Campo Santo Yungay
A solemn memorial to the 1970 earthquake, where the buried town of Yungay lies under Huascarán's shadow. A place of remembrance and reflection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more surreal feel
Campo Santo Yungay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more surreal feel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn memorial to the 1970 earthquake, where the buried town of Yungay lies under Huascarán's shadow. A place of remembrance and reflection.
"A deeply moving and sombre experience, impossible not to feel the weight of what happened here."
Hire a Local Guide
Guides like Mr. Isidoro offer deep historical insights and personal stories. :bustsinsilhouette:
Allow Time for Reflection
This is a solemn site; take your time to absorb the atmosphere and history. :thought_balloon:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Palm Trees of Yungay
Campo Santo Yungay
The tops of palm trees, once part of the town's vibrant life, now emerge from the earth, a haunting reminder of what was lost.
Church Ruins
Campo Santo Yungay
Remnants of the original church stand as a testament to the town's past and the immense destructive force of the avalanche.
Huascarán's Shadow
Campo Santo Yungay
The imposing presence of Huascarán, the mountain that caused the tragedy, looms nearby, a constant reminder of nature's power.
Mausoleum
Campo Santo Yungay
A beautifully maintained mausoleum serves as a central point of remembrance for the thousands of lives lost.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
A Place of Remembrance
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hire a Local Guide
Guides like Mr. Isidoro offer deep historical insights and personal stories. :bustsinsilhouette:
Allow Time for Reflection
This is a solemn site; take your time to absorb the atmosphere and history.
Visit Before Sunset
The evening light adds a surreal and poignant atmosphere to the memorial. :city_sunset:
Drone Photography
Stunning aerial views are possible, capturing the scale of the memorial. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Hire a Local Guide
Guides like Mr. Isidoro offer deep historical insights and personal stories. :bustsinsilhouette:
Allow Time for Reflection
This is a solemn site; take your time to absorb the atmosphere and history.
Visit Before Sunset
The evening light adds a surreal and poignant atmosphere to the memorial. :city_sunset:
Drone Photography
Stunning aerial views are possible, capturing the scale of the memorial. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Campo Santo Yungay to be a deeply moving and solemn memorial site, offering a powerful reflection on the 1970 earthquake and avalanche. The preserved remnants and the looming presence of Huascarán create a poignant atmosphere, with many recommending local guides for a richer understanding. While the site is somber, it's also seen as a place of peace and remembrance.
"Visiting Campo Santo Yungay was a deeply moving and sombre experience. This memorial site tells the tragic story of the 1970 earthquake and landslide that buried the entire town of Yungay and took thousands of lives. Walking through the grounds, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of what happened here. The preserved remnants of the original town — including the tops of palm trees, a bus, and parts of the church — are haunting reminders of the power of nature and the fragility of life.
The site is beautifully maintained and respectfully honours the memory of those who were lost. It’s quiet and peaceful, with stunning views of Huascarán looming in the distance — the very mountain from which the avalanche descended. I left with a heavy heart but also with a sense of reverence for the resilience of the local community.
A visit to Campo Santo Yungay is not just about seeing a historical site — it’s about remembering, reflecting, and paying respect. I highly recommend making the time to visit if you’re in the Huaraz region."
Trail Hiking Australia
"Interesting place, city buried by an avalanche 55 years ago."
Cesar Chica
"Nice place to walk around and get some history."
Andrea Kennedy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Campo Santo Yungay is typically visited as part of a tour from Huaraz. Many tour operators offer full-day trips that include this site, often combined with the Llanganuco Lakes. You can also hire a taxi or take a local bus towards Yungay and then arrange local transport to the memorial.
Yes, it's very common for tours to the Llanganuco Lakes to include a stop at Campo Santo Yungay, as they are geographically close.
The most common way to reach Yungay town is by bus from Huaraz. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. From Yungay town, you'll need local transport to reach the Campo Santo.
