Paita is the capital of the province with the same name, which is one of the 8 provinces that are part of the department of Piura. At the territory that covers the province, close to the mouth of the Chira river, were settled the first human groups of the region, developing for centuries until communities and populated places were established, among the ones stand out the tallan ethnic group. The culture of the tallanes is characterized by the maritime and coast lifestyle of the people, always linked to the sea and the fishing activity. As a city, it was founded by the Spanish in 1532 during the colonial period, under the name of San Francisco de Paita de la Buena Esperanza, although over the years the city would be known just as Paita. The origin of the city's name is quechua voices, which make reference to the desert and the loneliness that it represents. Some people give a poetic interpretation to the name as the city of God, solitary in the desert, although it's nearer to be place that is alone in the desert.