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Port of Callao
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Port
The Port of Callao is Peru's most significant seaport and one of the primary logistical hubs on the west coast of South America. Located in the Constitutional Province of Callao, immediately west of the capital city of Lima, it functions as the country's maritime gateway. The port comprises several terminals, including Muelle Sur, operated by DP World, and Muelle Norte, managed by APM Terminals. Callao handles the majority of Peruvian container traffic as well as bulk goods such as grains and mineral concentrates. Historically, the port was founded in 1537 and served as the central export point for Andean gold and silver during the colonial era. Today, the port features state-of-the-art infrastructure, including specialized piers for minerals and liquid cargo. Due to its strategic location, it is a hub for trade with Asia, North America, and Europe. Continuous expansion projects aim to increase the port's capacity to meet the growing demands of Peruvian foreign trade.
- Location: Peru
- Top sights: Huaca Santa Rosa · Huaca Lechuza · Museo de la Fuerza de Aviacion Naval
- Nearby: Lima (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 3 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Port of Callao is the most important and largest port in Peru, handling the majority of the country's international trade. For the Lima-Callao region, it is a central economic hub for importing and exporting containerized goods and raw materials.
Visiting
The Port of Callao is a military and privately secured area, not accessible to tourists. Visitors can still observe port activities from the nearby coastal road, especially from the Cerro San Cristóbal viewpoint.
Where to view it
The lookout point on Cerro San Cristóbal gives an excellent panoramic view of the port and Callao Bay. From the Real Felipe fortress, you also have a good view of the port and incoming ships.
Local products
In the Port of Callao, containers with consumer goods, machinery, and agricultural products are mainly transshipped. On nearby markets, such as Mercado de Callao, travelers can taste fresh seafood and Peruvian specialties like ceviche.
Active season
The port operates around the clock, 365 days a year, with peak periods during the global Christmas season in November and December. The fishing fleet is especially active in the summer months December to March, when seafood stocks are highest.
Nearby
A port visit can be combined with a trip to Callao's historic downtown, featuring the Real Felipe fortress and the colorful houses of La Punta. The nearby capital Lima with its museums and historic center is also worth an excursion.
Geography
Facts
- The Port of Callao was officially founded in 1537.
- It handles over 2.3 million TEU (standard containers) annually.
- The port processes approximately 75% of Peru's total imports and exports.
- The Muelle Sur terminal has a quay length of over 1,000 meters.
- A specialized conveyor belt system is used for the dust-free export of mineral concentrates.
- The water depth at the main piers is up to 16 meters, allowing large Post-Panamax vessels to dock.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 Callao (11)
Museo de la Fuerza de Aviacion Naval🏛 museum
This specialized military museum chronicles the history of the Peruvian naval aviation with displays of historical aircraft and flight equipment.
🌐 marina.mil.pe🕒 Mo-Fr 8:00-17:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the role of the port of Callao?
It is Peru's most important seaport for international trade and connectivity with the Pacific.
Is the port accessible for tourists?
Direct port areas are restricted for tourists, but the surrounding Callao area gives many attractions.
When is the best time to visit the area?
A visit is possible all year round, but summer has the clearest visibility for sightseeing.
What is there to see nearby?
The 'Real Felipe' fortress is a historical must-see in the immediate vicinity of the port.
Is the area around the port safe?
Stick to tourist zones and use official taxis, especially in the evening.
Port of Callao: where is it located?
Port of Callao is located in Peru.
Port of Callao: what is there to see?
Highlights include Huaca Santa Rosa, Huaca Lechuza, Museo de la Fuerza de Aviacion Naval.
Port of Callao: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Port of Callao: why is it worth visiting?
The Port of Callao is Peru's most significant seaport and one of the primary logistical hubs on the west coast of South America.
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Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Real Felipe Fortress
A massive historical fortress in Callao, built in the 18th century to protect against pirates and corsairs.
Larco Museum
A privately run museum of pre-Columbian art in Lima, housed in a beautiful 18th-century building.
Huaca Pucllana
A massive adobe pyramid of the Lima culture, which today is a fascinating relic in the middle of the modern Miraflores district.
Monastery of San Francisco
An impressive baroque church and monastery complex in Lima, particularly famous for its underground catacombs.
Bridge of Sighs
A picturesque wooden bridge in the bohemian district of Barranco in Lima, which has inspired many artists, musicians, and lovers.
Pachacamac
A massive archaeological site on the coast south of Lima that was an important religious center long before the Incas.
Chavín de Huántar
An archaeological site and important religious center of the pre-Hispanic Chavín culture in the Peruvian Andes.
More places
La Pampilla Refinery
The largest oil refinery in Peru, located in the coastal region of Callao.
Palomino Islands
The Palomino Islands near Lima host a massive colony of sea lions with which visitors can swim.
Parque de las Leyendas Zoo
Lima's main zoo and botanical garden, divided into three ecological zones of Peru.
Chancay Megaport
A major deep-water port project aimed at significantly increasing trade between South America and Asia.
Huachipa Zoo
A popular animal park on the outskirts of Lima, showcasing a large collection of Peruvian and exotic animal species.
Lomas de Lachay National Reserve
A fog-dependent ecological oasis in the desert near Lima that turns green during the humid season and attracts wildlife.
Amancay Sanctuary
A hilly area near Pachacámac, known for the yellow amancay flower, which blooms briefly during the winter.
Caral
The oldest known city in the Americas, an ancient pyramid city in the Supe desert.