Yes, you can drive to Campo Santo Yungay. It's accessible by road, and there is usually parking available. Many visitors opt for private tours or taxis for convenience.
The travel time from Huaraz to Campo Santo Yungay is typically around 1.5 to 2 hours by road, depending on traffic and the specific route taken by your tour or transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a small entrance fee, usually around 5 soles, to access Campo Santo Yungay. This fee helps maintain the memorial site.
The memorial is generally open during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to fully appreciate the site and its history. Some visitors find late afternoons particularly moving.
Tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance upon arrival. Booking in advance is generally not necessary unless you are part of a pre-arranged tour.
As a memorial and cemetery, visitors are expected to be respectful. Avoid loud noises, littering, and disturbing the peace.
You can visit independently by taking a bus to Yungay and then local transport, or by hiring a taxi. However, many find that a guided tour enhances the experience by providing historical context.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
You can see the preserved remnants of the old town, including palm trees, parts of the church, a bus, and the mausoleum. It's a place for quiet reflection on the 1970 disaster.
It is a solemn and moving place due to its history, but it's also a place of remembrance and peace, with beautiful views of Huascarán.
The palm trees are remnants of the original town, with their tops still visible above the debris, serving as a poignant symbol of what was buried.
Yes, photography is allowed, but it's important to be respectful of the memorial nature of the site. Drone photography can offer unique perspectives.
While there might not be a formal visitor center, local guides are often available on-site to provide detailed historical information and tours.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the haunting beauty of the palm trees emerging from the earth, the church ruins, and the imposing backdrop of Huascarán. Drone shots offer a unique perspective.
Yes, drone photography is permitted and can provide stunning aerial views of the memorial site and its surroundings.
Late afternoon, leading up to sunset, offers beautiful golden hour light that enhances the solemn atmosphere. Early mornings can also be peaceful.
Walk around the grounds to find perspectives that resonate with you. The area around the church ruins and the mausoleum offer significant photographic potential.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the landscape and ruins. A telephoto lens can be good for details or distant shots of Huascarán. A drone is excellent for aerial shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many tours that visit Campo Santo Yungay also include other attractions like the Llanganuco Lakes, which are more visually engaging for younger children. If visiting independently, ensure children understand the solemn nature of the site and encourage respectful behavior. Bringing a local guide can help make the history more accessible and less frightening for kids.
Solo Travelers
Consider joining a small group tour from Huaraz if you prefer not to navigate independently. This allows for shared experiences and discussions, while still offering personal space for reflection. The profound history and the stunning natural backdrop make it a memorable stop for any solo adventurer.
History Buffs
Engaging with local guides, especially survivors, provides firsthand accounts and a nuanced understanding of the event's impact on the community. Researching the 1970 Ancash earthquake and avalanche prior to your visit will greatly enhance your appreciation of the site. Understanding the geological context and the scale of the destruction will make your experience at Campo Santo Yungay even more profound.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 1970 Yungay Earthquake and Avalanche
+1This event is one of the deadliest natural disasters in Peruvian history. The sheer force and speed of the avalanche left little chance for escape. The town was completely obliterated, and survivors were left to grapple with immense loss and the task of rebuilding their lives. The area where Yungay once stood is now a memorial site, a testament to the devastating power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit.
Today, Campo Santo Yungay stands as a solemn memorial. It's a place where the past is preserved, allowing visitors to reflect on the tragedy. The site serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the immense forces of nature, while also honoring the memory of those who perished and the community that persevered.
Visiting Campo Santo Yungay: A Guide for Travelers
Many travelers recommend hiring a local guide to truly grasp the significance of the site. Guides like Mr. Isidoro Garcia, a survivor of the earthquake, offer invaluable personal accounts and historical context, making the visit incredibly impactful. These guides often engage visitors with questions, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
When planning your visit, consider the time of day. While open during daylight hours, visiting in the late afternoon, before sunset, can offer a particularly surreal and moving atmosphere, with fewer crowds and a softer light.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit