Callao Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Callao, Peru)

The coastal city of Callao resides on a long peninsula and offers a selection of tourist attractions, which often reflect its situation. Next door to Callao, the beaches around the La Punta district remain one of the area's leading tourist attractions, with the Playa Cantolao being a particular highlight and sited alongside the Figueredo Pier.

A number of popular tourist attractions reside around the Puerto del Callao. This is not only the city's main port, but the most significant port in the whole of Peru, serving the Lima area and being located just 14 km / 9 miles from the actual centre of Lima itself.

La Punta Beaches

Address: La Punta, Callao, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 01 444 3027
Since the water is pleasantly clean and the lapping waves are not overly strong, many people come to the Playa Cantolao beach in particular for a paddle, to swim or even to water ski. The La Punta beaches in general consist of a mixture of sand and small pebbles, and are especially appealing during Peru's summer months, between December and February, when lifeguards are ever present. Other highlights include a number of piers, plenty of restaurants around the Malecon Figueredo and Malecon Pardo, and boat trips to the Mirador de la Punta.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Puerto del Callao

Address: Callao, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 01 315 1300
Founded as long ago as the early part of the 16th century, the Puerto del Callao has seen the arrival and departure of all kinds of different ships, for almost 500 years. Surrounding attractions include the La Punta resort, the Fortaleza del Real Felipe fortress, the neighbouring islands of San Lorenzo, a series of rocky beaches, and many popular seafood restaurants.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Isla El Frontón and Other Islands

Address: Callao, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 01 315 1300
Around the city and to the north-east of the port are a group of small islands. Facing the coastline of Callao, the island of San Lorenzo is currently home to a local military base, while other attractions include the Cavinzas island, the Palomino island, and also El Frontón, which operated as a local prison for many years and is notorious for its prison riot in the 1980s, being situated some 7 km / 4 miles from the coastline. El Frontón is connected by regular boats and ferries, which depart most days from the Puerto del Callao and reach the island in approximately 30 minutes or thereabouts. Many of the city's islands have become true havens for wildlife, being home to attractions such as local colonies of sea lions and a host of different sea birds.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge for boat trip