# Callao

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City and province of Peru

For other uses, see [Callao (disambiguation)](/source/Callao_(disambiguation)).

"Ports of Lima" redirects here. For the album by Sore, see [Ports of Lima (album)](/source/Ports_of_Lima_(album)).

City and constitutional province in Peru

Callao City and constitutional province View from the Plaza Grau La Punta Monument to Miguel Grau Beach in Callao Port of Callao Panoramic view from the Real Felipe Fortress Flag Coat of arms Nicknames: The Pearl of the Pacific,[b] The First Harbour[c] Motto: The faithful and generous city of Callao, asylum of the laws and freedom[d] Location of Callao within Peru Coordinates: 12°03′08″S 77°08′21″W / 12.05222°S 77.13917°W / -12.05222; -77.13917 Country Peru Province Callao[a] Established 6 March 1537[e] Founded by Diego Ruiz[3] Districts List Bellavista Callao (downtown) Carmen de la Legua Reynoso La Perla La Punta Ventanilla Mi Perú Government • Type Regional Government • Mayor Pedro Spadaro Area • Total 147.85 km2 (57.09 sq mi) Elevation 5 m (16 ft) Population (2025 est.)[4] • 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

**Callao** (Spanish pronunciation: [\[kaˈʝa.o\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Spanish)) is a seaside city and [constitutional province](/source/Provinces_of_Peru) in [Peru](/source/Peru).[a] Located next to the [Pacific Ocean](/source/Pacific_Ocean), it forms part of the [Lima metropolitan area](/source/Lima_metropolitan_area) alongside [Lima province](/source/Lima_province). Its autonomous status dates back to 1836, when it was declared a *Littoral Province* of the [Peru–Bolivian Confederation](/source/Peru%E2%80%93Bolivian_Confederation), after which it was declared a *Constitutional Province* by the government of [Ramón Castilla](/source/Ram%C3%B3n_Castilla) in 1857.

Callao is Peru's chief [seaport](/source/Seaport) and home to its main airport, [Jorge Chávez International Airport](/source/Jorge_Ch%C3%A1vez_International_Airport). Founded in 1537 by the [Spaniards](/source/Spaniards), the city has a long [naval](/source/Naval) history as one of the main ports in [Spanish America](/source/Spanish_America) and the Pacific, having been a vital Spanish town of the [Viceroyalty of Peru](/source/Viceroyalty_of_Peru). [Central Callao](/source/Historic_Centre_of_Callao) is about 15 km (9.3 mi) west of the [Historic Centre of Lima](/source/Historic_Centre_of_Lima).

## Etymology

The name of the city and province is derived from *[callao](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/callao)*, a nautical Spanish term for a pebble, replaced today by *[guijarro](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/guijarro)*. It had been previously believed that the word was of Native origin, possibly [Quechua](/source/Quechuan_languages) or [Aymara](/source/Aymaran_languages) in origin. Proponents of this theory included a number of prominent historians of the 19th and 20th centuries, including [Manuel de Mendiburu](/source/Manuel_de_Mendiburu), [Carlos Romero](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Carlos_Romero_Ram%C3%ADrez&action=edit&redlink=1) [[es](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_A._Romero_Ram%C3%ADrez)], and [Ricardo Palma](/source/Ricardo_Palma), among others.[5]

Interest in the etymology of both the city and its demonym increased due to a campaign launched by *[El Callao](/source/Diario_El_Callao) [[es](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diario_El_Callao)]*, a newspaper then headed by M. Darío Arrús. It was during this campaign that Ricardo Palma suggested that the word had its origin in the Native words *calla* (coast) or *chalhua* (to fish). This claim was supported by the terms *cala* (a local word also used to describe fishing as an activity) and *chala* (port), the latter of which would give origin to the term *Challahaque*, which would then be bastardised into *chalaco*. He concluded, however, that the term was European in origin, due to its description in the *Diccionario Histórico-Geográfico de la América Meridional*, a 1771 book by the Venetian [Jesuit](/source/Jesuit) Juan Domingo Coleti. Described as "*Callao (Callaum-calavia)*", the latter term (*calavia*) was the term for ballast used by Italian fishermen at the time.[5]

In addition to the above, [Pedro Paz Soldán](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Juan_de_Arona&action=edit&redlink=1) [[es](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_de_Arona)]'s *Diccionario de Peruanismos* cites a similar origin. The definition provided by Augustinian priest Bernabé Torres in 1667, which made a specific mention of the rocky coastline, was ultimately considered decisive for the determination of the word's origin.[5]

Prior to its definitive name, other terms for the port included: *Puerto de Santa María*, *Puerto de La Mar* (used in Lima), *Puerto de la Ciudad de los Reyes*, *Callao de Lima*, and *Puerto y Callao de la mar*. It appeared for the first time with the name of *Callao de la Mar* in 1558, and the name of *Puerto del Callao* had been defined by 1586. In 1630, it was named by [Bernabé Cobo](/source/Bernab%C3%A9_Cobo) as the "Port and City of Callao" ([Spanish](/source/Spanish_language): *Pueblo y Puerto del Callao*).[5]

Residents of Callao are known as *chalacos* after the [Quechua](/source/Quechuan_languages) word *[Chala](/source/Chala)*, meaning coast.

