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Heritage & monuments

El Paraíso

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El Paraíso

El Paraíso

Located in the Chillón Valley north of Lima, El Paraíso is a prehistoric archaeological site dating from approximately 3500 to 1800 BCE. Spanning over 58 hectares, it represents one of the largest early settlements in the region. Travelers visit this site to see the remains of ancient residential and ceremonial structures from Peru's formative periods.

Getting There

The site is located in the Callao province. From Lima city centre, the most direct way to reach the ruins is via taxi or ride-sharing service. Depending on traffic conditions, the journey typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes.

Visit Duration

Allow approximately 2 to 3 hours to walk through the archaeological zones and view the structural layouts of the settlement.

When to Visit

Morning visits are recommended to avoid the midday heat. The site is an open-air environment, so travelers should plan their visit according to the seasonal weather of the coast. It generally does not experience the same crowd levels as the more central ruins in Lima.

Nearby Attractions

Because this site is situated in the northern area, you can combine your visit with other landmarks in Callao. Nearby points of interest include:

  • Callao Bay: 11.4km
  • St. Joseph's Cathedral, Callao: 12.2km
  • BAP Abtao: 12.3km
  • Museo Naval del Perú: 12.3km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near El Paraíso

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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El Paraíso Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Callao 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Callao grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Callao 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Callao grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Callao Bay

Nature

Callao Bay

A bay off the coast of Callao, with San Lorenzo Island and El Frontón Island lying to the west. It's a fine spot to take in open ocean views.

11.4 km away
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Callao

Temples & religious sites

St. Joseph's Cathedral, Callao

This neoclassical Catholic cathedral stands in Callao's old town. Built in 1893, it was restored to its present form after earthquake damage.

12.2 km away
BAP Abtao

Museums & galleries

BAP Abtao

This decommissioned Peruvian Navy submarine is on display in the port city of Callao; built in the United States in the 1950s, it was later renamed to honor the Battle of the Chincha Islands. Touring its interior offers a unique way to experience naval history first-hand.

12.3 km away
Museo Naval del Perú

Museums & galleries

Museo Naval del Perú

Callao is a port city near Lima, the capital of Peru. Its museum traces the history of the Peruvian Navy, offering a chance to soak up the distinctive atmosphere of a harbor town as well.

12.3 km away
Real Felipe Fortress

Castles & palaces

Real Felipe Fortress

A colonial-era fortress in Callao, built to protect the port and Lima from pirates. It now houses the Peruvian Army Museum, where visitors can view historic uniforms and weapons.

12.6 km away
Parque de las Leyendas

Zoos & aquariums

Parque de las Leyendas

A zoo in Lima's San Miguel district and Peru's most visited attraction of its kind. Alongside animal exhibits, it also features an archaeology museum and a botanical garden, making it great for a family outing.

13.1 km away