Callao, Peru

Located to the west of Peru’s capital Lima, the city of Callao is the country’s largest and most important port. The city is built on and around a peninsula and offers tourists picturesque views of the harbour and the stunning architecture all over the city. As the city is situated so close to the vibrant, bustling city of Lima, visitors will never be short of things to do and sight to see. Callao is part of the Lima Metropolitan Area, an area which holds around one third of the population of Peru. The regions beautiful surroundings, fantastic architecture and mild climate make it an excellent cruise destination.

Sightseeing in Callao

As Callao is situated so close the city of Lima, there are an abundance of excursion possibilities and sight-seeing opportunities in the area. There are many guided tours of Lima available to tourists including the Capital Culinaria Lima Gourmet Tours, Lucid Lima Free tours and Bike Tours of Lima, all which are very informative and affordable. La Punta beach in Callao is a particularly popular tourist location, with clean waters and the option of a variety of water sports, the beach is a great place to spend a day. The area also has many great sight-seeing opportunities for visitors to take advantage of.

Fortaleza del Real Felipe

Constructed in 1760 to protect the province of Callao from attack, Fortaleza del Real Felipe is a Peruvian fort of significant historical importance. Guided tours are available and fort also contains an interesting military museum. This is an important Peruvian landmark and a great place to learn more about the history and heritage of Callao.

The Abtao Submarine Museum

After serving 48 years in the Peruvian navy, Abtao submarine was decommissioned in 1998 and is now Latin America’s first and only floating museum. Visitors can enter the submerged vessel and look around at their own pace, learning more about how a naval submarine works and operates. This is a fun and intriguing excursion for people of all ages interested in naval operations throughout history and in the present day.

Presidential Palace

Venturing out of Callao and into the centre of Lima, visitors should consider a trip to see Peru’s Presidential Palace. Located in Lima’s main square, the palace is an example of incredible historic architecture and has been home to Peruvian presidents since the country’s independence. The palace is occasionally open to the public, but tourists should ring in advance to avoid disappointment.

Shopping in Callao

For the best shopping experience, tourist should consider travelling the short distance from Callao to Lima for a wider range of shops and markets. The city centre is filled with market and supermarkets selling a variety of fruits and vegetable, boutiques and independent stores selling clothes, arts and crafts and large shopping malls containing many well known brands and retailers.

Eating out in Callao

Callao and the Lima Metropolitan Area is home to a plethora of restaurants, cafes and bars serving quality food all year round. Whilst in the city, you should consider trying ‘ceviche’ which is the Peruvian national dish and found all over Callao and Lima. Other options include Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines which are particularly popular with local people. Many popular fast food outlets are also scattered around the area for people looking for a more familiar meal.