## History

The oldest traces of human occupation of Callao date back more than 10,000 years and are the stone workshops on [Chivateros Hill](/source/Chivateros). Throughout the pre-Inca period, various peoples settled in the area, primarily dedicated to fishing.[6] In the mid-15th century, the territory of Callao was annexed to the [Inca Empire](/source/Inca_Empire), with the Inca Palace of Oquendo being one of its strategic centres.

### Spanish period

Callao in 1655.

Callao had been settled by Spaniards in 1535, when in January of that year the ships that the conquistador [Pedro de Alvarado](/source/Pedro_de_Alvarado) sold to [Francisco Pizarro](/source/Francisco_Pizarro) and [Diego de Almagro](/source/Diego_de_Almagro) landed in the port. Later that same month, the city of [Lima](/source/Lima) (then called *Los Reyes*) was established. On March 6, 1537, the Spaniard Diego Ruiz obtained a license to inaugurate a [tambo](/source/Tambo_(Inca_structure)) (an administrative structure with supplies) in the port of Lima.[7] In 1555, the construction of the first Spanish neighbourhood began.

In 1556, Viceroy [Andrés Hurtado de Mendoza](/source/Andr%C3%A9s_Hurtado_de_Mendoza%2C_3rd_Marquis_of_Ca%C3%B1ete) appointed Francisco López as the port's first mayor. The [Lima city council](/source/Cabildo_of_Lima) recognized him by presenting him with the staff of justice, a symbol of his municipal authority. However, the first municipal authority of the port was Cristóbal Garzón, who served as "Port Constable," having been appointed by the "Chief Constable of Lima," Juan Astudillo Montenegro. He also oversaw the adjacent lands of Daniel Gustavo Fonseca Arroyo, a landowner in Callao's countryside.

Due to its status as the main port of the [Viceroyalty of Peru](/source/Viceroyalty_of_Peru), it was a constant target of pirate and privateer attacks. In 1579, English pirate [Francis Drake](/source/Francis_Drake) violently attacked the port, and in 1624, the Dutchman [Jacques l'Hermite](/source/Jacques_l'Hermite) did the same. In response, the Spanish government ordered the construction of defensive walls around the city, which were erected between 1634 and 1647. These defensive installations reached their culmination in October 1747 with the start of construction on the [Real Felipe Fortress](/source/Real_Felipe_Fortress), the first phase of which was completed in 1773.

Callao in 1744.

On the 1635 map by cartographer Guiljelmus Blaeuw (1571–1638), it is listed as the *Villa del Callao* (V. del Callao), just as Lima appears as "Los Reyes" or *Villa de Lima* ("V. Lima"). Due to its proximity to the Peruvian capital, it was colloquially known by the Spanish as the *Port of Lima* or as *Callao de Lima*, a situation that was abandoned as the territory of Callao grew naturally and, like many European cities, developed to achieve city status in 1671.

Following this upgrade, it soon became the main port for Spanish commerce in the [Pacific](/source/Pacific_Ocean). At the height of the viceroyalty, virtually all goods produced in the Lower Peru, [Upper Peru](/source/Upper_Peru), and the [River Plate](/source/Viceroyalty_of_the_R%C3%ADo_de_la_Plata) were carried over the [Andes](/source/Andes) by [mule](/source/Mule) to Callao, to be shipped to [Panama](/source/Panama), carried overland, and then transported on to Spain via [Cuba](/source/Cuba). The port of Callao was also a node in the [Manila galleon](/source/Manila_galleon) route connecting America and Asia through [Acapulco](/source/Acapulco) and [Manila](/source/Manila).[8]

A number of natural disasters claimed many lives and caused widespread destruction in the port. Among the most devastating was the [earthquake of October 28, 1746](/source/1746_Lima%E2%80%93Callao_earthquake), which was accompanied by a tsunami that destroyed the city and decimated its population. Of the five thousand people who lived in Callao, only 200 survived. In response to this disaster and seeking to prevent its recurrence, Viceroy [José Manso de Velasco](/source/Jos%C3%A9_Manso_de_Velasco%2C_1st_Count_of_Superunda), the 1st Count of Superunda, founded the city of [Bellavista](/source/Bellavista_District) on a plain three kilometers inland. However, this did not cause the residents of Callao to abandon their original location on the seashore. In 1780, direct trade between [Manila](/source/Manila), [Philippines](/source/Philippines) at Asia; and Callao, [Peru](/source/Peru); in South America, was officially approved by the Spanish King, and organized by the Royal Philippine Company, leading to much immigration of Filipinos to Peru and Peruvians to the Philippines.[9][10]

