Lima, Peru Cruise Port Guide
Welcome to Callao, the historic maritime gateway to Peru and its vibrant capital city. Frequently visited by major cruise operators including Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line, this bustling port serves as the starting point for unforgettable South American adventures.
Cruise passengers flock to this coastal destination to experience world-renowned Peruvian gastronomy, rich colonial heritage, and extraordinary archaeological treasures.
For more information on Lima, visit our sister site Amazing Atlas to read the Lima City Guide
In This Guide
- Key Lima Port Information
- • Top Attractions & Excursions
- • Nearby Cities & Attractions
- • Port Location
- • Local Currency
- • Safety Considerations
- • Weather & Climate
- • Getting Around
- • Shopping
- Shore Excursions & Tours
- Local SIM Card
- Visiting Lima Cruise Deals
- Upcoming Cruises to Lima Cruise Deals
- Ships in Port Schedule
- Other Cruise Ports in Peru
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Monthly Pricing
Key Lima Port Information
Top Attractions & Excursions
A short drive from the port leads to the Historic Centre of Lima, where visitors can admire the ornate Plaza Mayor and the grand Cathedral of Lima, located about 45 to 60 minutes away.
Culture enthusiasts will appreciate the pre-Columbian treasures housed at the famous Larco Museum, situated roughly 30 minutes from the pier in a beautiful 18th-century mansion.
Right within the port city itself, the massive 18th-century Real Felipe Fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into Spanish colonial defense history.
Nature lovers can embark on a boat excursion to the nearby Palomino Islands to swim with wild sea lions in their natural habitat.
Last updated on October 28, 2026
Nearby Cities & Attractions
The stylish coastal district of Miraflores lies approximately 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the port, reachable in about 45 to 60 minutes by vehicle.
Miraflores is famous for its cliffside parks, magnificent ocean vistas, and modern dining and shopping options.
History buffs often venture further south to Pachacamac, an impressive pre-Inca archaeological site situated about 45 kilometers (28 miles) away, ideal for a memorable day trip.
Last updated on October 28, 2026
Port Location
The cruise dock is situated inside a busy commercial terminal in Callao, located approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) west of central Lima.
Because the port is a working industrial zone, independent walking out of the dock area is strictly restricted, requiring passengers to take port shuttles or tour buses to the main gates.
Most ocean vessels dock directly alongside the pier, meaning tendering is rarely required for visiting ships.
Last updated on October 28, 2026
Local Currency
The local currency used in Callao and throughout the country is the Peruvian Sol (PEN).
US dollars are widely accepted in major tourist hubs, hotels, and upscale stores in nearby Lima, but having small denominations of local cash is recommended for small purchases.
ATMs and currency exchange booths are abundant in tourist districts, and major credit cards are accepted at most established shops and restaurants.
Last updated on October 28, 2026
Safety Considerations
While security within the port terminal itself is high, the immediate urban area surrounding the port of Callao experiences elevated crime rates, and unguided exploring outside the port gates is strongly discouraged.
Cruise visitors are advised to take organized shore excursions or pre-arranged private transport directly to safer districts such as Miraflores or San Isidro.
As in any large urban center, exercise standard precautions against pickpocketing when visiting busy tourist spots.
Last updated on October 28, 2026
Weather & Climate
Callao enjoys an arid coastal climate with warm, clear weather during the main cruise season from December through April, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 80°F).
From May to November, the region experiences cooler conditions between 15°C and 20°C (59°F to 68°F) along with a characteristic coastal fog called garúa.
Rainfall is negligible year-round, so passengers should pack light layers, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a jacket for breezy coastal afternoons.
Last updated on October 28, 2026
Getting Around
Upon clearing port exit gates, authorized taxis and booked excursion vehicles provide the most reliable transit options into Lima.
Ride-hailing services like Uber are active in the metro area, though pickup directly inside the working pier area is not permitted.
Many travelers opt for organized tour options like a Lima City Sightseeing Tour or a coastal adventure like the Palomino Islands Wildlife Cruise for hassle-free transport.
Last updated on October 28, 2026
Shopping
Shopping highlights include high-quality alpaca garments, intricate silver jewelry, handcrafted ceramics, and authentic bottles of Pisco.
Popular shopping spots include the Indian Markets (Mercados Indios) on Avenida Petit Thouars in Miraflores, as well as the modern cliffside Larcomar shopping center.
Prices in formal shops and shopping centers are fixed, but friendly bargaining is common practice when buying crafts from local artisan markets.
Last updated on October 28, 2026
Shore Excursions & Tours
#1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class
Join Lima's most-reviewed cooking class for a fun, hands-on experience learning the secrets of Peruvian cuisine. In a relaxed atmosphere, passionate chefs will show you how to create delicious dishes using the freshest ingredients. With personalized attention in small classes, you will enjoy a delicious lunch and take home easy-to-replicate recipes. Vegetarian options are available for this informative class that also covers the rich history behind the food.
Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting
Choose your culinary adventure with options for beef, chicken, or fish in this unique cooking experience. Your day begins with a visit to a local market to purchase the fresh ingredients for your chosen authentic Peruvian dishes. In a well-equipped kitchen studio, professional chefs will guide you through essential culinary techniques, and this tour also supports a nonprofit organization, as profits help fund social projects for communities in need.
Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting
Choose your culinary adventure with options for beef, chicken, or fish in this unique cooking experience. Your day begins with a visit to a local market to purchase the fresh ingredients for your chosen authentic Peruvian dishes. In a well-equipped kitchen studio, professional chefs will guide you through essential culinary techniques, and this tour also supports a nonprofit organization, as profits help fund social projects for communities in need.
Lima Gourmet Food Tour: Daytime Experience
Experience the ultimate food and city tour, making the most of your day in Lima. This comprehensive adventure features five stops across three trendy districts, including exclusive restaurants and top attractions. You'll enjoy organic Peruvian coffee, a fruit tasting at a local market, a Pisco Sour experience, and a hands-on cebiche class with a professional chef. The tour culminates with gourmet dishes, natural Peruvian wine, and dessert at a top restaurant with views of pre-Incan ruins.
Cook The Most Popular Peruvian Dishes!
Learn to cook two of the most important plates in Peruvian cuisine: Lomo Saltado and Causa Rellena. This lovely cooking class is full of music and fun, offering the best approach to our gastronomy and culture. You will learn everything about the ingredients, process, and history behind these favorite local flavors.
Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience
Embark on a unique anthropological experience and be part of the daily life of locals in one of Lima's crowded districts. This eye-opening tour challenges common preconceptions as you meet friendly people and learn about the native culture and its values. By taking this tour, you are also contributing to the community, as a percentage of the proceeds goes to social projects that improve the lives of local families. It is a rich cultural experience you will always remember.
Experience Lima: Taste 12 Snacks and Visit Top Monuments
Discover Lima's best monuments and gastronomy on this combination tour. First, navigate a local market with an expert guide, sampling 12 of the best Peruvian snacks to experience the true culture. Then, a passionate storyteller will lead you through Lima's Main Square and the beautiful Catacombs of San Francisco Church. Conclude your adventure at a famous bar to taste exotic fruits and try Peru's best Pisco Sour (optional, not included).
Authentic 4-dish Peruvian Food Cooking Class in Lima + Pisco Sour
Experience the history of Peruvian cuisine with the guidance of a professional chef. You will prepare traditional meals that have helped place Peru as one of the world's top culinary destinations. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn cooking techniques you can use to impress your guests back home.
Lima Food Tour of 8+ Tastings with Ceviche in Barranco Area
Embark on a secret food tour through the charming, hidden streets of Lima's historic Barranco district. Indulge in a diverse array of authentic Peruvian dishes, including world-class organic coffee, tantalizing appetizers, craft beers, and the freshest ceviche. By the tour's end, you'll depart with a satisfied palate, insider knowledge of the local scene, and a deeper appreciation for Peruvian culture. This gastronomic journey is an unforgettable culinary experience that enriches your time in Lima.
Live Afro-Peruvian Jazz Music
Immerse yourself in the unique sound of Afro-Peruvian Jazz, a vibrant fusion representing one of Peru's most important cultural gifts. This experience takes place at The Jazz Zone of Miraflores, Lima's oldest jazz club, known for its intimate and cozy atmosphere. Enjoy traditional and modern rhythms performed by Gabriel Alegría and the Sextet. You are guaranteed a magical night full of sounds you may have never heard before.
Market Tour, Tasting of 35 Fruits, and 4-Course Peruvian Cooking Class in Lima
Explore a typical Peruvian market filled with colorful and varied products. During your visit, you will taste more than 35 different fruits, all grown locally in Peru. Afterward, enjoy a classic Pisco Sour before heading into a hands-on cooking class. Under the supervision of an instructor, you will prepare and eat four typical Peruvian dishes.
Evening Lima Walking Tour Historic Center and Pisco Sour
Explore Lima's Historic Center as the sun sets and the city begins to glow on this engaging evening tour. Visit highlights like the San Francisco Convent with its intriguing Catacombs and the elegant Plaza San Martín. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to admire iconic architecture before concluding your adventure at a rooftop bar in Miraflores with a complimentary Pisco Sour.
Trending Flavors: Miraflores Walking Tour Including Food and Drinks Tasting
Join a walking food tour that begins with a tasting at the “Terrua” coffee shop to share the passion for Peruvian coffee. Your adventure continues with stops to try a traditional “Chicharrones” pork sandwich, desserts from a local bakery, and various fruits at the local market. You'll also enjoy Peru's most popular dish at a ceviche bar, where you can sample a Pisco-based Chilcano. The tour concludes with one last stop for delicious churros.
Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour
Begin your culinary journey in the vibrant Surquillo Market, where you'll sample exotic fruits and learn about Peru's unique ingredients from your expert guide. Next, head to a nearby restaurant for a hands-on cooking class led by a talented local chef. You will learn to prepare three iconic Peruvian items: ceviche, causa rellena, and the classic pisco sour. To round off this memorable experience, indulge in a traditional Peruvian dessert.
