Callao (Lima) / Peru

On the western, Pacific coast of central Peru lies the country's most important port, El Callao.

Callao was founded by Spanish colonizers in 1537 and soon became Spain's most important trading port in the Pacific. In December 1824, the city, like all of Peru, gained independence and later became known as one of the largest centers for cocaine smuggling in the world.

A significant landmark is the historic Castillo de Real Felipe fortress from the 16th century, and the military museum and the Cavinzas and Palomino islands are known for their large colonies of sea lions and seabirds.

Callao is the gateway to Lima, the capital of Peru, which is only 15 kilometers away. Lima is a mix of colonial architecture, remnants of pre-Hispanic buildings, and interesting museums. The region was inhabited as early as 10,000 years ago, but Lima itself was not founded until 1535 by the famous Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro and was named the City of Kings (Ciudad de los Reyes). Between 1684 and 1687, walls were built around the city to protect it from pirate attacks – their remnants have survived to this day, despite the city being hit by several earthquakes since then. The earthquake of 1687 destroyed most of the buildings, and Lima was heavily damaged by the earthquakes of 1746 and 1940. Since the 1940s, Lima began to prosper again after a period of economic stagnation and today has about 9 million inhabitants. 

The historic center of Lima is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: here you will find Spanish colonial buildings, beautiful churches, and remnants of Inca structures. On the main square, Plaza de Armas, where the city was founded, stands the Government Palace and the majestic colonial cathedral, rebuilt in the 18th century after being destroyed by an earthquake.

Definitely worth a visit is the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi with its beautiful carvings and famous catacombs. Other examples of colonial architecture include the Torre Tagle Palace and its interesting carved wooden balconies.

In the Gold Museum (Museo de Oro), you can admire a wide collection of gold, pre-Columbian treasures, and also historical weapons. Lima hosts a number of parks, Park de la Reserva is home to the largest fountain in the world, known as the Magic Water Circuit.

A good place to buy traditional products of Peruvian Indians is the market in Miraflores. Lima is known as the gastronomic capital of America and it would certainly be a shame not to taste some of the local specialties.

About 30 kilometers south of the city lie the ruins of Pachacamac, dating from the 8th century BC from the Inca period. Lima is also the starting point for excursions to the world-famous Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, Lake Titicaca, or the Amazon rainforest.

Places worth seeing

Plaza de Armas – Visit the place where Lima was founded in 1535, see the Government Palace and the majestic colonial cathedral.

Museo Larco – Visit the museum housed in a beautiful colonial building, built on the remains of a pre-Columbian pyramid from the 7th century, and see the beautiful collection of gold and jewelry of ancient Peru, a collection of erotic archaeological objects, and beautiful gardens.

Parque de la Reserva – Admire the Magic Water Circuit (Circuito Magico del Agua), the largest fountain complex in the world, walk through the water tunnel and don't miss the night light show.  

Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco – Explore the catacombs of the church and monastery from the second half of the 17th century, where the remains of 70,000 people are said to be buried.

Pachacamac – Go out of town and get acquainted with the ancient history of Peru at the site of ancient ruins of an important religious center, built a thousand years before the Inca Empire.

Choco Museo – Sweeten your life at the chocolate museum, where you will learn not only how this delicacy is made but above all taste the best samples from organic Peruvian beans.