Callao
Callao | |
|---|---|
|
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 / 12.05222°S 77.13917°W | |
| Country | Peru |
| Province | Callao |
| Established | 6 March 1537 |
| Founded by | Diego Ruiz |
| Districts | |
| Government | |
| • Type | Regional Government |
| • Mayor | Pedro Spadaro |
| 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 |
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.