When we think of the great tourist destinations of Peru, Cusco, Arequipa, or the Peruvian Amazon often come to mind. However, on the north coast, there is a little-explored place that surprises those who visit it: Chimbote. This port city in Ancash, historically known for its fishing and steel industry, is now a place where nature, culture, and gastronomy combine to offer authentic experiences.
Here you will find lively beaches, exquisite seafood dishes like the traditional seafood soup, as well as a history marked by resilience and a vibrant atmosphere that is reflected in its nightlife and the warmth of its people. Chimbote is a destination that invites you to discover, taste, and enjoy, a corner of Peru that will leave a mark on every traveler.
Chimbote is a coastal city in Ancash that stands out for its concave-shaped bay, 11 kilometers long, considered one of the most beautiful on the Peruvian coast. Its history is deeply linked to fishing and industrial activity, with more than a century of tradition in these activities.
In the 1950s it was known as the "Pearl of the Pacific", thanks to its urban beaches and its great dynamism. Later, between the 60s and 70s, it experienced a fishing boom that made it the number one fishing port, exporting huge amounts of fishmeal and putting the name of Chimbote on the international scene.
Today, the city shows contrasts typical of its rapid growth: it has a large bay, wetlands, old industrial and cultural spaces, but many of them remain polluted or without proper management. With a sustainable and innovative approach, these resources could become the basis for Chimbote Peru to regain prominence and become a strong destination for tourism, culture and nature.
Chimbote is located on the north coast of Peru, in the Ancash region, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. It is situated 431 kilometers north of Lima (about 7 hours by road) and 130 kilometers south of the city of Trujillo. Its strategic location connects it with the Callejón de Huaylas and with important coastal and highland routes, which makes it a key point for those who want to explore both the coast and the Peruvian Andes.
One of the best ways to get to Chimbote is by land. This trip would take approximately 7 hours from Lima, covering a distance of 525 km.
Chimbote combines history, nature, and culture, offering travelers a variety of attractions that do not go unnoticed. From urban spaces full of life to beautiful marine landscapes, the city and its surroundings are ideal for those who seek authentic experiences on the northern coast of Peru. Among the main tourist places in Chimbote are:
The Plaza de Armas is the heart of Chimbote and the best starting point to get to know the city. It is a modern, spacious, and well-maintained space, whose contemporary design stands out with sculptures of marine animals that pay tribute to the biodiversity of the area. Its cool atmosphere, accompanied by the sea breeze, makes it a perfect place to walk at any time of the year.
This space is not only ideal for relaxing, taking photos, and enjoying a sunset, but it also concentrates a large part of the social and cultural life of Chimbote. Around it you will find restaurants, cafes, and shops where you can try local gastronomy or buy typical products. In addition, the plaza is often the setting for civic events, celebrations, and artistic activities that bring together both locals and visitors.
Activity recommendations:
White Island is one of the most representative attractions of Chimbote, located just 4 km west of the city. Its name comes from the characteristic white mantle that covers its rocky surface, a product of the accumulation of guano along its more than 3 km of extension. This unique landscape, together with the contrast of the sea, makes it a must-see destination for those who visit the Ancash coast.
In addition to its natural beauty, the island is a refuge for a great variety of species. Here you can observe pelicans, seagulls, Inca terns, boobies, guanay cormorants and sea lions, as well as small crabs, snails and lizards that complete this ecosystem. Its biological richness makes the island a perfect place for lovers of photography and the observation of fauna in its natural habitat. Access is from the artisan pier of Chimbote, with a boat ride of approximately 20 minutes.
Recommended activities on White Island:
Just 30 minutes by boat from the port of the Coishco district is Santa Island, a natural paradise that is part of the Guano Islands, Islets, and Capes National Reserve System. At about 3 kilometers long and 1 wide, this island is home to a unique ecosystem that captivates both travelers and nature lovers.
On its coasts and cliffs you can observe marine species and prominent birds such as the Peruvian swallow, the Humboldt penguin, the blue-footed booby and the red-headed vulture. In addition, its waters are a habitat for fish such as silversides, lorna fish, anchovies, and painted fish.
The island also holds traces of its historical past: an abandoned large house from 1940, used as a resting place for the workers of an old guano company. Very close by you can still see remains of offices and dormitories, which recall the time of guano exploitation.
Recommended activities on Santa Island:
Located in Nuevo Chimbote, next to El Dorado Beach, La Caleta Colorada is a natural spot that is easily accessed by boat. Its name comes from the reddish tone of its sand, which contrasts in a spectacular way with the sea and the hills that flank it, creating a unique and very photogenic landscape.
Thanks to its strategic location, the cove stays protected from the wind, which allows you to enjoy calm and crystal-clear waters, with tones that range from emerald green to deep blue. This environment makes it a type of natural pool perfect for cooling off and relaxing all year round.
Recommended activities in La Caleta Colorada:
Located in the South Bay of Ferrol, in Nuevo Chimbote, the Loberas de Ferrol are a group of three islands that stand out for their natural beauty and abundant wildlife. In this marine space lives a colony of sea lions that coexist with various guano birds like pelicans, tendrils, gulls, and guanays, making it a true natural sanctuary.
The tour to the islands starts at the pier of El Dorado Beach, from where motorboats and boats depart for a journey of approximately 8 kilometers. During the visit, it is important to keep a safe distance from the animals and avoid feeding them, thus preserving the balance of the ecosystem. This trip offers a unique opportunity to connect with marine biodiversity and capture unforgettable photos of its natural environment.
Recommended activities:
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