Port Callao (Lima, Peru): A Seafarer’s Guide
If you’re heading for a crew change at Port Callao, be ready for an adventure! Flights from Europe to Lima typically arrive late in the evening or at night, so don’t be surprised if you’re immediately sent to your hotel. The drive from the airport to the hotel takes about 30 minutes, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a chance to enjoy a traditional Peruvian breakfast with local fruits and vegetables. Don’t miss the opportunity to try them — it’s a great way to start the day.
The hotel you’ll be staying at is located in the La Punta area, near Port Callao. This is convenient as the port is only a 15-20 minute drive away. An agent will collect your passports, and you’ll need to wait about 30 minutes at the port administration while they prepare your passes. Port Callao has a single entrance where you will undergo a thorough check before passing through the turnstile. Taxis enter separately, and seafarers with suitcases and personal items go through security at the entrance. After the baggage check, you’ll get back into the taxi and head towards customs.
Pro Tip: Keep in mind that alcohol is not allowed at Port Callao. If your luggage is checked, they will find it immediately. You can bring 200 cigarettes, but it’s best not to risk bringing lard or other meat products — customs strictly controls the importation of such goods.
Important Information About Port Callao
Port Callao (Lima, Peru) is the largest and most important port in the country, located on the Pacific Ocean coastline. It serves as Peru’s main maritime gateway and is actively developing to meet the growing demand for international shipping. Here are some interesting facts about the port:
- Cargo Throughput: Port Callao handles over 1.5 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually, making it the largest container port in Peru. In addition to container cargo, the port also processes significant amounts of oil, grain, mineral products, and other bulk commodities.
- Wharves: The port has several terminals, including specialized ones for containers, bulk cargo, and passenger vessels. There are a total of 29 wharves, each equipped to handle vessels of various sizes.
- Types of Vessels: Vessels of various classes dock at Port Callao, including container ships, tankers, bulk carriers, and even cruise liners. The port can accommodate ships with a draft of up to 16 meters, enabling it to handle large vessels.
- Development: The port is undergoing active modernization. Significant investments have been made in recent years to expand and upgrade its infrastructure, including the construction of new wharves and increased capacity at the container terminals. This allows the port to meet international standards and ensures fast and efficient cargo handling.
So, if you’re being directed to this port, rest assured that you’ll be in one of the most dynamically developing ports in the region!