Matarani Cruise Shuttles

A relic of Peru’s south side, the beauty of Matarani isn’t just in its waterfront views of the South Pacific but an array of interconnected waterfront port towns along Highway 1S. The cruise terminal is located along the south end, near the El Faro Fishing Pier, smaller boats able to tender guests ashore through quick speed boats and ferries. On land, public transportation is lacking, though a handful of private transfers can make things a lot easier; from sedans and chartered buses perfect for intimate drives along the water, to an array of meet-and-greet services that drop passengers off through luxury limousines and local personal drivers, each ideal for discovering an array of small village restaurants and shops worthy of short drives. Once in the heart of the small town, guests can easily maneuver through narrow streets by foot, following the flow of several small neighborhoods as well as obvious waterfront landmarks.

At first glance, there isn’t much to do in the immediate backdrop of Matarani, but if guests look a bit closer they can discover an array of kitschy city parks that range from Plaza Miguel Grau’s bizarre architecture filled with colorful statues and pillars, while Jorge Chavez Park offers a stoic lookout of the fishing port, alongside scenic promenades perfect for catching the sea’s wind. Continue east toward the larger city of Mollendo, home to more tourist-friendly attractions that include vast public beach lookouts from Primera Playa, as well as miniature train rides along waterfront promenades. Do some shopping for handmade souvenirs and festive treats at the Central Market Mollendo afterward, then looking forward to nautical themed exhibits at the small but impactful Aguadita Museum. When it comes time for dinner, the best sit-down restaurants are all in Mollendo, from the festive locals-only atmosphere of Charlie’s Catarindo to the high ceilings and modern desserts of Heladeria Venezia.