Stand on the malecón in front of the Museo Naval and the Pacific opens up in front of you, with the harbour traffic of Peru's chief seaport moving behind your shoulder. Callao sits about 15 km west of the Historic Centre of Lima, close enough to reach on a day trip but distinct enough to plan a day of its own around.
This guide suits travellers who want naval history, a working port and a fortress rather than polished colonial streets.
1. Fortaleza del Real Felipe
Construction on this fortress began in 1747, when it was built to protect Lima from pirates during the viceroyalty period, and it later featured prominently in the defence of the emerging new nation against Spain in 1866. It is the anchor sight of a visit to Callao and the natural place to start.
It sits on Av. Oscar R. Benavides, fronted by Plaza Independencia, and it is open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 16:00. The site also houses the Museo Histórico del Real Felipe, so allow time for both the fortifications and the museum inside.
2. Museo Naval
On Jr. José Gálvez 123, this museum covers the history of the Peruvian navy. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 16:00, with admission at S/3 for adults and S/2 for students and children.
The practical advantage here is the setting: you can walk along the promenade in front of the museum and even take a short cruise in the harbour for an extra fee. Pair the museum with the waterfront rather than treating it as an indoor stop only.
3. Museo de Sitio Naval Submarino Abtao (BAP Abtao)
This is an old submarine you can go inside, built in 1952 by the American Electric Boat company and purchased by Peru in 1954. It is at Jorge Chavez 120-A and is open Tuesday to Sunday, roughly 09:30 to 16:30, with admission at S/10.
Because the hours are approximate, treat the submarine as a flexible stop and build the rest of your day around the fortress and the Museo Naval, which have firmer times.
4. Museo de la Fuerza de Aviación Naval
On Avenida Faucett 3479, this museum covers naval aviation. It is a straightforward addition for anyone already working through Callao's naval collections.
It sits on Avenida Faucett, the same avenue that leads toward Jorge Chávez International Airport, so it fits naturally at the start or end of a visit if you are arriving or departing by air.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at the Fortaleza del Real Felipe on Av. Oscar R. Benavides, arriving for opening at 09:00, and include the Museo Histórico del Real Felipe while you are there. From the fortress, walk to the Museo Naval on Jr. José Gálvez 123.
Afternoon: After the Museo Naval, walk along the promenade in front of it and take a short cruise in the harbour for an extra fee. If time allows, continue to the Museo de Sitio Naval Submarino Abtao at Jorge Chavez 120-A before it closes in the mid-afternoon.
Evening: Return to the waterfront around the Museo Naval and the promenade, where the harbour traffic is the point of the view. If your day began or ends at the airport, the Museo de la Fuerza de Aviación Naval on Avenida Faucett 3479 is the logical final stop.
Where is Callao in relation to Lima?
Central Callao is about 15 km west of the Historic Centre of Lima, and the city forms part of the Lima metropolitan area alongside Lima province.
When is the Fortaleza del Real Felipe open?
It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 16:00. The Museo Naval keeps the same days and hours, so both can be visited in a single morning.
Can you go inside a submarine in Callao?
Yes. The Museo de Sitio Naval Submarino Abtao, also known as the BAP Abtao, is an old submarine you can go inside. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, roughly 09:30 to 16:30, with admission at S/10.
How much does the Museo Naval cost?
Admission is S/3 for adults and S/2 for students and children. A short harbour cruise from the promenade in front costs extra.
Set your dates around the Tuesday-to-Sunday opening pattern and start building your Callao itinerary from the fortress outward.