El Callao, Peru

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El Callao, Port for the Capital City of Lima

Callao (pronounced Kay ya oh) is the still the most important port in Peru and was founded in 1537. It soon became the main port for Spanish commerce in the Pacific. Virtually all the goods produced in Peru, Bolivia and Argentina were carried over the Andes by mule to Callao, to be shipped to Panama, carried overland (before the canal) and then transported on to Spain via Cuba.

There are several islands off Callao; some are military but on Palominos is a virtually untouched island ecosystem with a large number of sea lions and seabirds.

Callao is built on and around a peninsula. There is a large naval base so the tall ships fleet will be well looked after by the Peruvian Navy.

Peru's International Airport is in El Calleo.

El Callao is the port city for Lima, Peru's capital city.

Jorge Chavez International Airport (Aeropeurto International Jorge Chavez) is Peru's main international and domestic airport and actually located in El Callao and only 7 miles (11km) from the historic centre of Lima. . so it it an important hub for all tourist destinations in Peru and South America.

Domestic flights from the same airport link you to some fantastic world heritage sites and world famous high altitude treks like the Inca Trail; Once in a lifetime tourist destinations like the ancient Inca city of Machu Piccu, so make the most of your trip.

Seven 'Must-do' Adventures in Peru in 2010

This voyage leg on tall ship Bark Europa is great value at 600 euros so it makes a great experience to combine with other Peruvian travel adventures. Do check visa requirements carefully though.

1: Arrive in Peru as a Tall Ship Sailor.

Become tall ship race crew on Barque Europa and arrive in Peru through your own efforts, powered by the wind. Compensate for your international flight to south America by spending two weeks with a minimal carbon footprint on this 1912 sailing ship. As the tall ship fleet are racing you won't be using the engine !

2: Tackle the High Altitude Inca trail

The voyage ends just before peak season for this trail, but you do need a trek permit in advance as numbers are limited. Even if you have been getting fit climbing the rigging on Bark Europa, the Inca Trail will leave you gasping with exhuastion and awe. Inca ruins, mountain beauty trekking along Inca pathways to the citidel in the mountains - Machu Picchu - one of the seven wonders of the world. Find a trekking company that takes you to this mysterious lost city in its spectacular setting high up in the Andes and can explain the Inca culture. 

3: Island Hop on Lake Titicaca

Sail the Pacific on a square rigger, cross a deep ocean trench over 8500 metres deep and the head inland to island hop on ocean at high altitude - Lake Titicaca. Clear azure blue waters, man made floating islands, indigenious communities and centuries old customs are connected with this sacred and revered body of water.

4: See Condors Soar over Colca Canyon

Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colcha Canyon is 100km long and 3000m deep. (The underwater trench you sailed accross on Europa is over twice as deep again). It is surrounded by volcanoes and snow peaked mountains in the distance. Condors soar and the local Peruvian villages are home to the Quencha. The women folk are decoratively adorned as only Peruvians know how.

5: Mountain Trekking in the Cordillera Blanca or Cordillera Huayhuash

Huayhuash is the mountain range that was the famous setting for Joe Simpson's famous book and film "Touching the Void" - A true story of being left for dead in a glacier crevasse. Don't go on your own.

6: Book an Amazonian Rain Forest Trek

7: Over the Peruvian mountains to the East side and you are in the upper catchment of the huge Amazonian Rain forest