Callao: an artificial peninsula like “Dubai” in the Peruvian Pacific 🌊

Antonio Carlos Faustino
Jun 12
3 min read

**Vista aérea da península artificial “Puerta del Pacífico” em Callao**

Peru’s first artificial peninsula is about to be built in Callao, with an investment of over US$760 million and an area of 200 hectares (2 km²) . Inspired by the urban complexes of Dubai, the “Puerta del Pacífico” project seeks to reclaim land from the sea to create new neighborhoods, commercial and leisure areas, as well as nautical infrastructure and connections to Jorge Chávez Airport.

1. Why Callao? Opportunity and strategic context

Callao is Peru’s main port , handling around 80% of its foreign trade . Recent modernization has included the expansion of the South Pier, with capacity for ULCVs and containers of up to 21,000 TEUs. However, the focus has always been on logistics; now, there is an unprecedented opportunity to integrate urban development, tourism and public spaces on the coast.

2. The megaproject: structure and intended uses

• Dimension and investment

Area: 2 km² — which is equivalent to about 200 football fields .
Investment: between US$ 760 and 767 million , sponsored by private initiative in PPP under the Project in Assets modality .

• Land use

~100 ha for public areas : 1 km² park, 28 ha artificial beach and indoor water park.
~100 ha for private use : residences, shops, hotels, marina, offices, recreational centers.

• Connection infrastructure

Access via expansion of Avenida Santa Rosa, connecting to the airport.
Possible cable car connections — although still under study.

3. Comparison with Dubai: captivating parallel?

Dubai is synonymous with tugboats going out to sea to create habitable and touristic islands (Palm Jumeirah, The World). Now, Callao aspires to something similar:

Human scale : 2 km² versus the ~5 km² of the Palm Jumeirah.
Diversification of uses : instead of just luxury, the Peruvian project seeks to mix residences , leisure , commerce and public access .
Speed : expected completion within 3 to 4 years , possibly starting in 2025 and delivery by 2029.

4. Expected impacts (positive and challenges)

✅ Positives

Urban development : creation of new areas connected to the airport.
Tourism and leisure : beaches, parks, marina will bring more visitors.
Real estate appreciation : increase in surrounding properties.
Local economy : job creation in construction and services.

⚠️ Challenges

Environmental impacts : changes in the marine ecosystem require rigorous studies.
Urban infrastructure : roads and services on the peninsula will need integrated planning.
Social inclusion : ensuring that the project benefits the entire population, not just elites.
Urban governance : coordination between Callao and Lima is necessary, avoiding the risk of disconnected "enclaves".

5. What's next: timeline

By 2025 : completion of the EIA, selection of the private partner and public/private contracting.
2025-2026 : start of works, with drainage, containment and construction of infrastructures.
2029 : delivery of public areas (parks, artificial beach), followed by complementary phases for residences and businesses

References :

PROINVERSION. Proposal to create an artificial peninsula in Callao . Lima, 2025.

RPP NEWS. El Dubái chalaco: artificial peninsula in La Perla ; 2025.

INFOBAE. This country in South America is preparing for its own Dubai… ; 08 Jun. 2025.

WAPA. ¿El Dubái chalaco? Callao will have its own artificial peninsula… ; 07 Jun. 2025.

LIBERO. The 760 million dollar megaproject in Peru ; 29 may. 2025.

DB FTIASS. Port of Callao data . Spain, 2023.

WIKIPEDIA. Port of Callao . 2025.

WIKIPEDIA. Peninsula of La Punta . 2025.