LTourism Lima

Tours & experiences

History, Art and Culture in Callao: Highlights and Hidden Gems

About this experience

On this tour of Callao, you'll explore two different areas of the often-overlooked smaller twin city of Lima. First, you'll visit the upscale La Punta neighbourhood, which is located on a peninsula with rocky beaches and neo-colonial and Bauhaus mansions. The next stop is the historic centre of Callao, an interesting mix of colonial architecture, modern art and professional street art.

It is thanks to this contemporary art that Callao's historic centre has transformed from a crime-ridden and dilapidated area into a colourful and safe neighbourhood. Modern art and street art have not only revived the neighbourhood but also the local economy and community.

This tour also includes a cultural and local experience: a delicious lunch at a local restaurant as well as a graffiti workshop by a local street artist.

At a glance

  • Duration: 5 hr
  • Private experience

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History, Art and Culture in Callao: Highlights and Hidden Gems
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour5 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 5 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Local guides to help you plan

What is included

  • Private transportation
  • All activities mentioned
  • Local and bilingual guides
  • 30-minute graffiti workshop
  • Peruvian lunch at a local restaurant

Itinerary and highlights

The first stop of the day is the La Punta peninsula of Callao: a true hidden gem, that not many tourists discover during their stay in Lima. An upscale neighbourhood with rocky beaches, seaside mansions and spectacular views, La Punta has a more distinctly Peruvian character than other upscale areas of Lima.

The second stop is just a short drive away: the historic centre of Callao. You'll explore its colourful streets with colonial architecture and art on a walking tour of about 1.5 hour. The guide will show you around the main historic places, such as Fort Real Felipe, Plaza Grau, Plaza Matriz, Plaza Gálvez and the port.

On the walk, you'll also discover some of the more than 600 murals painted by local and international street 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. In the meantime, the guide will tell you more about the impressive transformation of this part of Callao and the impact it has had on this community.

After all this admiring and observing, you'll now immerse yourself in Callao's local culture. First, you'll have a 30-minute workshop, during which a local street artist will teach you some basic graffiti skills. You can make your own piece of street art and take a photo with it to show everyone back home. Finally, you will have lunch at a local restaurant, you can enjoy a traditional ceviche or any local dish.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Alternative Peru

Accessibility and practical details

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 5 hr.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Adult tickets: age 0+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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