Tumbes has its origins back in pre-Inca times when
it was inhabited by a cultural group of natives called Tumpis. At its
peak, its population is estimated to have reached 178,000. After 1400, Inca
Pachacuti ruled over Tumbes and the territory became an important political
stronghold during the Inca Empire. Later Inca emperor Huayna Capac expanded
Tumbes by ordering the construction of roads,
