Peru

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Peru tour is fully guided and includes most meals, all hotels, and all activities. Happy Travels! Caravan
Chinchero
Machu Picchu
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Tour Year:

20262027

Callao Peru

Callao is one of Peru’s biggest cities. Yet, it often slips past the notice of travelers considering Peruvian destinations.

That’s worth changing! In this guide, discover what makes Callao such an underrated gem. Then, gain a few key insights into how to best plan a trip to this vibrant city.

What Is Callao, Peru?

Callao is one of the Constitutional Provinces in Peru (named after the “Callao Region”). The Callao District is one of seven districts within the Province of Callao.

However, when people talk about Callao, Peru, they’re usually referring to the city.

Where Is Callao?

Callao is on Peru’s coast. It’s about 6-8 miles (9-13 km) due West of Lima.

Free Trade Zone: Callao Port, Peru, Is Not For Travelers

The Port of Callao (or, Puerto del Callao) is the gateway port of Peru.

It’s industrial. In 2024, it processed over 3 million TEUs of international cargo.

As a designated Free Trade Zone, businesses using the port are empowered to expand, particularly in manufacturing and warehousing.

However: Callao Port is not for tours or visiting.

Do Not Explore. Exit Safely.

Due to the FTZ designation, the port does not host retail trade. There are no shops, nor are there restaurants.

It is not safe for people on trips to explore the port on their own, and attempts to do so may result in trespassing charges.

Instead, those visiting the city of Callao who arrive at the port should exit swiftly and carefully. Follow all directions of port authorities and signage.

Pro tip: Several Callao hotels facilitate an easy disembark-drive-arrive process for their guests through a shuttle service. Before you arrive, call and see if your hotel can arrange this service.

Is The Lima-Callao Metropolitan Area Safe?

Lima and Callao have strong security, and they’re well regarded as safe destinations. They’re also at sea level, so, unlike other Peruvian destinations, travelers face no altitude-related risks.

5 Best Things To Do In Callao

Don’t miss these attractions and excursions on your trip.

1. Explore Callao Monumental

Also called “Callao Turismo Histórico,” Callao Monumental is a historic arts district of the city. It’s filled with vibrant murals, sculptures, art galleries, live music and dance performances, and an abundance of cafes and restaurants.

2. Tour Fortaleza Real Felipe (Fortress)

In the center of Callao’s Monumental Zone is Real Felipe Fortress. Once, it defended the port of Peru from pirates and corsairs. Today, it houses the Peruvian Army Museum.

Guided tours bring the fort’s history to life, immersing guests in an interactive narrative experience. Those intrigued by the paranormal can even take a ghost tour after dark.

3. Enjoy La Punta Beach & The Palomino Islands

Playa La Punta is a popular Peruvian beach. Stroll along the beachside Malecón Pardo La Punta boardwalk, or swim in the beach’s calm waters.

For something extra, try a boat tour to the Palomino Islands.

Just off the La Punta coast, the Palomino Islands are home to nesting sea lions, dolphins, and Humboldt penguins!

Certain escapades empower guests to swim with the sea lions in a controlled area. Others emphasize exploring the islands by boat.

4. Experience Callao’s Dining Scene

Callao has a thriving restaurant and market culture. Among the numerous popular spots to grab a bite, travelers name a few true standouts.

La Caleta de La Punta is an award-winning restaurant not far from the harbor. Visitors leave rave reviews, particularly highlighting the ceviche.

Ventanita Del Medio is a budget-friendly dessert shop right near the docks. It’s a friendly, local spot, great for a snack, and it’s earned a reputation for “spectacular” cremoladas!

Mercado de Callao is an outdoor, seaside market. If you’re adventurous, this bustling hub is just the place to find fresh-caught seafood and local delicacies.

5. Spend An Afternoon In Nearby Lima

Lima, Peru’s capital, has a lot of experiences on offer. And, it’s only 6-7 miles away from Callao!

Head over to Lima for an afternoon, and you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy:

  • Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pyramid built in layers across centuries—and civilizations.
    • This archeological wonder is in Lima’s Miraflores neighborhood.
  • Lima’s Historic Center, a preserved Spanish Colonial-era neighborhood and UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Parque del Amor (Park of Love), a clifftop park filled with gardens, sculptures, and romantic sunset views

With Caravan, Journey To Callao, Lima, and Beyond

Caravan’s Tour of Peru With Machu Picchu is all-inclusive: every meal, hotel, and ticket to ancient mysteries is set and ready—each piece precisely curated by our masterful travel directors.

