Abtao Submarine Museum, Lima - a train parked in front of a building at night
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Abtao Submarine Museum Lima

4.5
·1k reviews·Callao, Peru

Explore a 1950s Sierra-class submarine, guided by former Peruvian Navy submariners. A unique dive into naval history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal tours

CrowdLow
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Abtao Submarine Museum, Lima - a train parked in front of a building at night

Abtao Submarine Museum Lima

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal tours

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a 1950s Sierra-class submarine, guided by former Peruvian Navy submariners. A unique dive into naval history.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"A very unique experience to see a submarine from inside."

Vertical photo
TIP

Spanish is Key! 🗣️

Tours are only in Spanish. Brush up on your phrases or go with a Spanish speaker!

Budget-Friendly Fun 💰

Affordable admission makes this a great value for a unique experience.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Inside the Sierra-Class Submarine

Inside the Sierra-Class Submarine

Docked at the museum

Explore the cramped, authentic interior of a 1950s diesel-electric submarine.

Expert Docent Tours

Expert Docent Tours

Throughout the submarine

Guided by former Peruvian Navy submariners, offering personal insights and answering questions.

Naval History Display

Naval History Display

Museum grounds

Part of a broader display of Peru's rich naval heritage, alongside the Naval Museum.

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Planning Your Visit

Tour Language & Duration

Tours are exclusively in Spanish, which can limit understanding for non-Spanish speakers. Plan for a 1-2 hour visit to fully appreciate the submarine's interior and history.

Ticket Price & Value

Admission is a modest fee (around 12S or 4 USD as of 2017), offering excellent value for a unique experience. The museum is immaculately maintained by former submariners.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Still manageable crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Conoce 6 hermosos museos en un día 😍 ¿Con quién harías este recorrido? 🇵🇪 📍Centro de Lima, Perú 🔥✈️ Yo fui con mi mami, y justo en este orden, te comparto mi ruta óptima (considerando la ubicación de cada lugar), para que vayas caminando de un punto al siguiente ✨ 💌 Soy Sandy @sandy.sisabe y te comparto mis tips 😊 🔥 Sígueme para más ♥️ #centrodelima #museos #lima #peru #sandysisabe #planes #famili...
@sandy.sisabe
35.7K likes • 474.4K views

Spanish is Key! 🗣️

Tours are only in Spanish. Brush up on your phrases or go with a Spanish speaker! Reddit

Budget-Friendly Fun 💰

Affordable admission makes this a great value for a unique experience. Reddit

Por dentro de um submarino de verdade! 🛳 #riodejaneiro #dicasdorio #fyp #turismo #museu #marinhadobrasil #historia #viagem #dicasdeviagem #submarino
@rio_seu_lindo
30.4K likes • 365.9K views

Chat with the Experts 🧑‍✈️

Former submariners lead tours; ask them anything about life aboard! Reddit

Combine with Naval Museum ⚓

Located nearby, it's a perfect pairing for naval history buffs. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Spanish is Key! 🗣️

Tours are only in Spanish. Brush up on your phrases or go with a Spanish speaker! Reddit

Budget-Friendly Fun 💰

Affordable admission makes this a great value for a unique experience. Reddit

Chat with the Experts 🧑‍✈️

Former submariners lead tours; ask them anything about life aboard! Reddit

Combine with Naval Museum ⚓

Located nearby, it's a perfect pairing for naval history buffs. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Abtao Submarine Museum for its unique experience and the knowledgeable former submariners who lead tours. The authentic interior and well-maintained condition are highlights, offering great value for the modest admission fee. However, the tour's exclusive Spanish language can be a barrier for non-Spanish speakers, and some wish for more detailed historical information.

"Very interesting sights. The tour is only in Spanish though, so if you don't speak Spanish you won't enjoy it as much but a nice experience to see the inside of an old submarine."

Cee Jay

"Excellent museum ship. You can tell it wasn't long ago that it was decommissioned. Most equipment stays true to what would have been operating when in service. As of 2017 its 12S, or 4usd admission, and 1h long tour. It was completely worth it, absolutely recommended."

Javier Insausti

"A very unique experience to see a submarine from inside."

