Callao

Peru
Callao, Peru
Photo: DORM CC BY-SA 4.0 source

Founded in 1537, Callao is Peru's chief seaport and the country's main gateway, sitting on the Pacific coast as part of the Lima metropolitan area. Central Callao has a walkable centre with cafés, restaurants, and historic churches, while the waterfront reflects a long naval history stretching back to the Viceroyalty of Peru. The city holds a unique constitutional status — granted autonomy equivalent to a department — and is home to Jorge Chávez International Airport, the principal entry point into the country.

  • Population1,300,000
  • Nearest water1.8 km
  • Nearest mountain6.1 km
  • UNESCO within 50 km8

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