Callao Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Callao. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions

• Lima Cultural Full Day—Including Real Felipe Fortress

• Private Stopover Tour of Lima From the Airport

• Monumental and Artistic Callao

• Callao: Farmer Market, Real Felipe Fortress & Mummy Discovery

It's free to visit Callao, the port town around 30 minutes away from Lima. Most tourists visit here to take a boat trip to the Palomino Islands, famous for their biodiverse wildlife. Speedboat tours that include time to swim among the sea lions start from US$85.

Yes, the quaint oceanfront town of Callao is worth it; it’s considered a hidden gem thanks to its cultural scene and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Colorful neighborhoods such as Monumental Callao boast quirky cafés and nice places to eat, without the same crowds and bustle of the nearby capital.

Even though travelers in Peru’s capital often overlook it, Callao has several notable sights. The main attractions here include Palomino Island, home to one of Peru's largest colonies of sea lions, and the Real Felipe Fortress, dating back to the 18th century.

No, Callao isn't considered safe for independent travellers. It has higher crime rates than much of Peru, so it's best to avoid exploring alone or in the evening. While exploring as part of a tour guide is generally safe, stay in tourist areas in daylight hours if you're traveling independently.

Peru is often hailed as the culinary capital of Latin America, so Callao has excellent dishes to sample. Make the most of the city's proximity to the sea by trying the national dish of ceviche—boasting UNESCO World Heritage status. The dish combines citrus-marinated fish and seafood with crunchy vegetables.