Plan a CruiseCruise ships dock at the Cruise Portao in Callao, located approximately 14 km west of Lima. While Callao itself lacks tourist attractions, Lima is a vibrant, historic, and cosmopolitan city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage site and a hub for exploring Peru. Due to safety concerns, passengers are strongly advised not to venture past the immediate dock gates unless on an official tour or in an approved taxi secured from inside the port area.
Getting Around from the Port
Taxis are available from the port to take you into Lima. A ride to Lima can take around 60 minutes due to very heavy traffic and typically costs $12 or more. If you hire a taxi driver for general transport, expect to pay about $20 per hour. For a dedicated taxi tour, the cost is approximately $10 per hour. It's crucial to negotiate the fare before getting into the vehicle, as meters are not common. Ensure your driver speaks some English if possible. Public transportation is not recommended for cruise passengers. Always use "formal" taxis (painted and marked) or approved taxis from within the port gates; avoid informal taxis.
Attractions and Activities
Your primary destination will be Central Lima.
- Plaza de Armas: This historic square is where Lima was founded. Here you'll find the Government Palace, home of the Peruvian President, where the changing of the guard ceremony takes place daily at 11:45 AM. Also in the Plaza is the Cathedral, rebuilt in the 1700s after an earthquake, which houses religious art.
- Church and Convent of San Francisco: A five-minute walk from Plaza de Armas, this "national treasure" miraculously survived major earthquakes. Much of it has been restored, and it's famous for its catacombs, rumored to hold the remains of over 75,000 people. The monastery also boasts a vast library of 17th-century books.
- Torre Tagle Palace: Located east of the Plaza, this palace is a fine example of Spanish Colonial architecture, now occupied by the Foreign Ministry. While security is high (soldiers with machine guns on the roof), you can sometimes visit the ornate carved stone entry and inner courtyard.
- Museo de Oro del Peru: This museum houses a significant collection of pre-Columbian gold, treasures, and weapons, featuring over 6,500 Incan and pre-Incan pieces.
- Ancient Religious Center: An important archaeological site near Lima, thought to date back to around 700 A.D. Comparing cruise line tours is recommended for ease and safety, especially given traffic conditions and port area warnings.
Dining & Shopping
For shopping, the Indian Market in Miraflores is an excellent place to find Peruvian Indian crafts and souvenirs. There are no specific dining or shopping options mentioned immediately accessible from the cruise terminal area due to safety concerns.
Safety
The immediate area around the Callao docks is known to be very dangerous. Passengers are strongly advised not to venture past the dock gates unless on an official tour or in an approved taxi only available from inside the gates. When taking a taxi, always negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). U.S. Dollars are widely accepted in most restaurants and shops, but you will typically receive change in Peruvian Soles. Credit cards are generally accepted in larger cities, upscale hotels, and tourist areas. ATMs are also available in these locations. While English is spoken in major tourist centers and high-class hotels, knowing some Spanish will be very helpful, especially outside these areas. Free WiFi is often available in "cabinas públicas" (cafes) in Peruvian cities.