A bustling small town 12km southwest of Piura, Catacaos is the self-proclaimed capital of artesanía (handicrafts) in the region. And justifiably so: its arts market is the best in northern Peru. Sprawling for several blocks near the Plaza de Armas, here you will find excellent weavings, gold and silver filigree jewelry, wood carvings, ceramics (including lots of pieces from Chulucanas), leather goods and more. The weekends are the best and busiest times to visit.
Not satisfied with the artesanía crown, Catacaos is also shooting for the culinary medal, with dozens of picanterías (local restaurants) open for lunch daily. You can get local specialties like chicha , seco de chabelo (a thick plantain and beef stew), seco de cabrito (kid goat), tamales verdes (green corn dumplings), copus (dried goat heads cured in vinegar and then stewed) and loads of other dishes, not all of them that adventurous. Several good picanterías advertising their specialties are located on Jirón Zepita off the Plaza de Armas.
Combis and colectivos leave frequently for Catacaos from Av Tacna in Piura (S1.50 to S2, 15 minutes).
