Callao

Featured Lists

Lenny230 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Callao's Essential Discoveries

Callao serves as Peru’s primary maritime gateway, anchored by the 18th-century Real Felipe Fortress and the BAP Abtao submarine museum. The region preserves ancient history at the Preceramic site of El Paraíso and the Huaca San Marcos adobe pyramid. Modern culture thrives in the Monumental Callao district, known for its street art and galleries, while the Muelle del Callao and Malecón provide access to the Pacific coast. The area also hosts Jorge Chávez International Airport and the expansive Parque de las Leyendas zoo.

14 places

Eniol / CC BY-SA 3.0

Ancient Archaeological Sites

This collection features significant pre-Columbian structures located within the Callao and Lima metropolitan area, primarily representing the Lima and Itchma cultures. The sites range from the Late Preceramic masonry of El Paraíso, dating back to 2000 BC, to the massive adobe platforms of the Maranga complex. These sites showcase distinct architectural techniques, including the 'adobito' style of Huaca San Marcos and the defensive tapia walls of Oquendo, providing a record of the administrative and religious evolution of the Rímac and Chillón valleys.

10 places

Rarrunat / Public domain

Callao Museums & Heritage

Callao’s maritime identity is showcased through the 18th-century Real Felipe Fortress and the Naval Museum, which houses artifacts from the War of the Pacific. Visitors can tour the interior of the Abtao submarine and explore the urban art galleries of Monumental Callao. The district also features specialized collections dedicated to naval aviation, firefighting history, and interactive science exhibits at the Parque de la Imaginación.

12 places

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

Lima's City Parks

Callao’s green spaces range from historic plazas commemorating naval heroes to modern coastal promenades. This selection includes the Malecón Figuerero in La Punta, offering views of the Pacific Ocean, and the Concha Acústica, an open-air venue for cultural events. Many sites, such as Plaza Gálvez and Plaza Santa Rosa, reflect the district's maritime heritage and 19th-century history, while neighborhood parks in Bellavista and La Perla provide shaded areas for recreation within the urban port region.

20 places

Callao — Map

Climate & when to visit

Best time to visit: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Practical information

Tours & Activities