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🆕 Route Guide · South America

China to Peru: Callao & Chancay

Peru's Chancay Port, operating since November 2024, cuts China-Peru transit from 35-42 days to 23-28 days via direct sailings, without crossing the Panama Canal. The traditional Callao Port offers a mature customs network close to Lima. Choose either port based on your cargo's needs.

Route Overview

China → Chancay Port Route Facts

Destination PortsChancay (new) · Callao (traditional, alternative)
Origin PortsDalian · Tianjin (Xingang) · Qingdao · Shanghai · Ningbo · Xiamen · Guangzhou · Shenzhen
OpenedNovember 2024
InvestorCOSCO Shipping Group
FCL Transit Time~23-28 days (about 33% faster than traditional routes)
Panama Canal DetourNo — direct to South America's Pacific coast
Designed Capacity1M+ TEU initially, planned expansion to 6M TEU
Route TagNew 2024 Route Fastest South America Direct
🆕 Big News

Chancay Port Open — Fastest China–South America Sailing

Invested by COSCO Shipping Group, Peru's Chancay Port is a landmark project for the Belt and Road Initiative in South America. It reduced China-Peru transit from 35-42 days to approximately 23-28 days, with cargo reaching South America's Pacific coast directly without the Panama Canal detour.

~28
Days Transit
33%
Faster
Chancay vs. Callao

Choosing Between the Two Ports

⚓ Chancay Port
Newly built deep-water port designed for large container vessels, direct sailings from China, no Panama Canal detour, faster transit (~23-28 days). As a new port, operational details are still being refined.
⚓ Callao Port
Peru's traditional main port, decades in operation, near Lima with a mature customs broker and warehousing network and more carrier options — well suited to LCL consolidation and cargo bound for the Lima market.
Which to Choose

Callao or Chancay?

✅ When Callao Makes Sense
Cargo destined for Lima and the surrounding area, LCL consolidation needs, or a preference for a more established customs and warehousing network — Callao has a longer operating history and more carrier calls.
✅ When Chancay Makes Sense
Time-sensitive shipments, FCL container volumes, or cargo transshipping onward to Chile, Ecuador or Colombia — Chancay's direct sailings are faster and it's positioned as a regional transshipment hub.
Serving Landlocked Countries

Chancay's Hub Value

One of Chancay's positioning goals is to become a regional logistics hub serving landlocked South American countries like Bolivia and Paraguay, with cargo transshipping inland via Chancay or Callao. See our China–Bolivia shipping guide →

FAQ

Chancay Route FAQ

When did Chancay Port open?
November 2024, providing a new direct sailing route from China to South America and a landmark Belt and Road project.
Who invested in Chancay Port?
COSCO Shipping Group, with designed capacity of 1M+ TEU initially, planned expansion to 6M TEU.
How long does shipping to Chancay take?
China-Peru transit shortened from 35-42 days to approximately 23-28 days, one of the fastest direct routes to South America.
What's the difference between Chancay and Callao?
Callao is the traditional main port near Lima; Chancay is a new deep-water port with direct China sailings and no Panama Canal detour.
Does the Chancay route go through the Panama Canal?
No, cargo reaches South America's Pacific coast directly — the key reason for the faster transit time.
Can Chancay serve landlocked countries like Bolivia?
Yes, Chancay is positioned as a regional logistics hub for landlocked countries like Bolivia and Paraguay.
What cargo suits the Chancay route?
All FCL cargo destined for Peru and the region, especially time-sensitive electronics and consumer goods. Confirm space in advance.
What is the customs process for Chancay?
Similar to Callao — Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L. As a new port, some details are still being refined.
How do Chancay rates compare to traditional routes?
Often competitive given the shorter route, though rates fluctuate with capacity and fuel prices. Contact us for a comparison.
Has Forwarder International secured Chancay access?
Yes, we were among the first to secure direct sailing access, and can provide space arrangements and real-time rates.
My cargo is destined for Lima — which port should I use?
Callao is usually better — decades of operation, mature customs and warehousing network right next to Lima, more convenient local delivery.
If my cargo transships to Chile, Ecuador or Colombia, which port is better?
Chancay is positioned as a regional transshipment hub, connecting onward to Chile, Ecuador and Colombia — confirm the connecting schedule with your forwarder.
Does Callao support LCL consolidation?
Yes, Callao has a long operating history with a mature consolidation network; Chancay currently focuses mainly on FCL cargo.

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