Callao took great importance during the [Peruvian War of Independence](/source/Peruvian_War_of_Independence) since it not only controlled the traffic of goods, but also the use of the military fleet. In that sense, it changed hands several times, and in 1821, the first capture of the Real Felipe Fortress by the troops under the command of General [José de San Martín](/source/Jos%C3%A9_de_San_Mart%C3%ADn) took place. Following the [Battle of Ayacucho](/source/Battle_of_Ayacucho) on December 9, 1824, that sealed the independence of Peru and South America, Spain made unsuccessful attempts to retain its former territories. One of these attempts led to a [13-month siege](/source/Second_siege_of_Callao) by nationalist forces backed by [Simón Bolívar](/source/Sim%C3%B3n_Bol%C3%ADvar), concluding in 1826 with the surrender of the fortress to General [Bartolomé Salom](/source/Bartolom%C3%A9_Salom) by General [José Ramón Rodil](/source/Jos%C3%A9_Ram%C3%B3n_Rodil).

### Republican period

In a session on March 8, 1834, the [National Convention](/source/Congress_of_the_Republic_of_Peru) presided over by [Francisco Xavier de Luna Pizarro](/source/Francisco_Xavier_de_Luna_Pizarro) decorated the port as "The Faithful and Generous City of Callao, Asylum of the Laws and Liberty," as a reward for defending the government of General [Luis José de Orbegoso](/source/Luis_Jos%C3%A9_de_Orbegoso) against the coup attempts of General [Pedro Pablo Bermúdez](/source/Pedro_Pablo_Berm%C3%BAdez). The province last belonged to the [department of Lima](/source/Department_of_Lima) in 1836, after which it would be allowed an autonomy that has since remained.

The **Littoral Province of Callao** ([Spanish](/source/Spanish_language): *Provincia Litoral del Callao*)[f] was created on August 20, 1836. Its creation was ordered by [Andrés de Santa Cruz](/source/Andr%C3%A9s_de_Santa_Cruz), then Protector of [North Peru](/source/North_Peru), a newly created state that would become a constituent country of the [Peru–Bolivian Confederation](/source/Peru%E2%80%93Bolivian_Confederation) later that year. As a [littoral province](/source/Provinces_of_Peru), it operated under a special autonomous regime separate from the country's departments, but equal in status to them.

The [Peruvian Civil War of 1856–1858](/source/Peruvian_Civil_War_of_1856%E2%80%931858) saw the troops of provisional president [Ramón Castilla](/source/Ram%C3%B3n_Castilla) face of against those of [Manuel Ignacio de Vivanco](/source/Manuel_Ignacio_de_Vivanco) due to ideological differences regarding the constitution at the time. On the night of April 21, 1857, an [attack](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Callao_(1857)&action=edit&redlink=1) [[es](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desembarco_en_el_Callao_(1857))] by Vivanco's troops on the port of Callao continued into the morning of the next day, where they were defeated by local pro-government militias. This action led to Castilla again changing the province's status.

The **Constitutional Province of Callao** ([Spanish](/source/Spanish_language): *Provincia Constitucional del Callao*) was the new name under given to the province by Castilla. Like its predecessor, it meant that the province was independent of any department, but equal in status to them. The difference was in name only: all of the other provinces had been given their names by law, while this had been granted through a constitutional mandate. The new province's first mayor was Colonel Manuel Cipriano Dulanto.

Between 1850 and 1851, the Lima-Callao railway, the second in South America, began operating. This railway departed from the port and ran along the entire length of [Colonial Avenue](/source/%C3%93scar_R._Benavides_Avenue) to [San Juan de Dios Station](/source/Plaza_San_Mart%C3%ADn%2C_Lima). There was also another, smaller railway, called "El Urbanito," which only transported people within the port itself. Callao was a pioneer in urban health and safety, and on December 5, 1860, the first fire company in Peru, the Unión Chalaca No. 1, was inaugurated in its jurisdiction.

In 1864, following an incident which led to the death of a Spaniard one year prior, the [Spanish Navy](/source/Spanish_Navy) occupied the [Chincha Islands](/source/Chincha_Islands), leading to a [military confrontation](/source/Chincha_Islands_War) that would last from 1865 to 1871. On May 2, 1866, [a battle](/source/Battle_of_Callao) between the forces of Spanish Admiral [Casto Méndez Núñez](/source/Casto_M%C3%A9ndez_N%C3%BA%C3%B1ez) and those of Peruvian Colonel [Mariano Ignacio Prado](/source/Mariano_Ignacio_Prado) and [José Gálvez Egúsquiza](/source/Jos%C3%A9_G%C3%A1lvez_Eg%C3%BAsquiza) took place in the coast of Callao. The latter, then [Minister of War](/source/Ministry_of_Defence_(Peru)), was killed in action and subsequently commemorated as a war hero.

Callao in 1890.

During the [War of the Pacific](/source/War_of_the_Pacific), Callao was one of the populated places near Lima that were [occupied by Chilean troops](/source/Occupation_of_Lima) in early 1881. On January 17 of the same year, the Peruvian fleet was scuttled on site, and the port city surrendered the following day.

