Port of Callao
The Port of Callao is Peru’s main maritime gateway and one of the most important logistics hubs on the Pacific coast of South America. Located in the Constitutional Province of Callao, next to Lima Metropolitan Area, the port serves importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, agricultural producers, food companies, customs brokers, freight forwarders, logistics providers, and supply chains connected to Peru’s domestic and international trade.
Callao is especially important for containerized freight, refrigerated cargo, agricultural products, food products, beverages, machinery, industrial equipment, spare parts, electronics, textiles, chemicals where permitted, pharmaceuticals where permitted, consumer goods, retail inventory, eCommerce cargo, construction materials, general cargo, and commercial freight moving through international trade lanes.
The port’s UN/LOCODE is PECLL. Shippers should confirm the exact terminal, carrier service, cut-off dates, equipment availability, customs requirements, reefer needs, inland transport plan, and cargo documentation before booking.
Port of Callao Overview
| Port Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Port name | Port of Callao |
| Country | Peru |
| Province / city | Callao / Lima Metropolitan Area |
| Region | Central coast of Peru / Pacific coast of South America |
| UN/LOCODE | PECLL |
| Port type | Seaport / container port / multipurpose cargo port |
| Port authority | Autoridad Portuaria Nacional |
| Main terminals | North Multipurpose Terminal and South Container Terminal |
| Main operators | APM Terminals Callao and DP World Callao |
| Main cargo focus | Containers, refrigerated cargo, agricultural products, food products, machinery, consumer goods, retail cargo, industrial products, general freight |
| Main terminal types | Container terminals, multipurpose terminal, reefer areas, container yards, general cargo areas, inland transport connections, logistics zones |
| Cargo types | Containers, pallets, cartons, refrigerated goods, agricultural products, food products, machinery, spare parts, electronics, textiles, chemicals where permitted, retail products, general cargo |
| Suitable for | Importers, exporters, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, agricultural exporters, customs brokers, freight forwarders, Peru supply chains |
Why Ship Through the Port of Callao?
Callao is located next to Peru’s largest consumer, commercial, industrial, and logistics market. Its proximity to Lima gives shippers access to warehouses, distribution centers, industrial zones, trucking providers, customs services, temporary storage facilities, cold chain operators, and inland routes serving Peru’s interior.
For importers, Callao provides access to container terminals, customs services, inland trucking, warehousing, refrigerated logistics, and distribution routes serving Lima, Callao, Ate, Lurín, Villa El Salvador, San Juan de Lurigancho, Huachipa, Chorrillos, Trujillo, Arequipa, Chiclayo, Piura, Ica, Cusco, and other Peruvian markets.
For exporters, the port supports cargo moving from agricultural areas, packing facilities, production sites, factories, warehouses, food businesses, textile companies, manufacturers, and distributors into international ocean freight services.
Callao is especially relevant for businesses that need access to:
- Peru import and export cargo flows
- Pacific coast container services
- Connections with Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America, and transshipment hubs
- Agricultural exports and refrigerated cargo
- Distribution into Lima Metropolitan Area and inland Peru
- Customs, temporary storage, warehousing, and trucking services
- Retail, eCommerce, machinery, food, industrial cargo, and consumer goods logistics
- FCL, LCL, reefer, and general cargo services
Container Shipping Through Callao
The Port of Callao is Peru’s main container gateway. Its terminals handle import containers, export containers, refrigerated cargo, industrial goods, consumer products, agricultural cargo, food products, retail inventory, and general cargo connected to international shipping routes.
Businesses use Callao for:
- Import containers into Lima, Callao, and inland Peru
- Export containers from Peruvian agricultural, industrial, and commercial supply chains
- Full container load shipments
- Less than container load shipments
- Refrigerated and temperature-sensitive cargo
- Fruit, food products, agricultural goods, and perishables
- Retail and consumer goods cargo
- eCommerce inventory and marketplace seller cargo
- Machinery, spare parts, tools, and industrial equipment
- Electronics, appliances, components, and electrical goods
- Textiles, footwear, apparel, and accessories
- Chemicals, resins, plastics, and industrial materials where permitted
- Pharmaceuticals and healthcare-related cargo where permitted
- Construction materials and industrial products
- Cargo moving to or from Callao, Lima, Lurín, Ate, Huachipa, Villa El Salvador, Chorrillos, San Juan de Lurigancho, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Piura, Ica, Arequipa, Cusco, Pucallpa, and other Peruvian logistics areas
- Shipments connected to Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Qingdao, Busan, Yokohama, Tokyo, Singapore, Port Klang, Balboa, Colón, Buenaventura, Guayaquil, San Antonio, Valparaíso, Manzanillo, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Houston, Miami, Savannah, New York/New Jersey, Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg, Valencia, and Algeciras
For larger shipments, FCL shipping is usually suitable when cargo can fill a 20ft or 40ft container. For smaller shipments, LCL shipping allows businesses to move partial container loads without paying for a full container.
Callao Freight Rates
Freight Shipping Cost from & to Callao for a 20-foot Container
Port Capacity and Terminal Infrastructure
The Port of Callao has infrastructure for containers, multipurpose cargo, refrigerated cargo, container yards, import and export operations, customs procedures, warehousing, trucking, and distribution into the Peruvian market.
The port operates through two major terminal areas. The South Container Terminal is operated by DP World Callao and is focused on container operations. The North Multipurpose Terminal is operated by APM Terminals Callao and handles containers, general cargo, multipurpose cargo, and other commercial freight flows.
The port’s infrastructure supports:
- Container handling
- Import and export container flows
- FCL and LCL cargo
- Refrigerated containers
- Agricultural and perishable cargo
- Food and beverage cargo
- General cargo
- Multipurpose cargo
- Retail and consumer goods cargo
- eCommerce inventory
- Machinery and industrial equipment
- Spare parts and components
- Electronics and electrical goods
- Textiles, footwear, and apparel
- Chemicals, plastics, and resins where permitted
- Pharmaceuticals where applicable
- Construction materials
- Yard and gate operations
- Customs and inspection procedures
- Inland transport into Lima, Callao, and wider Peru
- Warehousing, logistics, and distribution activity
This infrastructure makes Callao suitable for containerized freight, agricultural exports, industrial imports, retail cargo, food products, machinery, refrigerated cargo, consumer goods, and commercial shipments connected to Pacific and global trade lanes.
Main Cargo Handled Through Callao
The Port of Callao handles a broad mix of containerized cargo, agricultural products, refrigerated cargo, food products, beverages, machinery, industrial equipment, spare parts, electronics, textiles, chemicals where permitted, pharmaceuticals where permitted, construction materials, consumer goods, retail inventory, eCommerce cargo, and general cargo.
| Cargo Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Containerized imports | Consumer goods, electronics, machinery, spare parts, chemicals where permitted, plastics, retail inventory |
| Containerized exports | Agricultural products, food products, beverages, textiles, industrial products, general cargo |
| Refrigerated cargo | Fruit, frozen food, fresh products, perishables, temperature-sensitive cargo |
| Agricultural cargo | Grapes, blueberries, citrus, avocado, agro-industrial products, food ingredients |
| Food and beverage cargo | Packaged food, beverages, frozen or chilled goods where service is available |
| Retail cargo | Store inventory, seasonal products, household goods, consumer products |
| eCommerce cargo | Marketplace inventory, consolidated products, fulfillment stock |
| Machinery cargo | Industrial equipment, spare parts, tools, agricultural machinery, production equipment |
| Automotive cargo | Spare parts, tires, components, accessories, replacement parts |
| Electronics cargo | Devices, appliances, electrical components, electronic equipment |
| Chemical and plastic cargo | Packaged chemicals, resins, plastics, and permitted industrial products |
| Pharmaceutical cargo | Healthcare products, medical devices, and sensitive cargo where permitted |
| Construction cargo | Finishes, hardware, packaged materials, industrial products |
| General cargo | Pallets, cartons, samples, finished goods, mixed commercial freight |
Callao is especially relevant for businesses that need access to Peru’s main port, reefer services, customs operations, temporary storage facilities, inland trucking, warehouses, agro-industrial exports, and international shipping routes.
