Top 5 Ports in Peru: Complete Guide to Major Shipping Hubs in 2026

Understanding Peru's Port System and Its Role in Global Trade

Peru's port system serves as the backbone of the nation's international trade, handling the vast majority of containerized and bulk cargo moving in and out of South America. As of 2024, Peru's national container throughput reached 3.477 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units), representing a robust 10.6% increase from 2023's 3.144 million TEU. Beyond containers, total cargo volume hit a record-breaking 62.85 million metric tons in 2024, climbing 14% year-over-year. Early 2025 indicators and partial reports suggest this momentum will continue, with projections reaching approximately 70 million metric tons annually. For freight forwarders, exporters, and logistics managers, understanding Peru's major ports is critical to optimizing supply chain efficiency and selecting the right shipping gateway for your cargo.

The Peruvian port landscape is undergoing significant transformation. The recent opening of the Port of Chancay in November 2024 marks a structural shift in how cargo flows through South America. This deep-water megaport is reshaping trade dynamics, decongesting the long-dominant Port of Callao and creating new opportunities for direct Asia-Pacific connectivity. Whether you're shipping minerals from southern Peru, agricultural products from the northern regions, or containerized goods destined for global markets, the choice of port directly impacts your transit times, costs, and overall supply chain performance.

Port of Callao: Peru's Dominant Container Gateway

The Port of Callao, located in the Lima region, remains Peru's undisputed container hub and the primary gateway for containerized and general cargo entering and exiting the country. Callao handles an extraordinary 88–99% of Peru's total container volume, making it the nation's most critical port infrastructure. In 2024, DP World's Bicentennial Pier terminal alone processed 1.96 million TEU, marking a 19% year-over-year increase following the terminal's expansion. This figure underscores Callao's continued dominance despite the recent emergence of competing facilities.

Strategic Advantages of Callao:

• Asia-Europe Trade Route Access: Callao serves as a major hub for trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe trade corridors, offering shippers direct connectivity to global markets.
• Draft Capacity: With a natural draft of approximately 16 meters, Callao accommodates large post-Panamax and neo-Panamax vessels, enabling efficient handling of modern container ships.
• Industrial Zone Connectivity: The port directly serves Lima's extensive industrial zones and connects seamlessly to Jorge Chávez International Airport, facilitating integrated multimodal logistics operations.
• Established Infrastructure: Decades of operational history, sophisticated cargo handling equipment, and proven expertise in containerized freight make Callao the default choice for many international shippers.

For freight forwarders managing shipments to and from Peru, Callao's scale and reliability are unmatched. However, as congestion occasionally peaks during peak seasons, understanding alternative ports like Chancay becomes increasingly important for optimizing supply chain resilience.

Port of Chancay: Peru's New Deep-Water Megaport and Asia-Pacific Gateway

The Port of Chancay, which opened in November 2024 approximately 78 kilometers north of Lima, represents the most significant infrastructure development in Peruvian port history. This deep-water megaport is fundamentally reshaping Peru's role in global trade, particularly for Asia-Pacific connectivity. The port is operated by COSCO Shipping Ports, which holds a majority stake following an initial investment of approximately $1.3 billion, with potential for expansion reaching $3.6 billion or more.

Technical Specifications and Capacity:

• Initial Phase Configuration: Four berths with natural draft depths of 16–18 meters, enabling the port to accommodate ultra-large container vessels exceeding 14,000–18,000 TEU capacity.
• Annual Capacity: The initial phase is designed to handle approximately 1 million TEU annually, with significant expansion potential as additional berths and infrastructure come online.
• First-Year Performance (2024–2025): In its inaugural year of operations (through approximately November 2025), Chancay handled over 270,000 TEU and 1.37 million tonnes of breakbulk cargo, demonstrating strong market adoption despite being a newly operational facility.

Strategic Impact on Asia-Pacific Trade:

Chancay's most transformative feature is its position as a direct Asia-Pacific gateway. The port cuts Peru-China transit time to approximately 23 days, compared to longer routes via traditional Callao-based services. This reduction in transit time is a game-changer for time-sensitive cargo, particularly electronics, perishables, and just-in-time manufacturing components. For exporters shipping Peruvian minerals and agricultural products to Asia, Chancay offers a more efficient pathway than the historical Callao-centric model.

