DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Port of Matarani

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Port
—°6
Port of Matarani (Peru)

Weather…

The Port of Matarani is located in the Islay Province of the Arequipa Region and serves as the most important mineral export hub in southern Peru. Operated by Tisur (Terminal Internacional del Sur), it is the primary port for major mining projects in the region, such as Cerro Verde, Las Bambas, and Antapaccay. Geographically, the port is situated in a protected bay, allowing for stable operations even under unfavorable weather conditions. Matarani is connected via the Panamericana Sur highway and a rail network to the mining centers and the city of Arequipa. Beyond mineral concentrates, the port handles grains, fertilizers, and vehicles, serving as a critical transit point for goods heading to Bolivia. In recent years, massive investments have been made in automated loading systems to increase efficiency and minimize environmental impact. The port plays a decisive role in the economic development of southern Peru and strengthens the competitiveness of Peruvian mining products on the global market. Its modern terminals enable Matarani to handle high-tonnage vessels.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar, Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212121191816161616171819
Rain mm223314211311114

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
The Port of Matarani on Peru's southern coast is a major transshipment point for minerals from the Andean mines. It is the gateway for exports of copper, zinc and other raw materials from the hinterland.
🚪
Visiting
The port area is industrial and closed to the public. From the nearby coastal road 'Avenida Bolognesi', however, you can watch the loading facilities and large cargo ships.
👀
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the 'Mirador de Matarani' above the port, offering an impressive view of the cranes and the sea. The 'Faro de Matarani' lighthouse also provides a wide view.
🧺
Local products
In the town of Matarani, fresh seafood and Peruvian specialties like ceviche are available. The surrounding Islay region is known for its olive groves and olive oil production.
📆
Active season
The port operates year-round, with peak export activity during the mining high season in the second and third quarters. The best travel time for the coastal region is December to March when it is sunny.
➕
Nearby
A visit to Matarani can be combined with a trip to nearby Mollendo town and its Victorian seaside resort. The Reserva Nacional de Paracas national park is also reachable from here.

Geography

Coordinates
-16.99000, -72.10000

Facts

  • The Port of Matarani began its operations in 1941.
  • It has been operated by the company Tisur under a concession since 1999.
  • The terminal features a fully automated system for the storage and loading of copper concentrate.
  • The port handles approximately 6 to 7 million tons of cargo annually.
  • Matarani is one of the few ports in Peru with a direct rail connection to the quay.
  • It serves as the most important seaport for Bolivian foreign trade in the southern corridor.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pampa de La JoyaPampa de La Joya29 km · NEExplore →
Mount AmpatoMount Ampato47 km · NEExplore →
Sabancaya VolcanoSabancaya Volcano49 km · NEExplore →
Condor Cross (Cruz del Cóndor)Condor Cross (Cruz del Cóndor)52 km · NEExplore →
Cerro Verde MineCerro Verde Mine59 km · NExplore →
Orcopampa MineOrcopampa Mine64 km · EExplore →
ArequipaArequipa66 km · NExplore →
Nevado MismiNevado Mismi69 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Port of Matarani (6)

Mercado San José🎭 culture

A bustling market in the port city, known for its wide range of fresh regional food and household goods.

La Aguadita🎡 recreation

A family-friendly water park with pools and slides, offering recreation in the coastal region of Matarani.

Iglesia Evangelica Asambleo de Dios📍 landmark

A modern evangelical house of worship serving the local Assemblies of God community in the port city.

Iglesia San Francisco📍 landmark

A Christian church in the port district dedicated to Saint Francis, holding regular services.

La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días📍 landmark

An LDS meetinghouse in Matarani providing spaces for religious teaching and prayer.

Mercado Virgen de Copacabana🎭 culture

A traditional marketplace known especially for its fresh fish and local products from the coastal zone.

🕒 Mo-Su 06:00-18:00

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the importance of the port of Matarani?
It is a central transshipment hub for minerals and agricultural exports from southern Peru.
Is the port accessible for tourists?
The port serves purely economic purposes and is not directly accessible to tourists.
What is special about the region?
The coastal landscape around Islay is known for its rugged beauty and Pacific view.
When should one visit the area?
The mild climate allows for a visit all year round, best during the summer months.
Are there recreation areas nearby?
The nearby beaches of Mollendo are very popular for relaxation and leisure activities.
Port of Matarani: where is it located?
Port of Matarani is located in Peru.
Port of Matarani: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mercado San José, La Aguadita, Iglesia Evangelica Asambleo de Dios.
Port of Matarani: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar, Apr.
Port of Matarani: why is it worth visiting?
The Port of Matarani is located in the Islay Province of the Arequipa Region and serves as the most important mineral export hub in southern Peru.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in South America
More places in Peru →

Nearby cities

Arequipa — Port of Matarani (Peru)
Arequipa
Known as the 'White City'.
Tacna — Port of Matarani (Peru)
Tacna
The "heroic city" of Tacna sits on Peru's southern border, rich in patriotic history and desert charm.
Puerto Maldonado — Port of Matarani (Peru)
Puerto Maldonado
The capital of biodiversity in the southern Amazon basin and the gateway to the pristine Tambopata and Manu reserves.
Moquegua — Port of Matarani (Peru)
Moquegua
An elegant colonial city nestled in a fertile valley, known for its world-class Piscos and sunny streets.
Urubamba — Port of Matarani (Peru)
Urubamba
A peaceful town in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by majestic Andean peaks.
Chivay — Port of Matarani (Peru)
Chivay
A picturesque Andean town and the main gateway to the breathtaking Colca Canyon.

History & landmarks

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa — Port of Matarani (Peru)
Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
The most important Catholic church in Arequipa, famous for its white facade made of volcanic sillar stone.
Santa Catalina Monastery — Port of Matarani (Peru)
Santa Catalina Monastery
A colorful, historical monastery in Arequipa that looks like a small city of its own with streets and plazas.

Nature

Cotahuasi River — Port of Matarani (Peru)
Cotahuasi River
The Cotahuasi River forms the Cotahuasi Canyon, considered the deepest canyon in the world, even deeper than the Colca Canyon.

More places

Pampa de La Joya — Port of Matarani (Peru)
Pampa de La Joya
A desert plain in southern Peru, often used for space research due to its extreme aridity and Mars-like landscape.
Mount Ampato — Port of Matarani (Peru)
Mount Ampato
A dormant, ice-capped volcano in the Andes where the famous Inca ice mummy 'Juanita' was discovered in 1995.
Sabancaya Volcano — Port of Matarani (Peru)
Sabancaya Volcano
An extremely active, heavily glaciated stratovolcano near the Colca Canyon, often emitting ash clouds.
Condor Cross (Cruz del Cóndor) — Port of Matarani (Peru)
Condor Cross (Cruz del Cóndor)
A spectacular viewpoint on the edge of the Colca Canyon, the best place to watch Andean condors in flight.
Colca Canyon — Port of Matarani (Peru)
Colca Canyon
One of the deepest canyons in the world, carved by the Colca River, and an ideal spot for observing the Andean condor.
Cerro Verde Mine — Port of Matarani (Peru)
Cerro Verde Mine
A massive open-pit copper mine located near the city of Arequipa.
🗺️
Orcopampa Mine
An underground gold and silver mine located at high elevation in the Arequipa region.
Nevado Mismi — Port of Matarani (Peru)
Nevado Mismi
A glaciated mountain peak whose meltwater ultimately flows into the Atlantic Ocean after a long journey through the Amazon.