Callao

Callao brings together the history of a major Peruvian port with fortress architecture, maritime museums and excursions around the bay. If you’re planning a trip featuring historical discoveries, a connection to the sea and regional cuisine, you’ll find a range of options here. The experiences you want to shape your days can also help guide your choice of a holiday rental in Callao.

Fortress and historic centre

The Fortaleza Real Felipe was built in the 18th century to protect the port of Lima from possible attacks. It is an example of colonial military architecture in Latin America. You can trace its history as you walk through different parts of the fortress: the route takes you past the cemetery or ossuary, the Puerta del Perdón, the Torreón de la Reina and the Torreón del Rey. The Casa del Gobernador and the Parque de Artillería are also part of the site. These different stops give your visit a tangible historical context, rather than presenting the fortress merely as an exterior structure.

The Zona Monumental del Callao offers another perspective on Callao’s past. It forms the historic centre of Peru’s first port and was declared a National Heritage Site in 1972. Its distinctive features include Republican-era mansions, churches, balconies, cobbled lanes and public squares. These elements reflect Peru’s history and make the urban landscape itself an important part of the cultural discoveries. If you’re particularly interested in architecture and urban history, you can combine this with a visit to the fortress.

Maritime history and special insights

The Museo Naval del Perú is located in the historic centre. Its eleven permanent thematic exhibition rooms explore Peruvian maritime history, from pre-Hispanic navigation to later periods of development. Its predominantly archaeological, historical-artistic and historical collection includes figureheads, weapons, projectiles, military uniforms, swords, medals and maps. The range of exhibits makes the museum interesting for visitors who want to discover maritime history through different objects and periods. As part of its educational work, it also offers videos about the Peruvian Navy and specially trained guides.

Another way to explore military history is at the Museo Submarino Abtao, where visitors can tour six areas of the submarine. These include the forward and aft battery compartments, torpedo rooms, the central command post, the engine room and the machinery room. The individual spaces show the submarine’s different functions. This experience is therefore quite different from the historical collections at the Museo Naval del Perú and the Real Felipe fortress complex.

The bay, islands and cuisine

A deep-sea route through Callao Bay leads to the Cavinzas Islands, Palomino Islet, Camotal, and the islands of San Lorenzo and Frontón. In connection with the sea excursions described from Callao, the protected area Reserva Nacional Sistema de Islas, Islotes y Puntas Guaneras is also associated with diverse coastal wildlife and around 5,000 South American sea lions. These marine and nature experiences offer a different focus from the museums and historic buildings.

The cuisine also offers several options. The Ruta Marina includes Pan con Pejerrey, ceviches, jaleas, Leche de Tigre and rice dishes with seafood. The Ruta del Chicharrón features Pan con Chicharrón, juices and coffee. The Ruta Criolla, in turn, includes dishes such as Lomo Saltado, Arroz con Pollo, Cau Cau and Seco de Res with beans. You can shape your culinary discoveries around seafood, chicharrón or well-known dishes from Creole cuisine.

The cultural offering also includes an Afro-Peruvian cultural workshop that uses dance to share Callao’s Afro-descendant roots and identity. This gives you a choice of architecture and history, maritime heritage, nature, cuisine and dance when planning your trip. Consider which of these interests will be the deciding factor for your trip: they can help you choose the right focus for your stay and your search for a holiday rental in Callao.

For the broader travel overview: Callao.