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El Frontón

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El Frontón

El Frontón

El Frontón is an uninhabited island located off the coast of Callao. It is primarily known for its history as a former prison. Travelers visit the site to observe the deserted ruins and the isolated natural environment of the island.

Getting There

To reach the island from Lima city centre, you must first travel to the port of Callao. From there, access is only possible via boat. The total travel time depends on traffic to the port and the duration of the boat crossing.

Duration of Visit

Depending on the boat operator's schedule and the areas explored, visitors typically spend a few hours on the island.

When to Visit

The island is subject to coastal weather conditions. It is advisable to check sea states and weather forecasts before arranging a boat trip to ensure safe passage.

Combining with Other Sites

Because the island is accessed via Callao, it can be combined with other historical sites in the port area. Nearby locations include:

  • Real Felipe Fortress (6.5km)
  • BAP Abtao (6.8km)
  • St. Joseph's Cathedral, Callao (7km)
  • Mosque of Lima (12km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near El Frontón

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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El Frontón Nearby stays

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Good to visit alongside

Real Felipe Fortress

Castles & palaces

Real Felipe Fortress

A colonial-era fortress built to defend the port of Callao from pirates. It now serves as a military museum, displaying historic uniforms, weapons, and other artifacts.

6.5 km away

BAP Abtao

Museums & galleries

BAP Abtao

A decommissioned Peruvian Navy submarine on display in Lima. Built in the United States in the 1950s and formerly in active service, it was renamed in honor of the Battle of the Chincha Islands. Visitors can walk through the narrow interior and get a close look at Cold War-era naval equipment and submarine design.

6.8 km away

St. Joseph's Cathedral, Callao

Temples & religious sites

St. Joseph's Cathedral, Callao

A neoclassical cathedral in the old town of Callao, built in the late 19th century. Restored after earthquake damage, it still holds mass today and is a lovely place to admire its historic architecture.

7.0 km away

Mosque of Lima

Temples & religious sites

Mosque of Lima

This mosque in Lima's Magdalena del Mar district was built in 1986 by the Palestinian community on the grounds of a former mansion. It is open to the public, offering a close look at Islamic architecture and culture.

12.0 km away

Larco Museum

Museums & galleries

Larco Museum

A private museum housed in an 18th-century building in Lima's Pueblo Libre district, displaying artifacts from 5,000 years of ancient Peruvian civilizations in chronological order. It's especially well known for its collection of ancient erotic pottery.

12.7 km away

National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru

Museums & galleries

National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru

Located in the heart of Pueblo Libre, Lima, this is Peru's largest and oldest museum, home to over 100,000 artifacts from across the country. Highlights include the Raimondi Stele and a model of Machu Picchu.

13.5 km away