Peru Tours: Callao

Located about 9 miles west of Lima is Callao, a marine port. Often considered a coastal suburb of Lima, Callao is in fact its own city. You may have driven through Callao on your way to Lima from the airport, as the Jorge Chavez International Airport is located in Callao. Founded by Spanish colonists in 1537, just two years after Lima, it soon became the main port for Spanish commerce in the Pacific.

Callao has several islands where sea lions and birds live including San Lorenzo (a military base), El Fronton (a former high security prison), the Cavinzas, and the Palominos. Nobel Prize winner, Mario Vargas Llosa attended the military school here and referred to in his first novel, La Ciudad y los Perros, which was published in English with the title The Time of the Hero. The book was adapted into a film entitled The City and the Dogs which features exterior shots of his school.

While Callao often gets overshadowed by larger Lima, there is much to see and do in this charming coastal city during a Peru tour. The beaches within the La Punta area of the city are popular during the summer season, and the port is always full of activity and hosts a number of excellent seafood restaurants.

Located within the historical fortress of Fortalenza del Real Felipe is Callao’s Military Museum. The museum often known as Museo del Ejército has a number of military weaponry, as well as the Govenor’s House, and the Knight of Twelve Cannons. Alternatively, the Museo Naval (Navy Museum) has interesting exhibits including a logbook belonging to famous Peruvian naval hero, Admiral Grau. Other war relics include a plethora of paintings and uniforms.

The city also has many landmarks which reflect the city’s importance in Peruvian history. Castillo de Real Felipe is a fortress from 1747 that was built to guard the city’s coastline against attacks. It was here in the 1820s that Spanish royalists made their final stand with Peru, during the battles of independence. The National University of Callao is one of the region’s most important educational landmarks and admission is free. Admission is also free at Monumento a Grau, a monument that has dominated the Plaza Grau since 1946 and celebrates Peru’s famous admiral. There is also a monument in Callao dedicated to Bolivar, the sixth president of Peru (1824 – 1827) and an important leader of South America during his time. It was sculpted by the acclaimed Italian artist, Adan Tadolini, who won a competition to create the 13 foot statue in 1874. There are more monuments of Simon Bolivar in New York City, Washington D.C., Chile, Colombia, and Venezuela.

Be sure to give Callao a second glance if you’re in Lima because this port city has so much to offer.


This guide to a Peru vacation was written by a Peru travel expert at Peru For Less available to help you custom design your exciting Peru vacations.