532 and holds the title of Peru's northernmost city. Its colonial core was largely rebuilt after earthquakes in the 1950s, so most architecture is low-rise concrete with pastel paint. Today Tumbes is a frontier town and transport hub for travellers crossing into Ecuador, with a laid-back, provincial identity built around fishing, rice farming, and the nearby mangroves of the Puerto Pizarro estuary.
Best Time to Visit
Full Tumbes guide →Best months
June to August – the dry season brings clear skies and lower humidity, while Independence Day festivities in late July add local colour without overwhelming crowds.
Peak / festival surge
Late July (Fiestas Patrias) and New Year's week are busiest, with domestic tourists filling hotels; prices at Hostal Elica can rise 20–30% and rooms book out 4–6 weeks ahead.
Budget shoulder season
September and October – humidity drops, rain stays scarce, and hotel rates drop by 15–20% from peak; you'll share sites with few other travellers.
Weather & packing
Tumbes is consistently hot and humid year-round (28–33°C), with a coastal breeze that can suddenly gust in the afternoon. Pack light cotton clothing, a sun hat, and a reusable water bottle; also bring a light rain jacket for sudden equatorial downpours even in the dry season.
Live City Briefing — Tumbes
- Roadworks on Panamericana Norte near Tumbes' bus terminal (July 2026) may cause 15–20 minute delays for departures to Piura or Mancora.
- The municipal market in central Tumbes reopened in June 2026 after a four-month renovation; stalls now accept card payments for fresh ceviche and local fruit.
- Mangrove boat tours at Puerto Pizarro now require advance booking via the municipal tourism office due to new capacity limits (max 12 per tour group) implemented in May 2026.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostal Elica, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may face Avenida Tacna, which can be noisy due to its high-traffic location. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a decent level of comfort, and the presence of a lift indicates a mid-rise building. Given the address, rooms on the upper floors will likely be farther from the street noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, as they may be closer to the street and potentially noisier. Additionally, rooms near the lift (if you're sensitive to elevator noise) or service entrance might experience some disturbance.
Best views
Rooms on the 3rd or 4th floor may offer a view of the surrounding area, although the hotel's address on Avenida Tacna doesn't suggest a scenic view. You might catch glimpses of the nearby buildings or the street activity.
Quietest floors
2nd-4th floors
🔊 Noise notes
Avenida Tacna is a busy street, so rooms facing it may experience some street noise. Additionally, the hotel's location in a city setting means you may hear some ambient city sounds.
Insider tips
When checking in, ask about the hotel's parking options, as you may need to park off-site or use a nearby lot. If you're looking for a good meal, ask the staff for recommendations on local restaurants, as they may know the best places to try authentic Peruvian cuisine in Tumbes.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hostal Elica
Free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraint
Serves all floors, although some rooms in the historic wing have stairs-only access
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader), physical papers available in the lobby
14:00-22:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 13:00 for S/ 20
Available 24/7, free of charge
Step-free access, wheelchair entries, some rooms have limited mobility access due to historic building constraints
On-site parking available, S/ 20 per night, nearest public car park is 'Parqueadero Tumbes' (S/ 15 per day), EV charging available for S/ 10 per hour
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: S/ 3 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: S/ 50 advance deposit + S/ 100 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia matriz San Nicolás de Tolentino (364 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Capilla Cruz Misionera de los Padres Descalzos (818 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días (1.3 km · ~17 min walk)
- Church: La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
parque "El Beso" — 858 m · ~11 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 32 m · ~1 min walk
Mifarma — 760 m · ~10 min walk
El Elion — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol, PEN
Travellers can exchange currency at banks or casas de cambio in the city centre, but be aware that the rates at the airport or tourist bureaux may be poorer. It's best to have some local currency upon arrival.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major establishments, but contactless or mobile payments are less common, especially in smaller businesses. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller transactions.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service, around 5-10 soles for restaurant staff, taxi drivers, and hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found at a local café, around 5-7 soles.
A budget lunch option is a sandwich or empanada from a street vendor, around 10-15 soles.
A affordable dinner option is a plate of ceviche or grilled fish from a local restaurant, around 25-30 soles.
The area around the market is a good place to find cheap eats, with a variety of street food stalls and vendors.
Local supermarkets like Supermercado Tumbes or Chanchamayo offer a range of affordable groceries.
The market or local shopping streets have a variety of affordable high-street and second-hand clothing options.
The cheapest way to get around is by bus, with a day pass costing around 5-10 soles. From the airport, take a taxi or colectivo for around 20-30 soles.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport, as the rates are generally poorer.Use buses or colectivos for transportation, as they are cheaper than taxis.Eat at local markets or street food stalls for affordable and delicious meals.