From Callao to Cusco, each leg of this eight-day journey through Peru brings new wonders.

To learn more about Caravan’s Peruvian tour, call +1-312-321-9800.

Or, to book your spot, contact our team at 1-800-227-2826.

Sacred Valley of the Incas
Cusco
Moray

Caret DownCaret Up Red2026 Hotels

2026 Hotels

Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.

Marriott Courtyard Miraflores

Days 1, 2 • Lima

Marriott Courtyard Miraflores

Marriott Courtyard Miraflores

Courtyard by Marriott Miraflores is a modern hotel set in Lima’s vibrant Miraflores district, known for its cafes, green parks, and scenic coastal views. The hotel has a restaurant and 24-hour fitness center. Free Wifi.

Rustica Hotel

Days 3, 4, 5 • Sacred Valley

Rustica Hotel

Rustica Hotel

Rustica Hotel Cusco Urubamba is a brand-new boutique retreat nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. With just 32 spacious rooms, each offering panoramic views of the Andes, the hotel provides an intimate and serene experience. Resident alpacas freely roam the hotel grounds offering guests a chance to interact and take photos with these gentle Andean locals. Rustica Hotel Cusco Urubamba has a restaurant, bar, heated outdoor pool, and three jacuzzis. Spa services are available for an additional fee. Free Wifi.

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco

Day 6 • Cusco

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco

The JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is a luxury hotel housed in the beautifully restored 16th-century San Augustin convent, just three blocks from the Plaza de Armas. The hotel offers oxygen enriched rooms, two restaurants, and a boutique gift shop. Guests can unwind at the full service spa which features a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room - all available for an additional fee. Free Wifi.

Marriott Courtyard Miraflores

Day 7 • Lima

Marriott Courtyard Miraflores

Marriott Courtyard Miraflores

Courtyard by Marriott Miraflores is a modern hotel set in Lima’s vibrant Miraflores district, known for its cafes, green parks, and scenic coastal views. The hotel has a restaurant and 24-hour fitness center. Free Wifi.

Caret DownCaret Up RedAirport Transfers

Airport Transfers

Arrival Transfers

Transfer on your own from the Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Marriott Courtyard Miraflores (Calle Schell 400, Miraflores) in Lima. Once you have exited customs and collected your baggage at the airport, proceed to the counters for official taxi companies such as Taxi Seguro and Green Taxi. Here you can request your taxi. You can book and pay at the counter before exiting the terminal. The driving time from the airport to your hotel, Marriott Courtyard Miraflores, is approximately 30 - 60 minutes depending on traffic. You can pay using U.S. Dollars, Peruvian Soles, or with a credit card. Taxi fares range from 90 - 130 Peruvian Soles, or $25 - $35 U.S. Dollars (depending on the exchange rate) plus tip. ATMs and a currency exchange are available at the airport. When you arrive at your hotel, please identify yourself as a Caravan tour member to the front desk personnel.

Departure Transfers

Caravan includes fixed departure transfers from your hotel to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), scheduled to arrive at 5:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. These transfers are only available at these set times on the day the tour ends. If you extend your stay in Peru or if you wish to go at a different time, you will need to transfer on your own, at your own expense. Please ask the hotel bellman to arrange a taxi. Fares are approximately $25 - $35 U.S. Dollars per taxi, plus tip. The driving time from the hotel to the airport is approximately 30 - 60 minutes depending on traffic.

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.

Caret DownCaret Up RedPassports & Visas

Passports & Visas

Peru requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.