### 20th century

In 1921, the Bureau of Public Works granted a concession to [M.I.T.](/source/Massachusetts_Institute_of_Technology) engineer John Tinker Glidden for paving, administering, and inaugurating a public cart road between Callao and Lima, further coalescing a [metropolitan area between both cities](/source/Lima_metropolitan_area).

On the afternoon of April 28, 1947, the *[Kon-Tiki](/source/Kon-Tiki_expedition)*, a raft crewed by a team led by Norwegian adventurer [Thor Heyerdahl](/source/Thor_Heyerdahl) left Callao. By 1949, the city was known as one of the biggest centers of [coca](/source/Coca)-based products and [cocaine](/source/Cocaine) [traffic](/source/Drug_traffic) in the world.[11]

Callao was one of many places affected by the [period of terrorism and instability](/source/Internal_conflict_in_Peru) that began in 1980. On June 19, 1986, the Peruvian government [executed a number of prisoners](/source/Peruvian_prison_massacres) in the penal colony of [El Frontón](/source/El_Front%C3%B3n). On July 5, 1989, a [terrorist attack](/source/1989_Callao_bombing) targeting members of the [Soviet Navy](/source/Soviet_Navy) injured 33 people in total.

### 21st century

On April 15, 2014, the [Congress of Peru](/source/Congress_of_Peru) approved that [Mi Perú](/source/Mi_Per%C3%BA_District), then a district of [Lima province](/source/Lima_province)'s district of [Ventanilla](/source/Ventanilla_District), become a new district of Callao.[12]

In January 2022, the province was affected by an [oil spill](/source/2022_Callao_oil_spill) caused by abnormal waves provoked by the [volcanic eruption in Tonga](/source/2022_Hunga_Tonga%E2%80%93Hunga_Ha%CA%BBapai_eruption_and_tsunami) earlier that same day.

## Politics

Local government affairs are divided into two levels. Regional matters are handled by the [Regional Government of Callao](/source/Regional_Government_of_Callao), whose headquarters are located in front of the [Jorge Chávez International Airport](/source/Jorge_Ch%C3%A1vez_International_Airport).[13] Affairs such as city cleaning, promoting of sports and basic services are handled by the Provincial Municipality of Callao, which is headquartered in the [Callao District](/source/Callao_District). Also, each of the six districts has its own municipal government, which handles matters in their respective jurisdictional areas.

### List of mayors

Since 2023, the incumbent mayor is [Pedro Spadaro](/source/Pedro_Spadaro). The mayor of Callao represents both the province and the [district](/source/Callao_District).

Mayor Party Term Begin End Mayors of Callao (1556–1857) Cristóbal Garzón[g] —N/a 1555 Francisco López —N/a August 1, 1556 Mayors of the Constitutional Province of Callao Manuel Cipriano Dulanto —N/a 1857 1858 José Flores Guerra —N/a 1858 1860 Enrique Higginson —N/a 1860 1861 Gregorio Hurtado — 1861 1864 1867 1868 Nicolás Chuiliza —N/a 1872 1873 Manuel Moscoso —N/a 1872 1873 Adolfo Aramburú —N/a 1874 1875 Wenceslao Venegas —N/a 1876 1877 Jorge Arnaiz —N/a 1877 1878 Jorge Alvarado —N/a 1880 1882 Juan C. Peralta —N/a 1883 1890 Wenceslao Venegas —N/a 1887 1888 Hermógenes Maurtua —N/a 1890 1892 Wenceslao Venegas —N/a 1892 1893 Carlos Mackenzie —N/a 1893 1895 Jorge Sharpe —N/a 1895 1896 Faustino Piaggio —N/a 1896 1898 Belisario Manrique —N/a 1898 1902 Alejandro Mime —N/a 1901 1902 Raúl de Saint Seine —N/a 1902 1905 John J. Impett —N/a 1905 1906 Adolfo Schulz —N/a 1907 1908 Mino Berazzoni —N/a 1908 1910 Santiago Greig —N/a 1910 1911 Francisco Dammert —N/a 1911 1912 Lincoln LaRosa —N/a 1912 1913 Rafael Grau [es] —N/a 1913 1914 Victor M. Perez —N/a 1915 1916 Alberto Secada —N/a 1915 1916 Juan C. Peralta —N/a 1916 1917 Juan E. Miller —N/a 1917 1920 Francisco Dammert —N/a 1920 1921 Juan M. Nosiglia —N/a 1923 1926 Carlos Roe León —N/a 1926 1927 César Velarde Labarrera —N/a 1932 1933 Rufino Azpiazú —N/a 1933 1935 Guillermo Gallo Porras —N/a 1940 1944 Napoleón Muñoz —N/a 1945 1946 Hernán Trisano —N/a 1946 1947 Alberto Sabogal —N/a 1948 1954 Carlos Nuñez del Arco —N/a 1954 1955 Juan Andrés Arata —N/a 1956 1957 Atilio Torchiani Nicolini —N/a 1957 1958 Tomás M. Pizarro [es] —N/a 1958 1962 Manuel L. Arispe —N/a 1962 1963 Oswaldo Winstanley Heredia AP–DC January 1, 1964 December 31, 1966 Jorge Labarthe Gonzáles January 1, 1967 December 31, 1969 Eduardo Carrillo Burgos —N/a 1969 1970 Enrique Madico Escudero —N/a 1969 1970 Héctor Sabogal Sologuren —N/a 1971 1974 Federico Gamboni Barrios —N/a 1975 1975 Agustín Drago Herrada —N/a 1976 1976 Alfonso Altet Torres —N/a 1977 1978 Alfonso Santessi Crovetto —N/a 1979 1980 Ricardo Muelle Maturana Acción Popular January 1, 1981 December 31, 1983 Miguel Monteverde Win APRA January 1, 1984 December 31, 1986 Urbano Julve Ciriaco January 1, 1987 December 31, 1989 Kurt Woll Muller [es] FREDEMO January 1, 1990 December 31, 1992 PPC January 1, 1993 December 31, 1995 Alexander Kouri Bumachar Chim Pum Callao January 1, 1996 December 31, 2006 Félix Moreno Caballero [es] January 1, 2007 December 31, 2010 Juan Sotomayor García [es] January 1, 2011 December 31, 2014 January 1, 2015 April 4, 2018 Rafael Urbina Rivera April 4, 2018 December 31, 2018 Pedro López Barrios [es] Por ti Callao January 1, 2019 December 31, 2022 Pedro Spadaro Philipps Contigo Callao January 1, 2023 Incumbent

