Views, cultural memorial sites and coastal activities give a trip around Buena Vista a range of different focuses. The destinations covered here include Cerro de la Juventud and Isla Blanca; more beach options can be found in the region. When planning, it is worth considering each place and how to reach it separately.
Views and memorial sites at Cerro de la Juventud
The Mirador Cerro de la Juventud, also known as Cerro de la Paz, is a natural elevation north of Chimbote. Its highest point is about 350 metres above sea level, while the viewpoint is at approximately 323 metres. From there, you can see the city of Chimbote and the bay. The ascent follows VĂa de la Solidaridad from the Panamericana Norte. Along the six-kilometre uphill route are 14 crosses; several painted panels display short sentences and anecdotes about how the route came to be.
There are also several named sites at the top: Plaza del Niño, Plaza de la Amistad and Plaza del Rosario. The Cruz de la Paz is 25.50 metres high, with arms measuring 12 metres. The Mirador is also home to the Santuario de la Vida, a small church. Inside is a 3.20-metre-tall wooden sculpture carved from a single piece by the artist AgustĂn Rivas. The ascent thus combines views of Chimbote and the bay with crosses, panels and religious art.
The Catacumba de los Mártires is also part of the Santuario de la Vida. Its entrance leads through a dark tunnel, symbolising death and life in darkness; light awaits at the end. This is a distinct cultural aspect of Cerro, alongside the views and the route itself.
Cityscape and coast
In Chimbote, the Malecón Grau runs along the bay’s waterfront, parallel to Avenida José Pardo and two blocks from Plaza de Armas. It is included in city tours of Chimbote. Its modern architecture is connected to the city’s fishing industry. The Malecón thus presents an urban side of the coast, while the island and beach destinations offer different activities.
Isla Blanca is a small island in the Pacific, west of Chimbote and about four kilometres offshore in Chimbote Bay. The journey from Muelle Artesanal de Chimbote takes around 20 minutes by lancha or boat. Check that the trip is currently available before making plans. Activities on the island include walks along the guano trail, observing guano birds, swimming at the beaches and kayaking in calm waters.
Isla Blanca combines nature watching with a distinctive history. A popular tale is about a rock that resembles a sea lion. At the same time, in 1845, during Peru’s guano era, the collection of bird droppings for export began there; this caused the number of birds on the island to decline sharply. The historical traces and the opportunity to observe guano birds offer two different perspectives on a visit to the island.
More beach options in the region
Further afield, Playa El Dorado is located in Nuevo Chimbote. To get there, take the exit at kilometre 423 of the Panamericana Norte and head west through the village of Villa MarĂa. From there, a 9.5-kilometre route leads to the beach, passing wetlands, dunes and hills. The beach has calm, clean water suitable for swimming. A 100-metre stretch is suitable for sunbathing and beach sports. The beach is visited in summer, from January to March. Tourist activities include boat trips, jet-ski rides and spearfishing; their seasonal availability may vary.
La Caleta offers a different experience: during school holidays, activities include walks, painting the landscape and photography. Beach volleyball and beach football are also played on the beach in the Caleta area.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Yungay, San Juan District, Yanama District, Caraz, Huarmey, Chavin de Huantar, Mancos, Anta.
For the broader travel overview: Ancash.
