Chimbote usually appears on maps as Peru's great fishing port, a stopover on the Panamericana Norte. But those who stop discover a bay with bird-filled islands, quiet beaches nearby, first-rate archaeological sites in the neighbouring Casma valley and seafood that justifies the trip on its own. This guide draws on official sources such as MINCETUR's tourism inventory.
Isla Blanca: the bay's great outing
According to MINCETUR's tourism resource inventory, Isla Blanca is a small island in the Pacific about 4 km off Chimbote, in El Ferrol bay. It is just over 3 km long and about 1 km at its widest, and its highest point is around 204 metres. Its white colour comes from guano left by its birds: pelicans, gulls, guanay cormorants, boobies and Inca terns, among others. Sea lions can be seen on the cliffs.
The island has 13 small coves forming beaches, and MINCETUR mentions activities such as walking the old guano path, birdwatching, swimming and kayaking in calm water. It was exploited for guano from the mid-19th century, a story local guides tell on the trip, along with legends such as the sea-lion rock said to protect couples who visit.
How to visit
According to MINCETUR, boats leave from Chimbote's artisanal pier (Muelle Artesanal) and the crossing takes about 20 minutes; other guides say about half an hour. Some operators leave from the port terminal. Keep in mind:
- Departures depend on sea conditions and may be cancelled due to swell.
- Some guides warn the island has no tourist infrastructure, so bring water, sunscreen and a cap.
- Do not land without authorization and respect wildlife: it is a nesting area.
- Hire formal operators with life jackets for everyone.
Boat trip times and prices change by operator and season; confirm directly before going.
Isla Blanca is also part of the religious circuit of San Pedrito, patron saint of fishermen, whose main feast is on 29 June according to MINCETUR, a special date to see the bay full of decorated boats.
El Ferrol bay and the seafront
The bay is the heart of the city. Walking the malecón at sunset, watching fishing boats and seeing the islands on the horizon is the best way to understand Chimbote's identity, built around the sea and fishing.
Beaches near Chimbote
Los Chimus (Samanco)
In Samanco district, south of Chimbote, Los Chimus beach is known for calm waters, wetlands with birds and seafood, according to MINCETUR's Áncash destination information. The Provincial Municipality of Santa has also worked on identifying Samanco's tourism resources. A good half-day or full-day trip.
Tortugas (Casma)
In Casma province, Tortugas beach is a horseshoe bay with calm water, popular for swimming and fresh fish. It combines easily with the valley's archaeological sites.
As along the whole Peruvian coast, the sea is cold due to the Humboldt Current, and the best beach weather is in the southern summer (December to March). Respect flags and lifeguards where present.
Casma: Chankillo and Sechín
Less than an hour from Chimbote on the Panamericana, the Casma valley holds two archaeological gems:
- Chankillo: the Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. Its Thirteen Towers, aligned along a hill, worked as a solar calendar.
- Sechín: Cerro Sechín is famous for its stone walls with reliefs of warriors and dismembered figures, one of the oldest sculptural ensembles in the Americas. The Max Uhle Museum is next to it.
Check visiting days and hours with the Ministry of Culture before going. If you love Andean history, combine it with Chavín de Huántar in the highlands.
What to eat in Chimbote
Chimbote lives from the sea. Áncash food guides highlight dishes such as:
- Ceviche with the day's fresh fish.
- Fried fish with chifles (plantain chips) or cassava.
- Sudado de pescado, a fish stew ideal for cool days.
- Arroz con mariscos (seafood rice).
- Tortilla de raya (ray omelette), typical of the north coast.
- Picante de siños, considered a signature dish in Casma and Samanco.
Markets and cevicherías near the port are good places to try them at midday, when the fish is freshest.
Chimbote as a base for Huaraz
Chimbote is also an alternative gateway to the Áncash highlands, via Casma or the spectacular Cañón del Pato, though the latter has poor sections and is only recommended with experienced drivers. You will go from sea level to over 3,000 metres: read our acclimatization guide and routes to Huaraz.
Suggested two-day itinerary
- Day 1: Isla Blanca boat trip in the morning, seafood lunch near the port and sunset on the malecón.
- Day 2: trip to Casma for Sechín and Chankillo, with lunch and a swim at Tortugas, or a beach day at Los Chimus.
Practical tips
- Coastal sun is deceptive when cloudy: wear sunscreen.
- Bring a light jacket on boat trips.
- Always ask for a receipt and check the operator is formal.
- For organized trips, see our Chimbote and surroundings page (in Spanish).
In short
Isla Blanca and its marine life, El Ferrol bay, quiet beaches like Los Chimus and Tortugas, and nearby Chankillo and Sechín. Add one of the best seafood cuisines of northern Peru and you have plenty of reasons to stay a couple of days before heading up to the Cordillera Blanca.
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Sources
- MINCETUR – Tourism resource inventory: Isla Blanca
- MINCETUR – Áncash tourism destination scope
- Guiaturista – Isla Blanca in Chimbote
- Provincial Municipality of Santa – Samanco tourism resources
- Guiaturista – Flavours of Áncash: food route
- UNESCO – Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex
Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Information reviewed in November 2026; we do not publish prices or schedules we cannot verify. Confirm fees and times with official sources before travelling.