The Yungay Camposanto is one of the most sobering places in South America. In 1970, the town of Yungay was completely obliterated by an avalanche triggered by one of the deadliest earthquakes in South American history. The rubble under your feet — now a garden of white roses and concrete markers — is all that remains of a town that had existed for centuries. Huascarán, the mountain that killed it, still towers above.
A few landmarks survived: four palm trees in the central plaza, a statue of Christ with arms outstretched on the cemetery hill (the dead in the cemetery survived because their position was just high enough), and the top of the cathedral tower, still visible above the earth. The new town of Yungay was built a few kilometres away. The memorial park is quiet and well-maintained, and is absolutely worth visiting for anyone passing through the valley. Combine it with a stop at the Lagunas de Llanganuco nearby.