### Subdivisions

Callao is divided into seven [districts](/source/Districts_of_Peru), each of which is headed by a mayor.[14]

N° District Population Area km2 Density (pers/km2) Map 1 Callao (downtown) 415,888 45.65 9,147.60 2 Bellavista 75,163 4.56 16 483.11 3 Carmen de la Legua Reynoso 41,863 2.12 19,746.7 4 La Perla 61,698 2.75 22,435.64 5 La Punta 4,370 0.75 5,826.67 6 Ventanilla 277,895 73.52 3,779.86 7 Mi Perú 51,522 2.47 20,859.11

The rest of Callao Region is composed of the islands of [San Lorenzo](/source/San_Lorenzo_Island%2C_Peru), [El Frontón](/source/El_Front%C3%B3n), Cavinzas and [Palomino](/source/Palomino_Islands_(Peru)), which all together have an area of 17.63 km2 (6.81 sq mi).

## Geography

Callao is built on and around the [Peninsula of La Punta](/source/Peninsula_of_La_Punta), where the [district of the same name](/source/La_Punta_District) (and wealthy residential neighborhood) is located. The peninsula separates the bays of [Miraflores](/source/Lima_Bay) and [Callao](/source/Callao_Bay).

### Islands

[Sea lions](/source/Sea_lion) in the [Palomino Islands](/source/Palomino_Islands_(Peru))

Callao has several islands: [San Lorenzo](/source/San_Lorenzo_Island%2C_Peru) (currently a military base), [El Frontón](/source/El_Front%C3%B3n) (a former high security prison), the [Cavinzas Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cavinzas_Islands&action=edit&redlink=1), and the [Palomino Islands](/source/Palomino_Islands_(Peru)), where numerous [sea lions](/source/Sea_lion) and [sea birds](/source/Sea_bird) live in a virtually untouched [ecosystem](/source/Ecosystem). There are proposed plans to build a huge naval, terrestrial, and air port on [San Lorenzo Island](/source/San_Lorenzo_Island%2C_Peru). This project is called the [San Lorenzo Megaport Project](/source/San_Lorenzo_Megaport_Project).

## Culture

Unlike other cities in the country, Callao does not commemorate a founding date. It commemorates its independence from the city of Lima and its elevation as an autonomous territory every August 20.

### Landmarks

Further information: [Historic Centre of Callao](/source/Historic_Centre_of_Callao)

A historical fortress, the *[Castillo de Real Felipe](/source/Real_Felipe_Fortress)* (site of "[Rodil](/source/Jos%C3%A9_Ram%C3%B3n_Rodil_y_Campillo)'s Last Stand"), stands on the promontory overlooking the harbor.

A [large naval base](/source/Callao_Naval_Base) is sited in Callao. Its prison held [Abimael Guzmán](/source/Abimael_Guzm%C3%A1n), the leader of the [Shining Path](/source/Shining_Path) Communist Party of Peru, and holds [Vladimiro Montesinos](/source/Vladimiro_Montesinos), the ex-director of internal security during the [Fujimori](/source/Alberto_Fujimori) regime.

[Jorge Chávez International Airport](/source/Jorge_Ch%C3%A1vez_International_Airport) is located in Callao.

