Port information & tips for Matarani
Matarani is the maritime gateway to the majestic Arequipa region in southern Peru and welcomes travelers with the authentic charm of the Pacific coast. Its location on the deep blue ocean offers an impressive backdrop of rugged cliffs and desert landscapes, which create an inviting atmosphere thanks to the mild climate. Highlights include the species-rich Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía and the charming coastal town of Mollendo with its historical architecture and the popular Playa Primera. Cruise ships dock at the Terminal Internacional del Sur (TISUR). From here, visitors can easily reach the nearby center of Mollendo or start discovery tours to the magnificent colonial city of Arequipa, which also delights as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Matarani, located on the picturesque southern coast of Peru, serves as a significant gateway to the fascinating Arequipa region and is ideally accessible for cruise guests from the DACH region via plane and subsequent comfortable transfers. The port features a modern cruise terminal that enables a smooth embarkation.
Airplane
The closest and most relevant airport for your arrival is Arequipa International Airport (AQP), officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Rodríguez Ballón. It is located approximately 113.8 kilometers or around 92.46 kilometers as the crow flies from Matarani. For travelers from the DACH region, international long-haul flights to Lima (LIM) are generally required, followed by a convenient connecting flight to Arequipa (AQP) with local airlines.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Arequipa Airport (AQP), you can easily reach the port of Matarani thanks to various transfer options. A taxi ride takes about 1 hour and 39 minutes and costs between 75 and 90 US dollars. Alternatively, private transfer services are available, which pick you up directly from your arrival terminal and bring you comfortably to the ship. Many cruise lines also offer organized transfers that guarantee a relaxed onward journey.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region, it is strongly recommended to arrive in Peru at least one day before the scheduled embarkation. An overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Arequipa offers an excellent opportunity to acclimate and explore the charming "White City" before your cruise experience begins. From Arequipa, you can then reach the port of Matarani very relaxed on the day of embarkation.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that with your travel documents, you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Matarani, located on the picturesque southern coast of Peru, serves as a significant gateway to the fascinating Arequipa region and is ideally accessible for cruise guests from the DACH region via plane and subsequent comfortable transfers. The port features a modern cruise terminal that enables a smooth embarkation.
Airplane
The closest and most relevant airport for your arrival is Arequipa International Airport (AQP), officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Rodríguez Ballón. It is located approximately 113.8 kilometers or around 92.46 kilometers as the crow flies from Matarani. For travelers from the DACH region, international long-haul flights to Lima (LIM) are generally required, followed by a convenient connecting flight to Arequipa (AQP) with local airlines.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Arequipa Airport (AQP), you can easily reach the port of Matarani thanks to various transfer options. A taxi ride takes about 1 hour and 39 minutes and costs between 75 and 90 US dollars. Alternatively, private transfer services are available, which pick you up directly from your arrival terminal and bring you comfortably to the ship. Many cruise lines also offer organized transfers that guarantee a relaxed onward journey.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region, it is strongly recommended to arrive in Peru at least one day before the scheduled embarkation. An overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Arequipa offers an excellent opportunity to acclimate and explore the charming "White City" before your cruise experience begins. From Arequipa, you can then reach the port of Matarani very relaxed on the day of embarkation.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that with your travel documents, you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Matarani serves as an important gateway to the Arequipa region and, thanks to its well-organized infrastructure, offers direct access to the coastal towns and cultural highlights of Peru.
Shuttle Service
Many cruise lines provide convenient shuttle buses that transport passengers directly from the terminal to the nearby resort of Mollendo. In addition, organized shore excursions start from here to the historic White City of Arequipa, which is accessible via well-developed roads.
Taxi and Colectivos
Official taxis wait directly in the port area and will take you quickly to the surrounding beaches or sights. For an authentic experience, local colectivos are also available; these shared taxis run regularly between the port and the neighboring towns.
On Foot
The small center of Matarani can be reached in about 15 to 20 minutes on foot. The path leads safely out of the port grounds and provides a first glimpse into the busy activity of this important Peruvian commercial port.
To make the most of your stay in the port of Matarani, we recommend an excursion into the impressive hinterland or a visit to the charming coastal towns in the immediate vicinity.
Arequipa – The White City
The metropolis, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, impresses with its gleaming architecture made of white volcanic stone and offers a deep insight into Peru's colonial history thanks to the magnificent Monasterio de Santa Catalina and the imposing cathedral.
Mollendo & Playa Primera
The charming coastal town is only a short drive from the port and, with its historic wooden villas from the turn of the century and extensive sandy beaches, is perfect for a relaxed afternoon on the Pacific.
Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía
This protected coastal ecosystem is a true paradise for bird lovers and nature admirers; additionally, the idyllic lake landscape offers a fascinating contrast to the region's barren desert environment thanks to its enormous biodiversity.
Mollendo and the Malecón Ratti
The picturesque coastal town of Mollendo is located only about twenty-five minutes' drive from the port of Matarani and offers you an ideal mix of relaxation and local culture. The Malecón Ratti in particular impresses with its well-maintained promenade and wide view of the Pacific as well as the famous Castillo Forga, which perches magnificently on the cliffs as a yellow landmark. The shore area also features charming cafés where you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze and local specialties in a peaceful atmosphere. It is best to visit this place in the morning to use the gentle morning sun for photos and to start the short return journey to the port in a relaxed manner around noon.
The way back to the Terminal Portuario de Matarani is straightforward thanks to the clear organization, and you will reach your ship safely and on time before departure.
Shuttle buses and organized transfers
Convenient shuttle buses from cruise lines or local providers run regularly from the Plaza de Armas in Mollendo as well as from central points in Arequipa back to the port. These buses take you directly to the guarded terminal entrance of TISUR and ensure a relaxed return journey without detours.
Taxi
Authorized taxis are available for the return journey at the main squares of Mollendo and Matarani, as well as in front of major hotels. The drive along the well-maintained coastal road is short, and thanks to fixed security protocols at the port gate, you will arrive directly at your ship's check-in area.
On foot and port access
From the town of Matarani, you can easily reach the main gate of the port on foot and will find clear signage there. Since the port area is used for industrial purposes, port shuttles waiting at the entrance gate handle the short distance across the site and bring you safely directly to the gangway.