Shipping to Callao, Peru
Importers ship cargo to Callao from Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and other global markets.
Common imports to Callao and Peru include:
- Consumer goods and retail inventory
- eCommerce inventory
- Electronics and components
- Machinery and spare parts
- Industrial equipment
- Agricultural machinery and production inputs
- Automotive parts and accessories
- Raw materials and manufacturing inputs
- Chemicals and plastics where permitted
- Food products and beverages
- Frozen or chilled cargo where service is available
- Packaging materials
- Construction materials
- Furniture and household goods
- Textiles, apparel, and footwear
- Pharmaceuticals and healthcare products where permitted
- General cargo
- Commercial freight
When shipping to Callao, importers should compare total landed cost rather than only the ocean freight rate. Total landed cost may include origin charges, ocean freight, destination charges, customs duties, VAT, perception where applicable, terminal handling, customs broker fees, documentation, storage, demurrage, detention, inland trucking, inspections, final delivery, and cargo insurance.
Use the iContainers ocean freight calculator to estimate shipping costs and compare available freight options.
Shipping From Callao, Peru
Exporters use Callao for cargo moving from Lima, Callao, Ica, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Piura, Áncash, Arequipa, Junín, and other Peruvian production areas to North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Mediterranean, and other international markets.
Common export cargo from Callao and Peru includes:
- Fresh fruit and agricultural products
- Blueberries, grapes, avocado, citrus, and other perishables
- Processed food
- Beverages
- Fishery products and frozen products where applicable
- Textiles, apparel, and footwear
- Industrial products
- Machinery and spare parts
- Chemicals and plastics where permitted
- Pharmaceutical or healthcare-related products where applicable
- Packaging materials
- Consumer goods
- Retail merchandise
- General containerized freight
- Refrigerated cargo where service is available
For exporters, the best shipping option depends on cargo volume, commodity type, destination, Incoterm, carrier service, terminal cut-off, container availability, reefer availability, export documentation, pickup location, inspection requirements, commodity restrictions, and required transit time.
FCL is usually more efficient for larger commercial volumes, while LCL can work well for smaller shipments, samples, cartons, pallets, and partial container loads moving through consolidation hubs.
FCL vs LCL Shipping Through Callao
| Shipping Option | Best For | Main Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCL shipping | Full 20ft or 40ft container loads | Dedicated container and fewer cargo touchpoints | Best when shipment volume justifies a full container |
| LCL shipping | Smaller shipments, cartons, pallets, samples, partial loads | Pay only for the space used | May involve consolidation or deconsolidation through Callao or another hub |
| Reefer container | Fruit, perishables, frozen food, refrigerated goods, temperature-sensitive products | Maintains controlled temperature during transit | Requires reefer equipment, plug availability, correct set point, and complete documentation |
| Agricultural cargo | Grapes, blueberries, avocado, citrus, agro-industrial products | Strong fit for Peruvian export supply chains | Requires inspections, phytosanitary documents, and cold chain planning |
| Retail and eCommerce cargo | Store inventory, marketplace goods, consumer products, seasonal goods | Useful for Lima and Peru distribution | Requires inventory, delivery, and customs planning |
| Machinery and industrial cargo | Machinery, spare parts, tools, production equipment | Supports industrial and commercial supply chains | Requires proper packing, accurate weights, permits where applicable, and clear cargo descriptions |
| Chemical and plastic cargo | Packaged chemicals, resins, plastics, industrial inputs | Useful for manufacturing supply chains | Requires classification, permits, safety data sheets, and terminal compatibility |
| General cargo shipping | Consumer goods, electronics, machinery, retail goods, packaged cargo | Flexible for standard commercial freight | Requires accurate packing, labeling, documentation, and cargo details |
For shippers comparing route options, iContainers’ transit time calculator can help estimate shipping times before booking.
