BAP Abtao, Museum submarine in Lima, Peru

The BAP Abtao is a 74.1-metre Abtao-class submarine moored in central Callao as a museum ship. Its black hull, marked by vertical white streaks, rises to a narrow conning tower topped by a thin mast. A blue sign on the forward left reads "MUSEO DE SITIO NAVAL SUBMARINO ABTAO". The deck carries a 5-inch gun abaft the sail, and six 21-inch torpedo tubes are built into the hull.

Built in 1953 by the Electric Boat Company, this vessel served in the Peruvian Navy until 1999 before becoming a museum in 2004. Its transformation showed the nation's interest in preserving its naval past.

The name comes from a key battle during the Chincha Islands War and reflects Peru's naval heritage. Walking through the tight spaces inside gives you a sense of how this vessel mattered to the nation's maritime story.

The submarine sits in the central Callao district and welcomes visitors to explore its tight corridors and chambers. Expect confined spaces, and wear solid shoes to safely navigate the metal grating and stairs.

In August 1988 the Abtao took part in rescuing the crew of BAP Pacocha, which had sunk after colliding with the fishing vessel Kiowa Maru. The Abtao was removed from service on 10 May 1999 and opened as a museum on 28 January 2004, the first museum ship of its kind in Latin America.