Good to know — Tumbes
Type A/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ PEN 3.4 · PEN
Emergency Contacts
TumbesFor general emergencies, dial 911 (works in Tumbes). For tourist assistance, call the iPeru tourist police in Tumbes at +51 72 52 52 52.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Tumbes, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hostal Elica
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 32 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Mifarma — 760 m · ~10 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Tumbes bus terminal or Av. Panamericana (southbound) → Wyndham Costa del Sol Tumbes
💡 Combis run the main road and stop almost anywhere on request. Haggle or ask locals which route passes the hotel—they’ll help you spot the right one. Keep small coins.
Tumbes Airport (TBP) → Wyndham Costa del Sol Tumbes (Av. Panamericana & Av. Tumbes)
💡 Taxis queue outside arrivals. Negotiate the fare before getting in; official airport taxi stand charges 20 soles, but local drivers outside the gate accept 15. Have exact change.
Plaza de Armas or Mercado Central → Wyndham Costa del Sol Tumbes
💡 Mototaxis are the cheapest way to get around Tumbes. Flag one down on the street—tell the driver the hotel name; they all know it. Short rides are 3–5 soles.
Tumbes long-distance terminal (Terminal Terrestre) → Wyndham Costa del Sol Tumbes
💡 These buses drop off on Av. Panamericana just outside the hotel. Buy a short-distance ticket from the driver—valid for this stretch but you’ll likely stand if full.
About Tumbes
Wikipedia ↗
Tumbes is a city in northwestern Peru, on the banks of the Tumbes River. It is the capital of the Tumbes Region, as well as of Tumbes Province and Tumbes District. Located near the border with Ecuador, Tumbes has 111,595 inhabitants as of 2015. It is served by the Cap. FAP Pedro Canga Rodriguez Airp...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hostal Elica?
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may face Avenida Tacna, which can be noisy due to its high-traffic location. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a decent level of comfort, and the presence of a lift indicates a mid-rise building. Given the address, rooms on the upper floors will likely be farther from the street noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostal Elica?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, as they may be closer to the street and potentially noisier. Additionally, rooms near the lift (if you're sensitive to elevator noise) or service entrance might experience some disturbance.
Is Hostal Elica noisy?
Avenida Tacna is a busy street, so rooms facing it may experience some street noise. Additionally, the hotel's location in a city setting means you may hear some ambient city sounds.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostal Elica?
Rooms on the 3rd or 4th floor may offer a view of the surrounding area, although the hotel's address on Avenida Tacna doesn't suggest a scenic view. You might catch glimpses of the nearby buildings or the street activity.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostal Elica?
When checking in, ask about the hotel's parking options, as you may need to park off-site or use a nearby lot. If you're looking for a good meal, ask the staff for recommendations on local restaurants, as they may know the best places to try authentic Peruvian cuisine in Tumbes.
What time is check-in at Hostal Elica?
Check-in at Hostal Elica is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostal Elica have Wi-Fi?
Free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraint
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostal Elica?
S/ 3 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostal Elica?
A budget lunch option is a sandwich or empanada from a street vendor, around 10-15 soles.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostal Elica?
The cheapest way to get around is by bus, with a day pass costing around 5-10 soles. From the airport, take a taxi or colectivo for around 20-30 soles.
When is the best time to visit Tumbes?
June to August – the dry season brings clear skies and lower humidity, while Independence Day festivities in late July add local colour without overwhelming crowds.
Top Attractions in Tumbes
💡 Mass happens at 7pm every evening except Sunday (10am). If you go during mass, stay at the back and don't take photos—locals are devout here. The carved wooden doors are left open all day, so you can pop in quietly anytime.
💡 Go to the back section near the fish market—there are six or seven women serving ceviche on plastic stools. Get the mixed ceviche (fish and shrimp) for 8 soles. Ask for 'chicha morada' as your drink, not water; it's free and kills the spice better. The market is busiest between 8 and 11am.
💡 Come back after dark when the lights on the cathedral and fountain make the square look completely different. The ice cream carts near the municipal palace sell good lucuma sorbet for 2 soles.
💡 Don't miss the back garden: there's a reconstruction of a Tumpis burial site with real human bones still in the ground. The museum is open 9am–4pm Tuesday to Sunday, but the guard sometimes closes for lunch between 1 and 2. Arrive before noon.
💡 The boat ride costs about 5 soles per person if you join a group at the dock—don't let anyone charge you more. Carry repellent; the mangroves have mosquitoes even in the dry season. Best light for photos is 7am–9am.