Peru
Lima
Lima: The Port of Callao and the Capital's Historic Center
- Port traffic
- QuietNext 30 days
Good to know
What to Expect
Ships calling for Lima dock in the secure, industrial Port of Callao, about 14 km from the historic center and 20 km from Miraflores.
- Callao is its own province within the Lima metropolitan area, and the port is not a place to explore on foot.
- Follow the ship's instructions for getting through the port. The options may be a port shuttle, a cruise-line transfer or a tour that leaves from the ship.
- Ask whether the ship's shuttle only takes you through the port or continues to a sightseeing district.
Getting into Lima
Lima traffic is hard to predict, so a ship's excursion or a pre-booked driver is often the simplest way in.
- The ride usually takes 35 to 60 minutes each way to the historic center, 45 to 75 minutes to Miraflores and 60 to 90 minutes to Barranco, and longer in heavy traffic.
- Public buses are not practical for most cruise visitors because of the port access rules, roundabout routes and uneven journey times.
- If you take a taxi or a ride-hailing car, confirm where it is allowed to pick you up and book the return trip in advance.
- Plan to be back at least 60 to 90 minutes before all-aboard time, and allow more on weekdays.
History
Francisco Pizarro founded Lima in January 1535 and named it the City of the Kings.
- In August 1536 an Inca army laid siege to the new city, and the Spanish and their Indigenous allies beat it back.
- Lima became the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru.
- A strong earthquake in 1746 badly damaged Lima and destroyed the port of Callao.
- The historic center was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1988, and the listing was extended in 1991.
Paying in Peru
Peru's currency is the sol (S/), and US dollars are accepted at many shops, restaurants and hotels.
- Notes come in 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 soles, and coins from 10 cents to 5 soles.
- Cash machines are found in almost every city, and most give out either soles or US dollars.
- Banks and exchange houses change foreign currency. Exchange houses usually open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm, and on Saturday until noon.
Port crowds
Next 30 days
Oct 18Normal78°F26°C / 70°F21°C
Oct 19Quiet78°F25°C / 69°F21°C
Oct 22Normal77°F25°C / 72°F22°C
Oct 23Normal76°F25°C / 71°F22°C
Oct 24Quiet74°F23°C / 71°F21°C
Oct 25Quiet75°F24°C / 70°F21°C
Oct 26Quiet77°F25°C / 70°F21°C
Oct 28Quiet66°F19°C / 59°F15°C
Oct 30Quiet66°F19°C / 59°F15°C
Oct 31Normal66°F19°C / 59°F15°C
Nov 1Very busy68°F20°C / 60°F16°C
Nov 2Busy68°F20°C / 60°F16°C
Nov 4Normal68°F20°C / 60°F16°C
Nov 5Busy68°F20°C / 60°F16°C
Nov 6Busy68°F20°C / 60°F16°C
Nov 7Busy68°F20°C / 60°F16°C
Nov 8Busy68°F20°C / 60°F16°C
Nov 9Very busy68°F20°C / 60°F16°C
Nov 11Quiet68°F20°C / 60°F16°C
Nov 13Busy68°F20°C / 60°F16°C
Nov 14Very busy68°F20°C / 60°F16°C
Nov 15Busy68°F20°C / 60°F16°C
Nov 16Normal68°F20°C / 60°F16°C
Nov 17Normal68°F20°C / 60°F16°C
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