Callao
Fort Real Felipe, Palomino Islands, Museums: Complete Guide

🧭 Region Overview

Callao, officially the Constitutional Province of Callao, is a coastal region adjacent to Lima that houses Peru's main port and the Jorge Chávez International Airport. This strategic territory, rich in maritime history and cultural sites, offers a unique blend of colonial fortresses, natural islands, and fascinating museums.

📜 Historical Significance

• Foundation: 1537 by the Spanish (2 years after Lima)
• Role: Main port of the Viceroyalty of Peru for 300 years
• Unique Feature: Peru's only constitutional province
• Economy: Handles 90% of Peru's maritime trade

Must-See Sites

• 🏰 Fort Real Felipe

  This imposing military fortress built in 1747 to protect the port from pirates is Callao's most iconic monument. With its 4-meter-thick walls and 5 bastions, it withstood the 1826 siege. Today, the fort houses the Peruvian Army Museum with collections of weapons, uniforms, and historical reenactments. Don't miss the "Torreón del Rey" (King's Tower) and its ingenious defense system.

• 🚢 Peruvian Naval Museum

  Housed in the former Military College, this museum showcases Peruvian maritime history from pre-Columbian times to the present. Highlights include models of historic ships, ancient maps, Admiral Grau's sword (hero of the War of the Pacific), and even a section on the War of the Pacific (1879-1884).

• 🛳️ Abtao Submarine Museum

  Unique of its kind, this museum is a decommissioned BAP Abtao submarine (class 209) that visitors can explore. You'll descend through narrow hatches to discover the crew quarters, engine room, torpedoes, and command post.

• 🏝️ Palomino Islands

  Accessible by boat from the port (1-hour trip), this archipelago is home to a large colony of sea lions and seabirds. Tours typically include swimming with sea lions (equipment provided) and a trip around the islands to observe wildlife. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

• 🌊 La Punta

  This upscale residential neighborhood with its resort-like atmosphere contrasts with the rest of Callao. You'll find a beautiful bayfront promenade, yacht clubs, and renowned seafood restaurants. The sunset over the islands from the malecón (boardwalk) is spectacular.

💡 Did you know? Callao has its own popular football team (Sport Boys), and the Miguel Grau stadium hosts passionate matches.

🚗 How to Get There

• From Lima:
  • By car: 30-45 min via Av. Costanera or Av. Faucett
  • By bus: Several lines from downtown Lima

⚠️ Safety

Some areas of Callao (especially away from tourist sites) can be dangerous. Tips:

• Stay in tourist areas (La Punta, historic center, museums)
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Use official taxis (app or hotel)
• Don't display valuables

🎟️ Fees & Hours

• Fort Real Felipe: 15 soles (~4 USD), open 9am-4pm Tuesday to Sunday
• Naval Museum: 5 soles, open 9am-4pm Tuesday to Sunday
• Abtao Submarine: 20 soles, open 9:30am-4:30pm Wednesday to Sunday
• Palomino Islands Tour: ~180 soles (3-4h)

🧭 Visiting Tips

• ⏱ Duration: 1-2 days enough to see main sites
• 👕 Attire:
  • Jacket for coastal wind
  • Comfortable shoes for the fort
  • Swimsuit for Palomino Islands
• 🍴 Gastronomy:
  • Try ceviche at La Punta restaurants
  • Local specialty: "Choritos a la chalaca" (spicy mussels)

Callao, much more than just a gateway to Peru, offers a fascinating mix of maritime history, culture, and nature. Between its colonial fortress, unique museums, and maritime excursions, this often-overlooked region clearly deserves a visit during a stay in Lima.

✨ Don't miss: The panoramic view from Fort Real Felipe's ramparts that showcases the port's strategic importance, and the unique experience of swimming with sea lions at Palomino Islands.