Tobias Sette

What People Like

Unique submarine experience
Knowledgeable ex-submariners
Authentic interior

What People Dislike

Tours only in Spanish
Limited historical detail

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Callao, near Lima. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing service. Some visitors mention it as part of a museum hopping route in downtown Lima, suggesting it's accessible via walking if you plan your route efficiently. TikTok

While often mentioned in lists of Lima museums, the Abtao Submarine Museum is located in Callao, which is a separate port city adjacent to Lima. It's not typically considered part of the immediate 'Centro de Lima' walking tours, though it can be visited on the same day. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

As of 2017, the admission fee was around 12 Peruvian Soles (S), approximately 4 USD. It's advisable to check for current pricing upon arrival. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required. Tickets can typically be purchased upon arrival at the museum. Reddit

The museum is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It's always a good idea to confirm hours before your visit. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

No, the tours are conducted exclusively in Spanish. This can be a significant factor for visitors who do not speak Spanish, as much of the information is conveyed verbally. Reddit

Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the submarine and listening to the tour. Some reviews suggest a 1-hour tour, while others recommend 2-3 hours to fully absorb the experience. Reddit+1

Visitors can expect a unique and immersive experience exploring the cramped, authentic interior of a decommissioned Sierra-class submarine. Most equipment remains as it was when in service. Reddit

Yes, the museum has clean restrooms and a well-stocked gift shop with items related to the submarine and Peruvian Navy at reasonable prices. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted inside the submarine, allowing you to capture the unique atmosphere and details of this historic vessel. TikTok

The narrow passageways, control room, and sleeping quarters offer interesting photographic opportunities. The exterior of the submarine also makes for a striking shot. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Abtao Submarine Museum offers a novel and exciting experience for families. Kids often find the idea of exploring a real submarine fascinating, and the compact nature of the vessel means it's not an overwhelming space to navigate. The hands-on feel of seeing actual equipment can spark curiosity about naval history and engineering. TikTok

While the tours are in Spanish, the visual exploration of the submarine's interior is engaging for all ages. It's a great opportunity to discuss teamwork and life in confined spaces. Consider it a unique adventure that stands out from typical museum visits, providing memorable photo opportunities. TikTokReddit

⚓ History Buffs & Naval Enthusiasts

For those with a keen interest in naval history, the Abtao Submarine Museum is a must-visit. The opportunity to explore a well-preserved Sierra-class submarine from the 1950s, complete with much of its original equipment, is a rare treat. The insights provided by the former submariner guides are particularly valuable, offering a depth of knowledge that goes beyond typical museum narratives. Reddit

Combined with the nearby Museo Naval de la Marina, this museum offers a comprehensive look at Peru's rich naval heritage. It's a chance to appreciate the technological advancements and the human element of submarine warfare and service. The meticulous maintenance and the passion of the staff ensure an authentic and informative experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Submarine's Interior

Stepping aboard the Abtao Submarine is like stepping back in time. The museum offers a rare opportunity to see the inner workings of a Sierra-class submarine, originally built in the 1950s. Visitors can navigate the tight corridors, peer into the crew's quarters, and imagine life aboard this vessel. The authenticity is striking, with much of the original equipment still in place, giving a real sense of its operational history. Reddit

Be prepared for cramped spaces; this is a submarine, after all! The experience is enhanced by the fact that the museum is staffed by former submariners from Peru's Navy. These knowledgeable guides provide firsthand accounts and are eager to answer questions, making the visit far more engaging than simply wandering through on your own. Reddit

While the tour is primarily in Spanish, the visual aspect of exploring the submarine is compelling on its own. It's a unique chance to understand the logistics and challenges of submarine life, offering a different perspective on naval history. Reddit

The Role of Former Submariners

A significant part of the Abtao Submarine Museum's appeal lies in its docent staff. These are not just tour guides; they are former submariners who served on vessels like the Abtao. Their personal experiences and deep understanding of submarine operations bring the museum to life in a way that standard historical exhibits often cannot. Reddit

These individuals are passionate about sharing their knowledge and are often happy to engage in conversations, answering questions about everything from daily routines to technical aspects of the submarine. This firsthand perspective adds an invaluable layer of authenticity and human connection to the visit. It transforms a static display into a dynamic learning experience, making it a truly memorable part of exploring Peru's naval heritage. Reddit

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