Peru · 2026 itinerary
Callao 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Callao: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A public square with a statue of Admiral Grau, benches, and a view of the port. Good spot to people-watch.
🕐 Always open
Free entry💡 Buy a bag of choclo (giant corn) from a street vendor nearby. The benches are shady in the afternoon.
Hotels near Plaza Grau →A self-guided walk through the historic centre with large murals by local artists. Takes about an hour.
🕐 Always accessible
Free entry💡 Start at the Dios mio mural on Jirón Independencia. The street art changes every few months, so grab a free map from the tourist office near the Plaza.
Hotels near Callao Monumental Street Art Walk →Yin Yin · ££
Sky · ££
Deeper Into Callao
A naval history museum housed in a former barracks. Free, with model ships and artifacts from the War of the Pacific.
🕐 Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00
💡 The guided tour is in Spanish only, but worth it for the stories. Ask at the desk for a map in English.
A coastal promenade in the La Punta district with sea views, benches, and a small beach. Quiet and breezy.
🕐 Always open
💡 Bring binoculars – you can spot pelicans and sea lions on the rocks. Avoid the beach after 5pm when fog rolls in.
Chau S.R.L
Chelos
Final Favourites & Departure
An 18th-century fortress with ramparts, tunnels, and military exhibits. Entry costs about 10 soles.
💡 Go on a weekday morning to avoid cruise-ship crowds. Bring water – it's a long walk in the sun.
Crissolito
Pizza Hut
Getting Around Callao
Avoid rush hours (7–9am, 5–7pm) — the BRT gets crushed. Validate a 'tarjeta' card at any station kiosk before boarding.
Rideshares can't pick up inside the airport complex — walk out to the main road or use the official taxi stand for a safer, flat rate.
Buy the return ticket at the airport kiosk for a slight discount. The bus has luggage racks and WiFi.
The hotel is physically linked to the airport via a covered walkway. Use that instead of any vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Callao?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Plaza Grau and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Callao?
See our full best time to visit Callao guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include B&B Cusing Wasi, Hostal Costa Azul, Hotel Padama. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.