Callao, Peru
Region: Callao
Geographic Coordinates: -12.033300, -77.133300
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 26.0°C (59°F to 79°F)
Climate: Callao, Peru has a desert climate with very little rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures are generally warm to hot, with cooler temperatures at night.
Population: 1129854
Language: Spanish
Callao is a bustling port city situated on the central coast of Peru, Just west of the capital city of Lima. It has been an important center for trade and commerce for many years and boasts South America’s busiest ports. The city has a rich history that dates back to pre-Columbian times when it served as a ceremonial center for the indigenous Ychsma people. Today, Callao is a diverse metropolis with plenty to offer visitors. Its historic district is one of its main attractions, Featuring stunning colonial architecture dating back to the 16th century.
The Plaza de Armas is particularly impressive with its ornate fountain and beautiful buildings like San José Church and Real Felipe Fortress. La Punta is another must-see attraction in Callao, Offering picturesque streets lined with colorful houses and quaint cafes where you can enjoy delicious Peruvian cuisine while taking in views of the sea. For those interested in learning more about Callao’s maritime history, There are several museums worth visiting such as the Naval Museum which showcases artifacts from Peru’s naval history including ship models, Weapons, And uniforms.
Callao also boasts Afro-Peruvian heritage which can be seen in everything from music to dance to food. Visitors should make sure to check out El Canta Rana restaurant where they can enjoy traditional Afro-Peruvian dishes like ceviche de mero (sea bass ceviche) or ají de gallina (chicken stew). Playa Cantolao – one of Peru’s most beautiful beaches – offers visitors an opportunity to soak up some sun or take part in water sports like surfing or paddleboarding. Callao offers visitors a unique blend of history, Culture and natural beauty making it a city that truly has something for everyone.
- Real Felipe Fortress
- La Punta Boardwalk
- Naval Museum of Peru
- San Jose Church and Plaza
- Plaza Grau
- Callao Historical Center
- Fortaleza del Real Felipe Museum
- El Frontón Island
- Ventanilla Beaches
- Palomino Islands
- Port and logistics
- Fishing
- Manufacturing
- Textiles
- Chemicals
- Food products
- Tourism
- Real Felipe Fortress
- La Punta district
- Plaza de Armas de Callao (Callao Main Square)
- Services
- Financial services (banks, insurance companies)
- Healthcare services (hospitals, clinics)
- Retail stores
- Transportation services (taxis, buses)
- Construction
- The Battle of Callao occurred in 1866 during the Chincha Islands War when a Spanish fleet attacked the port city.
- The Callao Fortress was built in the late 18th century to safeguard against pirate attacks.
- Mario Vargas Llosa, a renowned Peruvian writer and politician, was born in Callao.
- Jorge Chávez International Airport is Peru’s primary international airport located in Callao.
- Numerous devastating earthquakes have struck Callao, including one in 1746 that caused widespread destruction and fatalities.
- Several famous Peruvian naval vessels call Callao their home port, such as BAP Almirante Grau cruiser and BAP Abtao submarine.
- Notable personalities from Callao include boxer Kina Malpartida and musician Susana Baca.
- Callao has been grappling with issues such as crime and corruption within its government institutions over recent years.
- The Real Felipe Fortress is a historic structure that was constructed in the 18th century to protect Lima and Callao from pirates and foreign invasions. Nowadays, it serves as a museum that showcases the military history of Peru.
- The Naval Museum is situated within the Real Felipe Fortress and features artifacts related to the Peruvian Navy’s history, such as uniforms, weapons, and ship models.
- Casa Ronald is a cultural center that hosts various events related to art and culture in Callao, including exhibitions and workshops.
- The San Jose Church was built during the 19th century and is renowned for its impressive architecture as well as intricate wood carvings.
- The Municipal Museum of Callao offers exhibits on pre-Columbian cultures, colonial times, and modern-day life in Callao.
- Monumental Callao is a public art project featuring murals by local artists that depict significant moments in Callao’s history.
- Plaza Grau was named after Admiral Miguel Grau Seminario – a national hero – who has an equestrian statue located within this plaza along with beautiful gardens.
