Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chimbote
Chimbote is Peru's largest fishing port: with fish-processing factories lining the roads in
and out of town, you'll probably smell it before you see it. The odor of fermenting fish
may take a while to get used to, but the quiet, open plaza in the town's heart is less over-
whelming. The fishing industry has declined from its 1960s glory days due to overfishing,
but you'll still see flotillas moored offshore every evening. This roguish port town is a
transit hub, not a tourist destination, but you may have to stay overnight if you're catching
an early morning bus to Huaraz via the hair-raising Cañón del Pato route.
Sleeping
There are lots of hotels in Chimbote, though nothing in the top-end range.
Hotel San Felipe $$
( 32-3401; hsanfelipe@hotmail.com; Pardo 514; s/d incl breakfast S75/115; )
The town's best option is family run with a helpful smile. Equipped with elevators, it of-
fers clean rooms with strong hot showers and cable TV. Be sure to take your continental
breakfast on the 5th-floor terrace with plaza views. A glitzy downstairs casino will help
you live out your Las Vegas card-shark fantasies.
HOTEL
Hostal Chifa Canton $$
( 34-4388; Bolognesi 498; s/d with breakfast S95/120; )
Hostal Chifa Canton
has large, carpeted rooms with modern amenities. Some rooms look out over the sea. It
has a great
chifa
where portions are big enough to serve two. It also has a pool hall for
guests.
HOTEL
Hospedaje Chimbote $
( 51-5006; Pardo 205; s/d S30/40, without bathroom S20/30)
A team of seven siblings
owns this lovely budget option, which has been in the family since opening in 1959. Cell-
like rooms here have windows onto the corridor, which is a bright, freshly-painted joy for
these prices. Hot water comes with en-suite rooms only.
HOTEL
