Known as “la Peruvian”, the Corporation extended the hull of the YAVARI to increase cargo space and in 1914 replaced the steam engine with a Swedish BOLINDER 4 cylinder hot bulb semi-diesel developing 320 HP at 225 rpm. The oldest and largest of its kind in the world.
The YAVARI had undergone several changes by the time The Peruvian Corporation was nationalised in 1975. At that time she passed via the State Railways (ENAFER) to the Peruvian Navy, who, for lack of iresources and preferring the YAPURA, allowed her to lapse into disuse.
Part IV: Yavari Rediscovered
It was eighteen years on, in 1982, when, believing the YAVARI to have been built by Yarrows, the yard founded by her great grandfather Sir Alfred Yarrow, Meriel Larken, already a Peruphile, discovered the old iron lady slowly dying in a corner of Puno port. Although, in fact, the YAVARI was not a Yarrow ship the vessel's historic value and the potential for attracting revenue to one of the most depressed regions of Peru were obvious. Larken commissioned a Lloyds Condition Survey which found that being in fresh water at high altitude, the iron hull was in excellent condition and deemed worthy of restoration. By 1987, The YAVARI PROJECT (Registered Charity No.298904) and La Asociación Yavarí (non-profit making NGO) had been formed and on 17th February the YAVARI was bought from the Peruvian Navy.
At first work was slow due in part to Peru's political instability and economic decline but in 1990 a change of government brought with it a rapid turnaround in the country's fortunes. Since then we have been able to make steady progress on the YAVARI due entirely to the many friends, sponsors and volunteers she has attracted.
Today the YAVARI is open to the public as a Museum and Bar. Entrance is free but donations are very gratefully received.
Guided Tours in English or Spanish (other languages by prior arrangement)
Wednesday-Sunday 8am - 5pm; Monday &
Tuesday by appointment; see below
