On this tour of Callao, we explore two different areas of the often overlooked smaller twin city of Lima. We start with upscale La Punta, a neighbourhood on a peninsula with rocky beaches and colonial mansions. Next, we head to the historic centre of Callao, which consists of an interesting mix of colonial architecture and modern art and street art. The best street art of Lima, without a doubt.
Callao’s historic centre has transformed over the last decade from a crime-ridden and dilapidated area into a colorful artistic and safe neighborhood. On our walk, we can admire both Callao’s architectural gems as well as its contemporary street art. There are more than 60 murals and graffitis of local and international artists as well as modern art galleries. These have not only revived the neighborhood but also the local economy and community.
As in our other Lima tours, there is a cultural and local experience included: a delicious local lunch as well as a graffiti workshop by a local street artist.
Pick-up from hotels in central areas. Pick-up at cruise shuttle stop or airport available for an additional fee.
10am
It is very important to note that Callao is its own separate city and not part of Lima city. This seems like a small detail to visitors, but not so to locals. They are very proud of their separate city, even though it is mostly known to visitors for its international airport and cruise port. In Peru, it has long been known as a dangerous place that tourists shouldn’t visit, except for flying in or out.
While it is still true that certain areas of Callao are to be avoided, other areas have seen a remarkable transformation. The former notorious port district has become a hip place with social events, a lot of amazing street art, and good food. All this is thanks to art initiatives, starting with a few local artists who converted several walls in the historic center into art pieces.
This transformation opened up economic opportunities for many of the community members and offered an alternative to a life of crime and violence for young people. People’s homes became menú-style restaurants, cafes sprung up, housing conditions improved and the streets became safer.
Your guide and driver pick you up from your hotel at 10 am and together you head towards Callao. After about a 40 minutes drive we arrive at our first stop in Callao: the La Punta peninsula. While most tourists won’t visit this upscale neighborhood with rocky beaches, seaside mansions, and spectacular views, La Punta has a more distinctly Peruvian character than other upscale areas of Lima such as Miraflores.
Next, we head to the nearby historic centre of Callao to explore its colorful streets with colonial architecture and full of art. On our walk, we see the main architectural gems, such as Fort Real Felipe, Plaza Grau, Plaza Matriz, Plaza Gálvez and the port. But we also discover the many murals painted by both local and international artists. There are also many art galleries and studios of both national and international artists around for those that are interested in more conventional modern art.
On the walk, we also learn more about how this transformation of the Callao centre came about and what impact it has had on this community. After the walking tour (of about 1.5 hours), we have lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, a local street artist teaches us some basic graffiti skills in a 30-minute workshop. You can make your own piece of art and of course, take a photo to show everyone at home.
Afterward, we head back to Lima and drop you off at your hotel around 2:30 pm (exact time depending on traffic).
Your visit benefits the local community in different ways. First of all, it provides an (additional) income to several community members, including the cook and the street artist.
In addition to financial benefits, the interest and attention of people who came from all over the world increases the pride of the local people in their communities. The admiration of visitors from across the world reinforces their engagement to continue to improve their community.
Prices are in USD and per person.
Prices include: Pick-up and dropoff from Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco hotels (or close by), local lunch, private transport, bilingual tour leader, local guide, all activities, contribution to NGO or project.
Pick-up and drop-off can be added from the airport or Callao port for an additional fee of 40 USD (per group).
