Callao
Callao, Peru
Up the coast from Lima, the colonial seafront town of Callao is the capital’s principal cruise port, receiving thousands of annual visitors. With easy transport links to the center of Lima, most cruise travelers head straight into Lima, though Callao has worthwhile attractions and is a jumping off point to nearby islands.
The Basics
Explore the imposing Real Felipe Fortress, built during colonial times to protect the shores from pirate invasions; hit the beach at La Punta; discover Callao’s rich maritime history with a visit to the Abtao Submarine Museum and the Naval Museum; or have a seafood lunch at the terminal.
Travelers may explore Callao as part of a group tour via a panoramic double-decker bus, and a sightseeing cruise to the Pacific islands of Palomino, Cabinzas, and El Frontón, or on a private city tour that includes a delicious lunch at Callao’s Cruise Terminal.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The area around Mercado Central can feel off-limits to travelers not used to going off the beaten track; be watchful of belongings.
- Tours may include round trip hotel transfers and food and beverages. Check specific tours for details.
- Remember to bring sun protection.
- If going to the islands, remember your swimsuit; tours provide wetsuits, goggles, and lifejackets.
- Expect water to be chilly. June to November, water may dip to about 66 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius); the warmest months are December through April, when temperatures can rise to about 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius).
How to Get There
Travelers arriving by cruise ship or airplane, arrival will be in Callao. If coming from Lima, take a taxi north up the coast to the city; the ride from the center of the city can take anywhere from 30 - 60 minutes depending on traffic, which can be very heavy at times, especially in the late afternoon and evening hours. Callao does not have public transport options.
When to Get There
Callao is a bustling port city; it is recommended not to wander at night. Go in the morning or afternoon when there’s a lot of activity. In general, the best time to visit Lima is wintertime (May–September), when there is the least amount of rain, especially important if planning a trip to Cusco or trek to Machu Picchu. The summer months (December–March) are warmer, but wetter, and in Lima especially, quite foggy.
Island Hopping
The Pacific island of Palomino off the coast from Callao is renowned for its variety of birdlife and sea lion colonies. Palomino is home to a large colony of sea lions, and since they are living without natural predators, it’s possible to swim amongst them. On the ride to Palomino, cruise past other islands, Cabinzas and El Frontón, with Humboldt penguins and Peruvian boobies lazing about on the rocks.
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