Things To Do
in Ilo

Ilo is a charming port city located in southern Peru, known for its beautiful beaches and rich maritime history. It serves as an important fishing hub and offers stunning coastal views along the Pacific Ocean. The city is less touristy compared to other Peruvian destinations, allowing visitors to experience authentic local culture.

Ilo is also a gateway to several natural attractions and outdoor activities in the surrounding region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Discovering Ilo
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the Malecón de Ilo, a scenic waterfront promenade where you can enjoy a leisurely walk and take in the ocean views. Stop by a local café for breakfast, trying a traditional Peruvian breakfast dish like 'pan con chicharrón'.

afternoon
:

After breakfast, head to the Ilo Museum to learn more about the local history and culture. Spend the afternoon at Playa Boca del Río, where you can relax on the beach or try water sports like kayaking.

evening
:

Conclude your day with dinner at a beachfront restaurant, enjoying fresh seafood while watching the sunset. Explore local bars afterward for some live music or traditional dancing.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Adventure
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local market, sampling fresh fruits and traditional pastries. Then, embark on a hiking trip to the nearby hills for breathtaking views of the coastline.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon at the nearby Punta de Bombón, a beautiful fishing village. You can engage with local fishermen or relax on the less crowded beaches.

evening
:

Return to Ilo for dinner at a popular cevichería to try the local ceviche. Spend your night at a vibrant local bar where you can mingle with locals and enjoy the nightlife.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a Local Restaurant$10
🏨Mid-range Hotel per Night$50
🚌Local Bus Fare$0.50
Coffee at a Café$2
🍦Ice Cream Cone$1

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic local culture and cuisine.
  • Beautiful coastal scenery and outdoor activities.
  • Less crowded compared to other tourist destinations.
  • Limited nightlife options.
  • Language barrier for non-Spanish speakers.
  • Fewer amenities than larger cities.
  • "Hola" - Hello
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Me gustaría..." - I would like...

Places to Visit in Ilo

Visit one of these nice places.

Malecón de Ilo

A picturesque promenade offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, perfect for sunset photography.

Playa Boca del Río

A beautiful beach where you can capture vibrant beach scenes and local life.

Ilo Port

Photogenic harbor with colorful fishing boats and the backdrop of the city.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ilo

Ilo is a culinary paradise for seafood lovers, with an abundance of fresh fish and traditional Peruvian dishes. The local cuisine is characterized by its use of coastal ingredients, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Ilo Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ceviche

Freshly caught fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, cilantro, and chili peppers.

Must-Try!

Arroz con Mariscos

A flavorful rice dish cooked with various seafood and spices.

Chicharrón de Pescado

Fried fish served with sweet potato and salad.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Central de Ilo

A bustling market where you can find fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies.

Street Cevicherías

Various street vendors sell delicious and affordable ceviche, perfect for a quick bite.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ilo has a coastal desert climate with mild temperatures year-round. Summers are warm with daytime highs averaging around 25°C (77°F), while winters are cooler with temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F). Rain is rare, but humidity can be high, especially during the summer months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

A warm greeting with a handshake or a hug among friends is common.

Respect for Elders

Showing respect to elders is important; using formal language is appreciated.

Dining Etiquette

Wait for the host to start eating before you begin and try to finish everything on your plate.

Safety Guide

Safety

Ilo is generally safe for tourists, but it is advised to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and avoid walking alone at night. Use reputable transportation services and be cautious when accepting help from strangers.

Tipping in Ilo

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

It’s customary to leave a 10% tip in restaurants if service is not included.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, and ATMs are available, but credit cards may not be accepted in all places.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (December - February)

Warm temperatures ideal for beach activities, but be prepared for the occasional rain.

Autumn (March - May)

Milder weather with less rain, great for outdoor exploration.

Winter (June - August)

Cooler temperatures; perfect for hiking but may be cloudy.

Spring (September - November)

Temperatures start to warm up, and the weather is generally pleasant for outdoor activities.

Nightlife Guide

Ilo at Night

Ilo has a laid-back nightlife scene with local bars and cafes offering live music and entertainment. Most venues feature a relaxed atmosphere where locals and tourists gather to enjoy drinks and socialize. Traditional music and dance can often be experienced in local clubs, making for an authentic cultural experience.

Hiking in Ilo

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cerro La Calavera

A popular hiking trail offering panoramic views of Ilo and the surrounding coastline.

Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca

A stunning national reserve nearby with diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes, ideal for hiking and nature observation.

Airports

How to reach Ilo by plane.

Ilo Airport (ILQ)

A small airport located about 5 km from the city center, offering limited domestic flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Ilo is quite walkable, especially in the downtown area where most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance. The Malecón offers a pleasant walking path along the coast, making it easy to explore the scenery. However, some hilly areas may require more effort.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Fishing Community

A significant portion of Ilo's population is engaged in fishing, contributing to the local economy and culture.

Tourists

Ilo attracts a mix of local and international tourists seeking to explore its coastal beauty and traditional culture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer

Soccer is the most popular sport in Ilo, with many local teams and matches that locals enjoy attending.

Surfing

The coastal waves make Ilo a great spot for surfing, attracting both beginners and experienced surfers.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Ilo is generally light compared to larger cities, making it easy to navigate by foot or local transport. Public transportation consists mainly of buses and taxis, which are affordable. Be cautious of pedestrian crossings, as drivers may not always stop.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ilo.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Ilo has several restaurants that offer vegetarian dishes, though seafood is predominant.

Gluten-Free Options

Traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche and grilled meats are generally gluten-free.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities in Ilo include a mix of public and private clinics. While basic medical services are available, serious medical issues may require transferring to larger cities like Arequipa. It's advisable for travelers to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Discover Peru

Read more in our Peru 2025 Travel Guide.

Peru Travel Guide