Customs Clearance at Callao and Peru
Cargo imported or exported through Callao must comply with Peruvian customs and regulatory requirements. Importers, exporters, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics providers should prepare complete cargo data before arrival, customs release, transfer to storage, inland delivery, or export departure.
Required information may include product description, HS code, customs value, country of origin, exporter details, importer details, consignee information, transport documents, tax data, permits where applicable, and supporting documentation.
Commercial shipments through Peru may require a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or sea waybill, cargo manifest, customs declaration, certificate of origin when applicable, import or export permit where required, insurance certificate where applicable, and product-specific certificates depending on the goods.
Regulated goods such as food products, agricultural goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, electronics, batteries, hazardous cargo, timber, plants, animals, textiles, vehicles, dual-use goods, waste products, and restricted items may require permits, inspections, certifications, sanitary or phytosanitary documents, technical files, safety data sheets, or authorization from the relevant authorities.
For more general guidance, read iContainers’ guide to customs clearance.
Documents Needed for Shipping Through Callao
Most commercial ocean freight shipments to or from Callao require:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or sea waybill
- Cargo manifest
- Customs declaration
- HS code or tariff classification
- Importer details, when importing into Peru
- Exporter details, when exporting from Peru
- Consignee and shipper details
- RUC or other tax identification, when applicable
- Certificate of origin, when required
- Import or export permit, when applicable
- Sector-specific authorization or agency approval, when applicable
- Delivery order or cargo release documents
- Insurance certificate, when applicable
- Inspection certificate, when applicable
- Product conformity documents, when applicable
- Sanitary or phytosanitary documents, when applicable
- Health certificate, when applicable
- Veterinary certificate, when applicable
- Agricultural documentation, when applicable
- Food, chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, medical device, electronics, textile, timber, or vehicle documents, when applicable
- Dangerous goods declaration, when applicable
- Safety data sheet for chemicals or hazardous cargo
- Battery documentation, when applicable
- Customs broker authorization, when using a broker
- Inland transport documents when cargo moves by truck, warehouse transfer, temporary storage, customs transfer, or final delivery
Documentation should be complete and consistent before arrival, customs release, inland transfer, or export departure. Incorrect HS codes, incomplete descriptions, missing permits, inconsistent invoices, unclear cargo values, incorrect consignee details, or late documents can cause delays and additional costs.
Common Shipping Routes for Callao
Callao connects Peru with Pacific, Asian, North American, European, Latin American, Mediterranean, and global transshipment routes through container services, feeder services, refrigerated cargo networks, inland trucking, and intermodal connections.
| Trade Lane | Common Cargo |
|---|---|
| Asia to Callao | Electronics, machinery, textiles, consumer goods, retail inventory, industrial inputs |
| China to Callao | Electronics, components, machinery, eCommerce goods, consumer products, industrial materials |
| North America to Callao | Machinery, food products, chemicals where permitted, spare parts, consumer goods |
| Europe to Callao | Machinery, beverages, pharmaceuticals where permitted, food products, industrial cargo |
| Mediterranean to Callao | Retail goods, machinery, food products, chemicals where permitted, general cargo |
| Latin America to Callao | Food products, industrial goods, machinery, consumer goods, regional cargo |
| Callao to North America | Fruit, food products, agricultural goods, textiles, refrigerated cargo, general freight |
| Callao to Europe | Fruit, food products, agro-industrial products, beverages, textiles, refrigerated cargo |
| Callao to Asia | Agricultural products, food products, refrigerated cargo, industrial products, general freight |
| Callao to Latin America | Retail cargo, food products, machinery, industrial products, general freight |
| Callao to Mediterranean ports | Food products, agricultural cargo, machinery, general cargo |
Routing may involve direct services, feeder services, inland transport, or transshipment through Callao, Paita, Matarani, Buenaventura, Guayaquil, San Antonio, Valparaíso, Balboa, Colón, Manzanillo, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Houston, Miami, Savannah, New York/New Jersey, Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Qingdao, Busan, Yokohama, Singapore, Port Klang, Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg, Valencia, and Algeciras, depending on the carrier, cargo type, terminal, equipment availability, and final destination.
