The Lima Cruise Port (Cruise Portao) is situated in Callao, around 8 miles (13 kilometers) from central Lima. A major shipping terminal welcoming freight vessels from across the world, as well as cruise ships, the terminal is the jumping-off place for passengers who want to spend their time in port exploring the Peruvian capital.
Passengers typically head straight into Lima after docking at the Lima Cruise Port. City highlights—including the UNESCO-listed historic center, catacombs, and the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru—can all be visited independently or as part of a shore excursion timed to the cruise ship’s arrival and departure. Note the area around the port itself isn't considered safe for wandering.
For those with more than just a few hours to spare, your options include farther-flung day trips to the Palomino Islands to spot sea lions; sandboarding experiences; and surfing classes. Lima is also the departure point for multi-day trips to Cusco, Machu Picchu, and other Incan heritage sites.
The area around the cruise port has a poor reputation for safety, and travelers should not venture unaccompanied beyond the dock gates.
Lima is a famously dry city, although it’s often overcast and shrouded in sea fog from May to October.
If traveling by taxi, negotiate the fare with your driver before getting into the vehicle.
Reasonably priced taxis into the city are available at the port and typically take around 45 minutes to reach the Plaza de Armas in the city’s historic center. Most cruise ships also operate free shuttle buses to and from the Miraflores neighborhood, while shore excursions generally include round-trip transportation.
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages in Peru. English is often understood in shops, hotels, and restaurants in Lima, but you’ll have a much easier time if you speak some Spanish. The currency is the sol, but some places may take US dollars. ATMs are readily available in the city center, although some may only accept local cards. Most major businesses accept credit cards.
