Isla San Lorenzo, the largest island in Peru

Published: 02 March 2022 | Update: 11 November 2025 | Reads: 9933

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Off the coast of Lima Peru, in Callao, is San Lorenzo Island, the largest and biggest on the Peruvian coast, with 8 kilometers in length and 404 meters at its highest point. Despite being a visible geographic presence from the capital's coast, its access is restricted to the general public, as it functions as a naval zone under the administration of the Navy of Peru.

It is essential to clear up a common confusion: San Lorenzo is not a visitable tourist destination in itself. The popular boat trips that leave from Callao, famous for offering the experience of swimming with sea lions, actually go to the Palomino Islands. However, these tours, which are part of Peru Highlights on the Lima coast, sail around San Lorenzo and the adjacent island of El Frontón.

The island has no fresh water, so it was never completely inhabited, but during the republican era, it served as a defense point and, notably, as a mass grave for the fallen soldiers during the War of the Pacific. Next, this guide will break down the history, legend, geography and the logistics of the tours that allow you to appreciate San Lorenzo Island from the sea.

Location:

It is currently a desert island, located in front of the Callao bay and is located at a distance of 3.8 km from La Punta. It has an extension of 1,457 hectares distributed in three clearly distinguished areas, these are: the natural reserve, Naval Base and a third assigned to the development of the project.

History:

San Lorenzo Island is part of the constitutional province of Callao. That was annexed to this province during the year 1891 and since then it has been the subject of scientific and historical studies. San Lorenzo Island is considered the largest in Chalaco territory, as well as the highest within the Peruvian coast. It has a total area of 162 hectares that has three elevations in its space.

In Isla San Lorenzo it is possible to find an area where funeral remains of soldiers who would have participated during the War of the Pacific have been found; There are also cemeteries where the remains of pirates who tried to enter the territory are found, among others, such as archaeological remains that show the first settlement on the island, and where a total of more than three thousand tombs that belonged to a pre-Hispanic cemetery are recorded. .

The wealth of San Lorenzo is valued in its historical events, from its first occupation, when it was possibly a center of religious worship, in whose territory the largest loom in Peru has been registered; until passing through the Colonial era when it was the prison of Blasco Núñez de Vela, as well as a prison for slaves, and a base for corsairs; and the Republican Era when it served as a shooting center; historical events that, in the long run, have increased the mystery and myth that surrounds the largest in Callao.

The Legend of the gringa of San Lorenzo Island

San Lorenzo Island, due to its history as a cemetery and its isolation, is the setting for numerous stories and myths. The best-known legend among the military personnel who have served at the naval base on the island is that of "La Gringa".

The Origin of the Story
The legend says that a young blonde woman, the daughter of a navy officer, was taken to the island on a family outing. The girl walked away to take a walk on the island, which was considered deserted except for the base. After several hours without returning, a search began that lasted for weeks, which ended with the discovery of her remains. The story says that two soldiers were accused of the crime and executed on the same island.
The Appearances
Since then, this story has become a recurring legend on the base. Soldiers on guard duty have reported sightings of a ghostly figure: a young blonde woman dressed in white, described as silent and attractive. According to the stories, in some versions the apparition appears without a head when approached. As happens with many legends from military bases, some maintain that it is a true story, while others consider it a story used to scare new recruits.

Geography of San Lorenzo Island

With only eight kilometers long by 2 wide, and an area of 1,648 ha, it is the largest island in Peru. It does not have water sources and that is why until today it has not been urbanized. It is in turn surrounded by the small island of El Frontón, which is separated by a channel 800 meters wide called El Boquerón, and the Palomino Islands, known for their populations of sea lions. Its highest point is Cerro La Mina with 396 meters of altitude.

It should be noted that the strategic location of San Lorenzo Island would facilitate its urban and economic territorial integration with the city of Lima.

Due to its position with respect to the Pacific Ocean, the island offers two different natural environments: The southwest coast facing the open sea with the presence of diverse fauna thanks to the strong waves and high intensity winds, and the northwest coast, an area protected from the wind by the chain of hills that divide the two coastlines, with high potential for the development of various economic activities.

The Pediment
About 7 km from the coast, the Isla del Frontón emerges like an immense rock from the sea. There you can see the remains of the prison of the same name, in addition to listening to some of its innumerable stories and anecdotes.
The Camotal
On the way to Isla San Lorenzo, we come across what is called El Camotal, a kind of islet that would have been part of the territory of Callao before the 1746 earthquake submerged it.

The crossing to San Lorenzo Island, including Camotal, El Frontón Island, Cavinzas Islands and Palomino Island costs 50 nuevos soles for adults and 40 nuevos soles for children.

The place of departure is in the Plaza Grau del Callao, next to the Capitanía del Puerto del Callao, at 9:30 in the morning and the return at 2 in the afternoon.

How to get to San Lorenzo Island?

To get to San Lorenzo Island, it is necessary to first get to Puerto del Callao, from where you depart towards Camotal, bordering San Lorenzo.

Being a boat excursion, it is mandatory to do this tour with an agency. To do this, take a bus or a taxi to Puerto del Callao, where you will find the different companies that offer this service.

Usually the boats or cruises leave during the morning, at approximately 10:30 and return at 3 in the afternoon; and in the afternoon they leave at 2 pm, to return averaging 6:30 in the afternoon.

The approximate costs to go to San Lorenzo Island are $45 for adults and $35 for children, this depends on the company that is hired.

Recommendations:

In summer: windbreaker type jacket, visor, sunscreen or sunscreen, swimsuit.
In winter: wool jacket or sweater, wool hat and gloves, scarf

What to bting?

Slipper or rubber sole shoes (so as not to slip on the floor of the boat)
Take care that breakfast or lunch is preferably low in fat.
Take a seasickness pill (Dramamine or Gravol) 1 hour before boarding, for people who are not used to sailing. Take care that breakfast or lunch is preferably low in fat.
Bring some snacks to eat and light drinks.

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