Callao

For other uses, see Callao (disambiguation).

"Ports of Lima" redirects here. For the album by Sore, see Ports of Lima (album).

Callao
City and constitutional province
St. Joseph's Cathedral on the Plaza Mayor La Punta Monument to Miguel Grau Beach in Callao Port of Callao Panoramic view from the Real Felipe Fortress
Flag
Nicknames:  The Pearl of the Pacific, The First Harbour
Motto:  The faithful and generous city of Callao, asylum of the laws and freedom
Location of Callao within Peru
Coordinates: 12°03′08″S 77°08′21″W
Country	Peru
Province	Callao
Established	6 March 1537
Founded by	Diego Ruiz
Districts	List Bellavista Callao (downtown) Carmen de la Legua Reynoso La Perla La Punta Ventanilla Mi Perú
Government
• Type	Regional Government
• Mayor	Pedro Spadaro
• Senator	Jacques Rodrich (FP)
Area
• Total	147.85 km2 (57.09 sq mi)
Elevation	5 m (16 ft)
Population  (2025 est.)
• Total	1,226,200
• Rank	3rd in Peru
• Density	8,293.5/km2 (21,480/sq mi)
Demonym	Chalaco/a
Time zone	UTC-5 (PET)
Postal code	07001
Area code	14
Website	Official Website

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Callao (Spanish pronunciation: [kaˈʝa.o]) is a seaside city and constitutional province in Peru. Located next to the Pacific Ocean, it forms part of the Lima metropolitan area alongside Lima province. Its autonomous status dates back to 1836, when it was declared a Littoral Province of the Peru–Bolivian Confederation, after which it was declared a Constitutional Province by the government of Ramón Castilla in 1857.

Callao is Peru's chief seaport and home to its main airport, Jorge Chávez International Airport. Founded in 1537 by the Spaniards, the city has a long naval history as one of the main ports in Spanish America and the Pacific, having been a vital Spanish town of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Central Callao is about 15 km (9.3 mi) west of the Historic Centre of Lima.