The port's strategic importance is amplified by its alignment with China's Belt and Road Initiative and South American–Asia trade expansion goals. As regional trade intensifies, Chancay positions Peru as a more attractive hub for transshipment operations, potentially capturing cargo flows from neighboring countries like Chile, Bolivia, and Colombia.

To optimize your shipping strategy through Chancay or compare it with Callao routing, we recommend using our Instant Quote tool, which allows you to compare freight rates and transit times across multiple Peruvian ports instantly. Additionally, our Sailing Schedule feature provides real-time visibility into vessel schedules at both Callao and Chancay, enabling you to book the most cost-effective and time-efficient departures.

Port of Matarani: Southern Peru's Bulk and Minerals Hub

The Port of Matarani, operated under the TISUR concession in southern Peru, is the nation's premier facility for bulk cargo, mineral exports, and general cargo operations. Matarani plays a critical role in Peru's mining economy, serving as the primary export gateway for copper and zinc concentrates sourced from the southern highlands and mining regions. This port is essential for landlocked Bolivia's access to international markets, making it strategically important for regional trade.

Cargo Profile and 2024 Performance:

• Mineral Exports: Copper and zinc concentrates represent the port's core cargo, reflecting Peru's position as one of the world's leading mineral producers.
• Growth Trajectory: Matarani demonstrated significant general cargo growth, with reported increases of 32.8% in Q1 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, indicating expanding diversification beyond traditional bulk operations.
• Monthly Throughput: The port consistently handles over 1 million tonnes monthly in 2024, positioning it among Peru's top volume ports by tonnage.

For logistics managers handling mineral shipments or regional trade flows, Matarani offers specialized infrastructure optimized for bulk handling, including dedicated mineral storage facilities and equipment designed for high-volume operations. The port's southern location makes it particularly attractive for shippers in the Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna regions, reducing inland transportation costs and transit times compared to routing through Callao.

Port of Paita: Northern Peru's Container and Agro-Export Hub

The Port of Paita, located in northern Peru, serves as the nation's second-largest container port and a critical gateway for agricultural and hydrobiological exports. Paita's strategic northern location positions it as the primary export facility for products sourced from Peru's northern agricultural regions, including fish, shrimp, fruits, and other perishables destined for global markets.

Operational Characteristics:

• Container Volume: Estimated to handle approximately 300,000–400,000 TEU annually, making it a significant but secondary player compared to Callao's dominance.
• Specialized Cargo Handling: The port excels in handling refrigerated containers (reefers) for perishable exports, with infrastructure specifically designed for maintaining cold chain integrity.
• Export-Oriented Operations: Paita's concession model emphasizes export efficiency, with streamlined processes optimized for agricultural and fisheries products.
• Market Fluctuations: The port has experienced some container volume volatility in recent periods, reflecting seasonal variations in agricultural export cycles and regional economic dynamics.

For shippers exporting Peruvian agricultural products, particularly to North American and Asian markets, Paita offers a direct, efficient alternative to Callao routing. The port's reefer container capacity and cold chain expertise make it the preferred choice for perishable cargo originating in northern Peru.

Port of Salaverry: Northern/Central Peru's Mineral and Bulk Gateway

The Port of Salaverry, located in the Trujillo region of northern/central Peru, serves as a critical facility for bulk cargo, general cargo, and mineral exports. Salaverry is particularly important for handling copper concentrates, agricultural exports, and other bulk commodities sourced from the central Peruvian highlands and agricultural zones.

Port Capabilities and Market Position:

• Bulk Cargo Specialization: Salaverry's infrastructure is optimized for handling dry bulk cargoes, including copper concentrates, minerals, and agricultural products.
• Regional Hub Function: The port serves as the primary export gateway for the Trujillo region and nearby departments (administrative regions), reducing transportation costs for inland shippers.
• Estimated Throughput: Salaverry handles approximately 500,000–700,000 tonnes annually, positioning it as a mid-sized but strategically important facility.
• Infrastructure Quality: The port features modern cargo handling equipment and storage facilities designed for efficient bulk operations.