Half-Day Local Communities and Social Tour in Lima
Take a private, half-day tour off the beaten path for an authentic look at Lima where locals live and work. This experience focuses on responsible cultural immersion, visiting a local artisan and a social project that your visit helps support. You will have lunch at a local family’s home and learn about daily life, history, and culture in Lima’s human settlements. The tour highlights positive initiatives and hope, allowing you to meet amazing locals working to improve their community.
Paragliding flights in Costa Verde, Lima
Enjoy an unforgettable experience flying a paratrike over Lima's iconic coastline. Certified pilots provide personalized and warm service, ensuring a comfortable and safe flight with no prior experience required. You will soar over the districts of Miraflores, San Isidro, Magdalena, and San Miguel. This exciting flight offers a unique perspective of the ocean, cliffs, and city.
Lima Walking City Tour with Catacombs Museum visit (Small Group)
Explore the Historic Center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its impressive colonial architecture. Stroll through San Martín Square and the Plaza de Armas to admire landmarks like the Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. The tour includes a visit to the fascinating San Francisco Museum, famous for its underground catacombs. Discover stories from Lima’s colonial era that shaped the history of Peru.
Cooking Class + Market Tour + City Walking Tour (Full Day).
Enjoy a complete culinary and historical experience combining Peruvian food with the city's highlights. First, visit a local market before joining professional chefs to learn the secrets of Peruvian gastronomy in a hands-on cooking class. Then, you will visit the Historic Center of Lima, including the Plaza de Armas and the incredible Catacombs of the San Francisco Monastery. Your participation also supports the tour company's nonprofit sister organization, which implements social projects for communities in need.
Bohemian and artistic ravine walking tour
Discover the Barranco district, widely considered the artistic and bohemian heart of Lima. This tour focuses on the area's vibrant street art, which serves as the perfect starting point for your exploration. You'll be guided to perfect locations to take the best photos of this colorful neighborhood.
Lima Surf Trip
Take to the waves while in Lima and spend the day surfing at some of the best hidden spots. A local guide who knows the area intimately will lead you, so you don't have to guess when the tide is right or when the swell will hit. Simply go with a local who knows it all and enjoy the best surf Lima has to offer.
Local SIM Card
GigSky eSIMs let you get data both on the ship and while in port. Their Cruise + Americas & Caribbean plan and Cruise + World plan both cover Lima as well as supported cruise ships. Choose the data allowance and duration that suit your trip, with a 7-day Cruise + Americas & Caribbean plan starting at only $19.99 USD for 1 GB.
Visiting Lima Cruise Deals
Upcoming Cruises to Lima Cruise Deals
Ships in Port Schedule
No ships scheduled in port today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lima
Last updated on June 13, 2025
❓ 1. What is the best way to get from the cruise terminal to the main attractions?
The cruise port is in Callao, about 30-60 minutes from Lima's main attractions; licensed taxis or pre-booked tours are the best options.
❓ 2. What are the must-see attractions and landmarks within walking distance or a short ride from the port?
From Callao, a short ride takes you to Lima's Historic Center (Plaza Mayor, Cathedral) or Miraflores (Parque del Amor, Larcomar). Callao itself has the Real Felipe Fortress.
❓ 3. What local foods or restaurants should I try near the port?
Try ceviche or lomo saltado at restaurants in Miraflores or Barranco. Nearer the Callao port, some local seafood restaurants offer fresh catches.
❓ What is the local currency and what is the exchange rate?
The local currency is Peruvian Sol (1 USD = 3.62 PEN). ATMs are widely available in Lima's tourist districts like Miraflores and San Isidro, and at the airport. Exchange houses (casas de cambio) offer good rates, often better than banks.
❓ 5. What is the typical weather when cruises visit, and what should I pack?
Lima has a mild desert climate; cruises often visit during the dry, cooler season (May-November) with temperatures from 15-22°C (59-72°F). Pack layers, including a light jacket.
❓ 6. Are there good beaches nearby, and how do I get to them?
Beaches like those along the Costa Verde in Miraflores (e.g., Waikiki for surfing) are popular and accessible by taxi from Lima's central districts, about a 30-45 minute ride from Callao.
❓ 7. What are the best shore excursion options - through the cruise line or independent?
Cruise line excursions to Lima's historic sites or Miraflores are convenient. Independent tours offer more flexibility but require careful planning for port return times.
❓ 8. What shopping opportunities are available, and what are good local souvenirs?
Shop for alpaca clothing, silver jewelry, and Pisco at Mercado Indio or Larcomar in Miraflores. In Callao, some local artisan shops might be found near the port.
❓ 9. What other interesting places or towns are within a reasonable distance to visit?
The Callao district itself offers attractions like La Punta and the Real Felipe Fortress. Further afield, the ancient ruins of Pachacamac are about an hour's drive south of Lima.
❓ 10. What's a surprising or interesting fact about Lima, Peru?
Lima is home to the oldest continuously functioning university in the Americas, the National University of San Marcos, founded in 1551.
Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Lima
Overall Lima is fairly expensive as a port of call. The graph below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises visiting Lima. Sailings visiting Lima during the the peak season of summer are much more expensive than the the low season of spring.