Real Felipe Fortress Lima
A formidable 18th-century fortress defending Lima, now housing the Peruvian Army Museum and steeped in history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid school groups
Real Felipe Fortress Lima
Best Time
Avoid school groups

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A formidable 18th-century fortress defending Lima, now housing the Peruvian Army Museum and steeped in history.
"A fascinating historical fortress that seems to be still actively in use."
🛡️ Fortress History Tours
Opt for a guided tour to get in-depth historical explanations. Guides are professional and friendly!
🚶♀️ Navigating Callao
The fortress is safe, but the surrounding neighborhood can feel intimidating. Stay near the entrance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Imposing Walls
Exterior
Massive 18th-century fortifications that once defended Lima from pirates and corsairs.
Peruvian Army Museum
Inside the Fortress
Explore historical uniforms, weapons, and military paraphernalia from Peru's rich past.

Miniature City Models
Inside the Fortress
See fascinating scale models of Lima and its surroundings before modern urbanization.

Panoramic Views
Top of the Torreones
Enjoy beautiful vistas of Callao port and the surrounding coastline from the fortress ramparts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for History & Fewer Crowds
Navigating Callao & Fortress Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛡️ Fortress History Tours
Opt for a guided tour to get in-depth historical explanations. Guides are professional and friendly!
🚶♀️ Navigating Callao
The fortress is safe, but the surrounding neighborhood can feel intimidating. Stay near the entrance.
🎒 Stroller Unfriendly
The fortress has uneven terrain, making it less ideal for strollers.
💰 Affordable Entry
Entrance is around 12 soles, with group guides available for an additional fee.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛡️ Fortress History Tours
Opt for a guided tour to get in-depth historical explanations. Guides are professional and friendly!
🚶♀️ Navigating Callao
The fortress is safe, but the surrounding neighborhood can feel intimidating. Stay near the entrance.
🎒 Stroller Unfriendly
The fortress has uneven terrain, making it less ideal for strollers.
💰 Affordable Entry
Entrance is around 12 soles, with group guides available for an additional fee.
👻 Paranormal Legends
The fortress is known for its haunted reputation and legends of lingering spirits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Real Felipe Fortress for its significant historical value and impressive architecture, offering a deep dive into Peru's colonial past and military heritage. The on-site museum and panoramic views are often highlighted as enjoyable aspects. Some note that the surrounding neighborhood can feel a bit rough, and the terrain within the fortress is not ideal for strollers.
"A great fort to visit and learn the history. Although the neighborhood around it may be a bit discoursing to walk but as long if your around the entrance and maintain inside the fortress there is no danger to be afraid of. There is a lot of school trips visiting this site and I enjoyed learning the history and seeing the foundation itself."
Hubert Pro Studios
"A fascinating historical fortress that seems to be still actively in use. Not very stroller friendly but some really fascinating quarters and military equipment. There are also miniatures of Lima and the surrounding area before the urbanization."
Mason Stoecker
"Our visit of Royal Fortress of Felipe included a tour of three out of five torreones and included depth explanation of history and background of the site. Our guide was professional and friendly and responded well to all of our questions."
Martin González
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service directly to the fortress. Public buses are also an option, but may require transfers and can be more time-consuming. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
While the fortress itself is secure, some visitors find the surrounding Callao neighborhood a bit intimidating. It's recommended to stay aware of your surroundings and stick to the main areas around the fortress entrance.
Many visitors opt for a taxi or Uber for convenience and safety, especially if coming from other districts of Lima. Public transport is available but can be more complex.
Yes, if you are arriving by cruise ship or ferry, the fortress is within walking distance of the Callao port area.
Consider using ride-sharing apps for a straightforward journey. If using public transport, confirm your route beforehand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is approximately 12 Peruvian Soles. Group guided tours are available for an additional cost of around 4 Soles per person, though these are typically in Spanish.
Advance booking is generally not required for standard entry. However, for special tours like night tours, it's advisable to book in advance via DM as suggested by tour operators.
Opening hours can vary, but the fortress is typically open during daytime hours. It's best to check the most current schedule before your visit, especially if planning for a night tour.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the history. Guides are professional and can answer many questions.
The fortress has uneven terrain and is noted as not being very stroller-friendly, which may indicate challenges for those with mobility issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find the Peruvian Army Museum with historical uniforms and weapons, miniature models of old Lima, and impressive architectural elements.
Tours typically cover several of the 'torreones' (turrets), offering a comprehensive look at the fortress's structure and history.
The fortress has a reputation for paranormal activity, with legends of tortured prisoners and lingering spirits adding an eerie atmosphere.
Built in the 18th century to defend Lima's port from pirates and corsairs, it played a role in historical naval battles and is a testament to colonial military architecture.
Yes, the imposing walls, historical artifacts, and views from the ramparts offer many excellent photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific mentions of restaurants within the fortress itself. It's advisable to dine in the Callao area or back in Lima before or after your visit.
The Callao area offers various local eateries. For a wider selection, consider returning to districts like Miraflores or Barranco.
Information on bringing outside food and drinks is not readily available. It's best to consume these before entering or check with staff upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The massive exterior walls, the museum exhibits, and the panoramic views from the upper levels offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions within the museum exhibits.
While specific photography tours aren't advertised, the fortress's historical architecture and unique atmosphere make it a photographer's delight.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful light for capturing the fortress's grandeur, while morning light can be good for museum interiors.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and military sites. It's highly unlikely to be permitted and could lead to issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware that the fortress is not very stroller-friendly due to uneven surfaces. It might be best suited for families with older children who can navigate the grounds more easily. Consider a guided tour to keep younger minds engaged with stories of battles and defense.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Exploring the imposing fortifications, the Peruvian Army Museum, and learning about its construction and strategic significance through a guided tour will provide a deep dive into Peru's past. The fortress's unique blend of history and local legends also adds an intriguing layer for enthusiasts.
👻 Paranormal Investigators & Curious Minds
While not an official 'ghost tour' destination, the stories of paranormal activity add a unique, eerie dimension to the visit. Consider looking for any special night tours that might enhance this atmospheric experience, though these are less common.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Bastion Against Pirates: The History of Real Felipe Fortress
Beyond its defensive role, the fortress has witnessed significant historical events, including its pivotal involvement in the 1826 naval battle against a Spanish fleet attempting to reclaim its colonies. Today, it serves as the Peruvian Army Museum, preserving and showcasing a rich collection of historical uniforms, weaponry, and military artifacts. This transformation allows visitors to step back in time and understand the military heritage of Peru.
Interestingly, the fortress is also steeped in local lore, with tales of paranormal activity and lingering spirits adding an eerie mystique to its historical narrative. This blend of military history and local legend makes the Real Felipe Fortress a uniquely captivating destination.
Exploring the Fortress: What to Expect on Your Visit
Inside, you'll find fascinating exhibits, including historical uniforms and weaponry, as well as unique miniature models of Lima and its surroundings from earlier eras. The views from the top of the fortress are also a highlight, offering panoramic vistas of the Callao port and the coastline.
Be prepared for uneven terrain, as the fortress is not particularly stroller-friendly. However, the historical significance and the immersive experience of walking through such a well-preserved military structure make it a worthwhile visit for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
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