On a bluff overlooking the harbor sits [Leoncio Prado Military Academy](/source/Leoncio_Prado_Military_Academy), the military high school. The city also has a university, the [National University of Callao](/source/National_University_of_Callao).

The main Naval Hospital, Centro Medico Naval is located on [Avenida Venezuela](/source/Avenida_Venezuela) in Bellavista. It contains the U.S. Navy command [Naval Medical Research Unit Six](/source/Naval_Medical_Research_Unit_Six); professional soccer clubs are [Sport Boys](/source/Sport_Boys) and [Atlético Chalaco](/source/Atl%C3%A9tico_Chalaco).

## Demographics

### Crime

Callao is one of the most dangerous areas in Peru and experiences the most crime.[15] The main port city in Peru is known as one of the largest exit points of [cocaine](/source/Cocaine) and is rife with organized crime that results in violence.[15][16] In December 2015, the government declared Callao in a [state of emergency](/source/State_of_emergency) that extended until April 2016, with more than 30 people being killed at the time.[17][18] In 2016, the [murder rate](/source/Murder_rate) in Callao was double the national average; from 10.2 per 100,000 in 2011 to 15.2 in 2015, compared to Lima which saw 4.8 per 100,000 in 2011 and 5.0 per 100,000 in 2015.[15] Despite government and cultural initiatives, crime has continued to increase in Callao, with some public events in the area ending in gunfire.[19]

## Transportation

### Airport

[Jorge Chávez International Airport](/source/Jorge_Ch%C3%A1vez_International_Airport) (IATA: LIM, ICAO: SPJC), known as Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez in Spanish, is Peru's main international and domestic airport. It is located in [Callao district](/source/Callao_District), 12 km (7.5 mi) northwest from the [Historic Center of Lima](/source/Historic_Center_of_Lima). Callao is the port city now [fully integrated](/source/Lima_metropolitan_area) with [Lima](/source/Lima), the nation's capital. In 2008, the airport handled 8,288,506 passengers and 98,733 aircraft movements. The airport was expanded in 2025 with the construction of a new terminal, increasing its capacity to 40 million passengers per year. The old terminal was closed and will be converted into a logistics center.

For many years it was the hub for now defunct [Aeroperú](/source/Aeroper%C3%BA) and [Compañía de Aviación Faucett](/source/Faucett_Per%C3%BA), one of the oldest airlines in Latin America. Now it serves as a hub for many aviation companies such as [Sky Airline Peru](/source/Sky_Airline_Peru), [Atsa Airlines](/source/Atsa_Airlines), [JetSmart Perú](/source/JetSmart_Per%C3%BA), [Star Perú](/source/Star_Per%C3%BA) and [LATAM Perú](/source/LATAM_Per%C3%BA).

### Rail

The port of Callao is served by the 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) [standard gauge](/source/Standard_gauge) [Ferrocarril Central Andino](/source/Ferrocarril_Central_Andino). The rail system connects to the [Desamparados station](/source/Desamparados_station) in the center of [Lima](/source/Lima) and ends in [Huancayo](/source/Huancayo). The rail station in Callao does not currently serve commercial service and instead is used for cargo.

## Notable people

- [Alexander Callens](/source/Alexander_Callens) (born 1992), Peruvian footballer

- [Ángel Díaz Balbín](/source/%C3%81ngel_D%C3%ADaz_Balb%C3%ADn) (1955–1986), Peruvian triple murderer and suspected serial killer

- [Luciana Fuster](/source/Luciana_Fuster) (born 1999), Peruvian model, television personality, and [Miss Grand International 2023](/source/Miss_Grand_International_2023)

- [Mario Montalbetti](/source/Mario_Montalbetti) (born 1953), Peruvian syntactician and linguistics professor

- [Claudio Pizarro](/source/Claudio_Pizarro) (born 1978), highest-scoring [Latin American](/source/Latin_American) in the history of the [Bundesliga](/source/Bundesliga)

- [Nolberto Solano](/source/Nolberto_Solano) (born 1974), Peruvian footballer and manager

- [Yma Sumac](/source/Yma_Sumac) (1922–2008), Peruvian musician

- [Jhoao Ward](/source/Jhoao_Ward) (born 1989), Peruvian footballer

## See also

- [Callao affair](/source/Callao_affair), 1820

- [Battle of Callao (1838)](/source/Battle_of_Callao_(1838))

- [Battle of Callao](/source/Battle_of_Callao), 1866

- [Blockades of Callao](/source/Blockades_of_Callao), several events

- [Siege of Callao (disambiguation)](/source/Siege_of_Callao_(disambiguation)), several events

## Notes

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Region_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Region_1-1) The **Constitutional Province of Callao** ([Spanish](/source/Spanish_language): *Provincia Constitucional del Callao*) is coterminous with the city. Granted autonomy in 1836, it was given its current name in 1857. Equal in status to a department, it has been administered by a [regional government](/source/Regional_Government_of_Callao) since 2003.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [Spanish](/source/Spanish_language): *La Perla del Pacífico*[1]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** [Spanish](/source/Spanish_language): *El Primer Puerto*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** [Spanish](/source/Spanish_language): *La fiel y generosa ciudad del Callao, asilo de las leyes y de la libertad*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** The city has no official foundation date, and its origins date back to early January 1535, prior to the foundation of [Lima](/source/Lima) on the 18th. On March 6, 1537, a successful request by Diego Ruiz to the [Real Audiencia of Lima](/source/Real_Audiencia_of_Lima) was recorded,[2] and the port was elevated to city level in 1671.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Also called the **Military and Political Government of Callao** ([Spanish](/source/Spanish_language): *Gobierno Político y Militar del Callao*)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** As *Alguacil del puerto*.