Caret DownCaret Up RedWeather & Clothing

Weather & Clothing

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

LimaSacred ValleyMachu PicchuCusco
TempRainTempRainTempRainTempRain
Jan79/681.073/515.569/5313.462/444.2
Feb80/691.673/514.169/5312.862/443.8
Mar80/681.373/513.670/5313.463/442.6
Apr76/650.574/481.970/537.364/411.1
May72/620.374/430.371/512.365/360.2
Jun69/610.574/400.572/502.064/330.1
Jul67/600.674/380.272/492.164/320.1
Aug67/590.575/410.474/502.464/350.1
Sep67/600.475/450.574/523.065/390.5
Oct69/610.476/491.973/536.465/421.3
Nov72/630.376/502.773/546.865/431.9
Dec76/650.574/514.270/5410.864/443.2

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Lima
temp79/6880/6980/6876/6572/6269/6167/6067/5967/6069/6172/6376/65
rainfall1.01.61.30.50.30.50.60.50.40.40.30.5
Sacred Valley
temp73/5173/5173/5174/4874/4374/4074/3875/4175/4576/4976/5074/51
rainfall5.54.13.61.90.30.50.20.40.51.92.74.2
Machu Picchu
temp69/5369/5370/5370/5371/5172/5072/4974/5074/5273/5373/5470/54
rainfall13.412.813.47.32.32.02.12.43.06.46.810.8
Cusco
temp62/4462/4463/4464/4165/3664/3364/3264/3565/3965/4265/4364/44
rainfall4.23.82.61.10.20.10.10.10.51.31.93.2

Clothing Tips

This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required.

Caret DownCaret Up RedTravel Tips & FAQs

Travel Tips & FAQs

These are only the first 4 Travel Tips. Read all 37 Travel Tips

My Tour Price Includes

Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary, airport departure transfers, gratuities to hotel porters and restaurant staff. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation.

International Travel with Minors

If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.

Passport & Visas

To enter Peru, U.S. citizens must have a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. A valid passport is a passport that is not about to expire, has empty pages with room for entry/exit stamps, and is free from excess rips or wear & tear. Travellers with a history of criminal convictions should check with the Peruvian Consulate as some countries restrict entry to travellers with past criminal records. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements.

Passport Information

In compliance with local regulations for visiting Machu Picchu, all guests are required to provide their passport information to Caravan no later than 120 days before the tour begins. Please enter your information carefully as all guest names must exactly match passports to board the flight to Cusco and to visit Macchu Picchu. If you receive a new passport after submitting your passport number to Caravan (i.e., if you’ve replaced or renewed your passport) you must bring both passports to Peru, as entrance to Macchu Picchu is strictly controlled via submitted passport numbers.

Read All 37 Travel TipsClick Here for All 37 Travel Tips

Caret DownCaret Up RedCustomer Reviews

Customer Reviews

These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 30 Customer Reviews

"The bus rides were amazingly scenic."

T. &. N. W., Marietta, Georgia

"[Peru's] history is fascinating and the places we visited were well chosen by the Caravan. We made memories to last for a lifetime!"

D. D., SARASOTA, Florida

"The hotels were outstanding! We felt pampered at all three hotels and were especially impressed by the J. W. Marriott in Cusco."

C. M., Cape May, New Jersey

"The Larco Museum was beautiful and outstanding."

D. H., Wentzville, Missouri

"As with our 4 other previous tours with Caravan, all hotels on this tour exceeded our expectations."

B. K., Floral Park, New York

"This was one of the best tour we have been on."

R. &. J. K., Deer Park, New York

"Peru was such a beautiful country to see. I am glad I was able to see it."

D. B. J., North Bend, Ohio

Read All 30 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 30 Customer Reviews

Caret DownCaret Up RedWhy Travel with Caravan?

Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence Since 1952

You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.

PanAm Jet
In 1959, Pan Am invited Caravan to be the very first tour company to fly their clients on its new line of Clipper Jets.
Vintage Motorcoach
In 1964, Caravan introduced the very first fleet of air conditioned motorcoaches in all of Europe.
Leather Back Turtle Park
Caravan is a proud supporter of the Leatherback Turtle National Park and Costa Rica's efforts to protect this endangered giant.
Federal Reserve Bank Of Chicago

Caravan Care

For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.

Caravan's Proud History

In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.

Great Hotels

Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.

Meals

Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.

Complete Sightseeing

Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.

Fully Guided by Tour Directors

All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.

All-inclusive

Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.

Shopping Freedom

Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.

Great Value, Book Early

Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. Most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best airfare.

How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?

Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.

Trade Association Memberships

Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).

NTA, ABA, CLIA, and ACMA