When Should You Use Callao Instead of Another Peruvian Port?
Callao can be suitable when:
- The cargo origin or destination is in Lima, Callao, Lurín, Ate, Huachipa, Villa El Salvador, Chorrillos, Trujillo, Ica, Arequipa, Cusco, or other inland markets
- The shipment needs access to Peru’s main container port
- The cargo benefits from reefer services, customs operations, inland trucking, warehouses, or temporary storage close to Lima
- Inland pickup or delivery is more efficient through Callao than through Paita, Matarani, Salaverry, Ilo, or another Peruvian port
- The shipment includes agricultural products, food products, refrigerated cargo, consumer goods, retail inventory, machinery, electronics, textiles, chemicals where permitted, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, or general cargo
- Carrier schedule, terminal availability, equipment availability, inland cost, customs clearance, and total landed cost work better through Callao
Another Peruvian port may be more suitable when the cargo is closer to a different gateway or when a specific route reduces total cost. Paita can be useful for northern Peru and some agro-industrial exports. Matarani can be relevant for southern Peru and certain industrial or mineral cargo. Salaverry may serve some northern and central cargo flows. Ilo may be suitable for certain southern cargo movements.
The right port choice should be based on total landed cost, cargo origin, inland distance, terminal availability, operational status, sailing schedule, reefer requirements, commodity type, customs procedures, trucking capacity, warehouse availability, and required delivery date.
How to Get an Ocean Freight Quote for Callao
To get a quote to or from Callao, prepare the following details:
- Origin and destination
- Port-to-port, door-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-door requirement
- Cargo weight and dimensions
- Number of pallets, cartons, boxes, containers, or shipment units
- FCL, LCL, reefer, general cargo, hazardous cargo, machinery cargo, chemical cargo, industrial cargo, food cargo, agricultural cargo, retail cargo, eCommerce cargo, pharmaceutical cargo, or temperature-controlled cargo preference
- Commodity description and HS code, if available
- Cargo ready date
- Incoterm
- Supplier, warehouse, plant, packing facility, distribution center, cold storage facility, or inland pickup address, if exporting
- Final delivery address, if importing or arranging door-to-door delivery
- Customs clearance requirements
- Import, export, sanitary, phytosanitary, or sector-specific permits, if applicable
- Inspection, agriculture, food, health, customs, or agency requirements, if applicable
- Special handling requirements such as reefer cargo, hazardous cargo, chemicals, lithium batteries, food products, pharmaceuticals, temperature control, oversized cargo, inspection, product testing, high-value cargo, or cold chain requirements
- Preferred carrier, terminal, trucking provider, customs broker, warehouse, cold storage facility, temporary storage facility, or transshipment hub, if already defined
With iContainers, businesses can compare ocean freight options online, review available rates, and manage international shipments through a digital booking process.
FAQ About the Port of Callao
The Port of Callao is located in the Constitutional Province of Callao, next to Lima Metropolitan Area, on the central coast of Peru.
The UN/LOCODE for Callao is PECLL.
Callao handles containers, refrigerated cargo, agricultural products, food products, machinery, electronics, textiles, industrial products, chemicals where permitted, pharmaceuticals where applicable, retail cargo, and general freight.
The main port operations are concentrated in the South Container Terminal, operated by DP World Callao, and the North Multipurpose Terminal, operated by APM Terminals Callao.
Callao can serve Lima, Callao, Lurín, Ate, Huachipa, Villa El Salvador, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Piura, Ica, Arequipa, Cusco, and other Peruvian markets depending on inland routing, warehousing, customs, and final delivery arrangements.