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-nickname_2-0)** Camara de Comercio de Lima, ed. (2000). ["La Perla del Pacífico"](https://web.archive.org/web/20081203221218/http://www.e-camara.net/revista/2286/ultima-pag.htm). Archived from [the original](http://www.e-camara.net/revista/2286/ultima-pag.htm) on 3 December 2008. Retrieved 9 May 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Conmemoración del 188° Aniversario de la Creación Política de la Provincia del Callao"](https://www.gob.pe/institucion/regioncallao/noticias/1008950-conmemoracion-del-188-aniversario-de-la-creacion-politica-de-la-provincia-del-callao). *[Gob.pe](/source/Gob.pe)*. [Gobierno Regional Callao](/source/Regional_Government_of_Callao). 23 August 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Página en www.regioncallao.gob.pe"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140822110659/http://www.regioncallao.gob.pe/historia-del-callao/). Archived from [the original](http://www.regioncallao.gob.pe/historia-del-callao/) on 22 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Estado de la Población Peruana"](https://cdn.www.gob.pe/uploads/document/file/8353403/6953760-estado-de-la-poblacion-peruana-2025-una-mirada-hacia-la-poblacion-adulta-mayor.pdf) (PDF). July 2025. p. 22.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-INEI_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-INEI_10-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-INEI_10-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-INEI_10-3) Murillo Alfaro, Félix (1999). "I. Reseña Histórica". [*Conociendo CALLAO*](https://web.archive.org/web/20111213204757/http://www1.inei.gob.pe/biblioineipub/bancopub/Est/Lib0275/cap-01.htm) (in Spanish). [Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática](/source/Instituto_Nacional_de_Estad%C3%ADstica_e_Inform%C3%A1tica). Archived from [the original](http://www1.inei.gob.pe/biblioineipub/bancopub/Est/Lib0275/cap-01.htm) on 13 December 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** [*Diagnóstico Socio Económico Laboral del Callao 2012*](https://prototipo.regioncallao.gob.pe/contenidos/contenidosGRC/DATAOSELCALLAO/filesContenido/file10000004.pdf) (PDF) (in Spanish). [Ministerio de Trabajo y Promoción del Empleo](/source/Ministry_of_Labour_and_Promotion_of_Employment). 2013. p. 8.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Huerta, Carlos (2013). *Cronología de la conquista de los Reinos del Perú (1524 - 1572)* (in Spanish). Lima. p. 41. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9786120014066](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9786120014066).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Schottenhammer, Angela (2019). ["Connecting China with the Pacific World"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210527045556/https://www.academia.edu/44625493/Connecting_China_with_the_Pacific_World). *Orientierungen. Zeitschrift zur Kultur Asiens*. **31**: 144–145. Archived from [the original](https://www.academia.edu/44625493/Connecting_China_with_the_Pacific_World) on 27 May 2021 – via Academia.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Paquette, Gabriel B. (2011). [*Enlightenment, Governance, and Reform in Spain and its Empire, 1759–1808*](https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9780230592704). Cambridge Imperial and Post-Colonial Studies. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-230-30052-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-230-30052-1). Retrieved 25 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Cheong, Weng Eang (September 1970). ["Changing the Rules of the Game (The India-Manila Trade: 1785–1809)"](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-southeast-asian-studies/article/abs/changing-the-rules-of-the-game-the-indiamanila-trade-178518091/DFED0589509EC155F2EC9C91A201D637). *Journal of Southeast Asian Studies*. **1** (2). Cambridge University Press: 1–19. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1017/S002246340001925X](https://doi.org/10.1017%2FS002246340001925X). Retrieved 25 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["The White Goddess"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070717031940/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,800079,00.html). *[Time](/source/Time_(magazine))*. 11 April 1949. Archived from [the original](http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,800079,00.html) on 17 July 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Congreso aprobó que Mi Perú sea el nuevo distrito del Callao"](https://elcomercio.pe/lima/congreso-aprobo-mi-peru-sea-nuevo-distrito-callao-310683-noticia/). *[El Comercio](/source/El_Comercio_(Peru))*. 15 April 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Directorio Regional"](http://www.regioncallao.gob.pe/directorio-regional/). *Gobierno Regional del Callao* (in Spanish). Retrieved 29 December 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-municallao2012_21-0)** Municipalidad provincial del Callao (2012). ["El Callao – Distritos del Callao"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150501230629/http://www.municallao.gob.pe/muniCallao/distritos.jsp) (in Spanish). Archived from [the original](http://www.municallao.gob.pe/muniCallao/distritos.jsp) on 1 May 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_22-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_22-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:0_22-2) Yagoub, Mimi (27 March 2017). ["Peru's New Homicide Index Shows Spiking Violence in Drug Port"](https://insightcrime.org/news/brief/peru-first-official-murder-stats-show-spiking-violence-in-drug-port/). *[InSight Crime](/source/InSight_Crime)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230115035202/https://insightcrime.org/news/brief/peru-first-official-murder-stats-show-spiking-violence-in-drug-port/) from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Mistler-Ferguson, Scott (12 January 2023). ["How Important Is Peru's Port of Callao for Cocaine Trade?"](https://insightcrime.org/news/how-important-port-callao-peru-cocaine-trade/). *[InSight Crime](/source/InSight_Crime)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230115035157/https://insightcrime.org/news/how-important-port-callao-peru-cocaine-trade/) from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** GrupoRPP (14 April 2016). ["Amplían por 45 días el estado de emergencia en el Callao"](https://rpp.pe/peru/callao/amplian-por-45-dias-el-estado-de-emergencia-en-el-callao-noticia-953688). *RPP* (in Spanish). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230115041410/https://rpp.pe/peru/callao/amplian-por-45-dias-el-estado-de-emergencia-en-el-callao-noticia-953688) from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["Archivo de Edicion Impresa"](https://impreso.larepublica.pe/larepublica). *impreso.larepublica.pe*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230115041412/https://impreso.larepublica.pe/larepublica) from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Dupraz-Dobias, Paula (1 July 2017). ["Painting Peru's hitmen"](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2017/7/1/painting-perus-hitmen). [Al Jazeera](/source/Al_Jazeera_Arabic). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230115041340/https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2017/7/1/painting-perus-hitmen) from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Callao](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Callao).