- La Punta Beach is located on a peninsula at the entrance to Callao Bay; it’s popular among locals for swimming or sunbathing.
- El Pescador market is a bustling fish market where visitors can see fishermen unloading their daily catch or purchase fresh seafood to take home or eat at nearby restaurants.
- The La Perla Boardwalk offers stunning views of Lima skyline across bay while strolling along this scenic boardwalk situated along the coast of La Perla neighborhood.
- Club Atlético Chalaco: This football club was founded in 1902 and is one of the oldest clubs in Peru. The team has won numerous national championships and is famous for its passionate fan base.
- Sport Boys Association: Founded in 1927, this football club has a long history of success in Peruvian football. It has won several national championships and is considered one of the most popular teams in Callao.
- Defensor Lima: This basketball team was established in 1946 and boasts a strong tradition of success both nationally and internationally. It has won multiple national championships and represented Peru at various international tournaments.
- Regatas Lima: This rowing club was founded back in 1875, making it one of the oldest sports clubs not only in Callao but also throughout South America as a whole. Over time, it has produced many Olympic medalists.
- Mariscal Cáceres Volleyball Club: Founded specifically for women’s volleyball back in 1960, this team has had great success both nationally as well as internationally by winning multiple titles over the years.
Overall, Callao enjoys an extensive sporting culture with many successful teams across various disciplines that have contributed to Peru’s overall sporting success on an international level.
- Fiestas de San Juan is celebrated in June to honor Saint John the Baptist. The festival includes religious processions, music, dancing, and traditional food.
- Festival Internacional de Danzas Folclóricas del Callao takes place in August and features performances by dance troupes from around the world.
- Carnaval del Callao is one of the biggest carnivals in Peru, held in February or March. It includes parades with colorful costumes, music, dancing, and street parties.
- Semana Santa is a significant religious event celebrated throughout Peru including Callao with processions, masses and other events.
- Festival Gastronómico del Callao celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Callao with cooking demonstrations by local chefs and tastings of traditional dishes such as ceviche.
- Día de la Marina honors Peru’s naval heroes on May 24th each year with a parade of ships at sea followed by fireworks displays at night.
- Aniversario del Puerto del Callao is the anniversary celebration of the port usually held on January 20th featuring cultural events like fairs showcasing local products along with live music performances from popular artists across Peru.
- Cevicherías: Callao is famous for its ceviche, a dish made of raw fish marinated in lime juice and mixed with onions, chili peppers, and other seasonings. Some popular cevicherías in Callao include La Preferida de Pescadores, El Rey del Ceviche, and La Mar Brava.
- Chicharronerías: Another local specialty is chicharrón – fried pork served with sweet potato and corn. Some popular chicharronerías in Callao include El Rincón del Chato and El Gran Chifa.
- Seafood restaurants: With its location near the coast, seafood is abundant in Callao. Some popular seafood restaurants include La Red de Mi Vida, Los Delfines del Pacífico, and El Capitán.
- Street food: There are also many street vendors selling local snacks such as anticuchos (grilled beef heart), picarones (sweet potato donuts), and tamales (corn dough filled with meat or vegetables).
- Picanterías: These traditional Peruvian taverns serve hearty dishes such as adobo (pork stew) and cau cau (tripe stew). Some popular picanterías in Callao include La Olla Criolla and Las Tres Marías.
- Parque Zonal Sinchi Roca is a large public park in Callao that offers various recreational activities, such as sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Plaza Miguel Grau is a public square located in the heart of Callao that features a statue of the famous Peruvian naval hero Miguel Grau.
- Malecon Bertolotto is a scenic waterfront promenade in Callao that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is perfect for walking or jogging.
- Fortaleza Real Felipe is a historic fortress located in Callao that was built in the 18th century to defend against pirate attacks and now serves as a museum showcasing Peru’s military history.
- Playa Marbella is a beautiful beach located just outside of Callao that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
- Parque de la Cultura is a cultural park located in the district of Bellavista featuring sculptures, art exhibits, and outdoor performances.
- Complejo Deportivo Municipal de Bellavista is a sports complex offering various facilities such as soccer fields, volleyball courts, basketball courts, and an indoor gymnasium for fitness enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite activities.
