Private Tour

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

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

5 hours

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

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.

What To Expect

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.

40 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Barrio Monumental

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.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Private transportation

All activities mentioned

Local and bilingual guides

30-minute graffiti workshop

Peruvian lunch at a local restaurant

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

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

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

4 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Callao side trip
Dale H,,Jan 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This is an interesting side trip if you have already seen Lima. Callao is a port city so you see poverty with a burgeoning art scene as well as La punta, an upscale residential conclave and beach area. Alfredo was a very well informed and fun guide.
Callao if you have time
TennisBumMiami,,Feb 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our cruise ship docked in Callao and our schedule permitted us to take a tour of Callao before heading into Lima for 4 days. We found Alfredo to be an excellent guide - knowledgably, friendly and totally fluent in English. For a port city, Callao has a beautiful beach area and a historical old town. We also had a hands on lesson on graffiti art which was fun. Alfredo took us to a typical Peruvian restaurant where we had a delicious lunch. Highly recommend Alternative Peru for tours of Lima and vicinity.
The best tour ever
Volker S,,Nov 28, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was soo great! We have seen beautiful places, made great activities and met wonderful people. Whenever you are in Callao or Lima you must do this. Thank you so much Alfredo for this amazing wonderful day. We will never forget.
Graffiti/Culture Tour was amazing
pattihX9064XH,,Mar 26, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We did a half day tour with Alfredo touring the murals/graffiti of Callao. It was amazing. We had the opportunity to make our own piece of art and were given a great little souvenir of it to take home. Alfredo was very accommodating, speaks fluent English and shared knowledge of Peru and the lifestyles of residents that we did not get on any of the other tours. Highly recommend it!