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for ***[Callao](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Callao#Q105037)***.

- [Municipality of Callao](http://www.municallao.gob.pe) (in Spanish)

- [Regional government of Callao](http://www.regioncallao.gob.pe/)

- [Jorge Chavez International Airport](http://www.lap.com.pe); [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170703112102/http://www.lap.com.pe/) 3 July 2017 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- [National University of Callao](http://www.unac.edu.pe/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210221003357/http://www.unac.edu.pe/) 21 February 2021 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) (in Spanish)

Places adjacent to Callao Pacific Ocean Santa Rosa San Martín de Porres Pacific Ocean Callao Cercado de Lima Pacific Ocean Pacific Ocean San Miguel

v t e Lima Metropolitan Area Culture Demographics Flag History Timeline Landmarks Mayors People Sport Transport Districts Cono Centro Barranco Breña Jesús María La Victoria Lima Lince Magdalena del Mar Miraflores Pueblo Libre Rímac San Borja San Isidro San Miguel Santiago de Surco Surquillo Cono Este Ate Chaclacayo Cieneguilla El Agustino La Molina Lurigancho-Chosica San Juan de Lurigancho San Luis Santa Anita Cono Norte Ancón Carabayllo Comas Independencia Los Olivos Puente Piedra San Martín de Porres Santa Rosa Cono Sur Chorrillos Lurín Pachacamac Pucusana Punta Hermosa Punta Negra San Bartolo San Juan de Miraflores Santa María del Mar Villa el Salvador Villa María del Triunfo Callao Bellavista Callao Carmen de la Legua Reynoso La Perla La Punta Mi Perú Ventanilla

v t e Peruvian cities with a population of over 100,000 Arequipa Ayacucho Cajamarca Callao Chiclayo Chimbote Chincha Cusco Huacho Huancayo Huánuco Huaraz Ica Iquitos Juliaca Lima Pisco Piura Pucallpa Puno Sullana Tacna Talara Tarapoto Trujillo

v t e Department capitals of Peru Chachapoyas (Amazonas) Huaraz (Ancash) Abancay (Apurímac) Arequipa (Arequipa) Ayacucho (Ayacucho) Cajamarca (Cajamarca) Callao (Callao) Cusco (Cusco) Huancavelica (Huancavelica) Huánuco (Huánuco) Ica (Ica) Huancayo (Junín) Trujillo (La Libertad) Chiclayo (Lambayeque) Lima Huacho (Lima) Iquitos (Loreto) Puerto Maldonado (Madre de Dios) Moquegua (Moquegua) Cerro de Pasco (Pasco) Piura (Piura) Puno (Puno) Moyobamba (San Martín) Tacna (Tacna) Tumbes (Tumbes) Pucallpa (Ucayali)

Authority control databases International VIAF GND WorldCat National United States France BnF data Spain Israel Geographic MusicBrainz area Other IdRef NARA Yale LUX

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Callao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callao) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callao?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.