Salaverry's regional importance is amplified by its role in Peru's copper export supply chain. As mining operations in the central highlands continue to expand, Salaverry provides an increasingly attractive alternative to the congested Callao facility, particularly for bulk shipments destined for Asian markets.

Additional Notable Ports: Ilo, Pisco, and Talara

While the five ports above represent Peru's major facilities, several additional ports contribute meaningfully to the national cargo throughput:

• Port of Ilo: Located in southern Peru, Ilo specializes in bulk solids and liquids, including mineral concentrates and petroleum products. The port serves the southern mining regions and provides additional capacity for landlocked Bolivia.
• Port of Pisco: This central port has demonstrated strong growth in container activity, with notable year-over-year gains reported in early 2024. Pisco is emerging as a secondary container hub, offering an alternative to Callao for certain cargo flows.
• Port of Talara: While less prominent in recent years, Talara remains operational, primarily handling petroleum and petrochemical products from northern Peru's oil and gas sector.

For shippers with specialized cargo requirements or seeking to diversify port usage, these secondary facilities offer valuable alternatives to the major hubs, potentially reducing congestion-related delays and costs.

Peru's Port Infrastructure Trends: What Shippers Need to Know

Container Growth and Market Dynamics:

Peru's container sector is experiencing robust growth, with national container volumes increasing approximately 11% in recent reported periods. This expansion reflects strong demand from exporters across multiple sectors, including minerals, agriculture, and manufactured goods. The opening of Chancay has introduced healthy competition, reducing reliance on Callao and creating pricing pressure that benefits shippers through improved rates and service options.

Bulk and Mineral Export Strength:

Bulk cargo and mineral exports remain the primary drivers of Peru's port throughput by tonnage. Copper and zinc concentrates dominate export volumes, supported by Peru's position as a world-leading mineral producer. Agricultural exports, including fruits, fish, and processed foods, represent the second-largest commodity group, with significant growth potential in coming years.

Infrastructure Investments and Concession Model:

Peru's port system operates primarily under a concession model, with private operators managing individual facilities. This approach has driven infrastructure modernization and efficiency improvements across the network. Recent investments in Chancay and ongoing expansions at Callao demonstrate the sector's confidence in Peru's trade growth trajectory. For logistics managers, this competitive environment creates opportunities for improved service quality and pricing as operators vie for market share.

Export Diversification and Regional Connectivity:

Peru's ports increasingly serve as gateways not only for Peruvian exports but also for landlocked neighboring countries, particularly Bolivia. This regional trade function enhances port utilization and creates opportunities for shippers managing multi-country supply chains across South America.

Optimizing Your Peru Port Strategy with FreightAmigo

Selecting the right port for your Peruvian shipments requires careful analysis of multiple factors: cargo type, destination market, transit time requirements, cost considerations, and current port congestion levels. FreightAmigo's logistics platform is designed to simplify this decision-making process.

Our Instant Quote tool enables you to compare freight rates across all major Peruvian ports instantly, allowing you to identify the most cost-effective routing for your specific cargo. Whether you're shipping containerized goods through Callao or Chancay, or bulk minerals through Matarani or Salaverry, our platform provides transparent, competitive pricing from multiple carriers.

For shippers requiring real-time visibility into port congestion, vessel schedules, and cargo movements, our Track & Trace feature provides end-to-end shipment visibility from pickup through final delivery. This capability is particularly valuable when managing time-sensitive cargo or coordinating complex multi-port operations.

Additionally, for exporters managing customs compliance and duty calculations for Peruvian shipments destined for international markets, our Customs Clearance service and Duties & Taxes Calculator streamline regulatory requirements and reduce clearance delays.

Conclusion

Peru's port system is experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation, driven by rising export demand, infrastructure modernization, and the strategic opening of Chancay as a new deep-water megaport. The Port of Callao remains the nation's dominant container hub, while Chancay is rapidly establishing itself as a critical Asia-Pacific gateway. Matarani, Paita, and Salaverry round out the major port network, each specializing in specific cargo types and regional markets. For freight forwarders, exporters, and logistics managers, understanding these five major ports is essential for optimizing supply chain efficiency, reducing costs, and maintaining competitive advantage in global trade. Use FreightAmigo's Instant Quote tool today to compare rates across all Peruvian ports and discover the most cost-effective routing for your shipments.