The District of La Punta (Callao Province)

La Punta

(Callao Province)

The District La Punta
(Municipalidad de La Punta)

Av. Sáenz Peña 298

Postal Code (Zip Code): Callao 5

http://www.munilapunta.gob.pe (Spanish)

District Size: 18.38 km²

Population: 4370 citizens

Population density: 238 citizens/km²

Altitude: 3 m (Municipality)

Date of Foundation: 6. Oct 1915

General Info about La Punta

La Punta is one of six districts that make up the Constitutional Province of Callao. It is located on a peninsula in the western part of the province and is almost entirely surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, except on its eastern side, where it is bordered by Callao downtown. The first inhabitants of La Punta were fishermen.

Before and during the Inca era and at the beginning of Colonial times a small fishing village, called Piti-Piti, existed in La Punta. But the area didn’t have a proper name at this time and was always referred to as ‘Punta del Callao’ (the point/end of Callao). Like the whole Callao area, La Punta was also completely destroyed by the devastating earthquake and the tidal wave of 1746.

La Punta recovered quickly and already by the end of the 19th century it had developed to one of the most popular spas in the region. In 1910 La Punta was basically formed by two main streets (Jr. Medina and Jr. Sáenz Peña) and two side roads (Jr. Ucayali and a road without name). A spacious, open plaza with hotels and summer houses gave it a rustic, but elegant appearance. Even though many visitors from the Limeñan bourgeoisie came to La Punta, life was peaceful and quite.

On the 6th of October 1915 La Punta was officially established as district of the Constitutional Province of Callao.

In the 1930s and 1940s many Italian immigrants settled in La Punta. Their legacy can still be seen in the district. La Punta is mostly an upper middle class district, where Callao's most prestigious families have historically lived. Many of the district's old houses are still conserved.

Today the beautiful district attracts many visitors during the summer months. La Punta’s beaches called ‘Cantolao’, ‘Malecón’ and ‘Arenillas’ are popular with surfers, swimmers and sun lovers. Almost one third of La Punta is occupied by the Peruvian Naval School.

The crest of the district La Punta in Callao

Please click on the Pictures for bigger view...

Places to visit & attractions in and around La Punta

Fortress Real Felipe (Plaza Independencia, Callao)

Callao´s main attraction is the Fortress Real Felipe. Built over 250 years ago to defend the Peruvian coast and the harbour of Callao from attacks of pirates, it is the biggest and most impressive of all fortresses the Spanish crown erected overseas. Inside its walls, hallways and towers a piece of Peruvian history has survived. Since 1984 the fortress houses the museum of the Peruvian army, the ‘Museo Historico Militar Real Felipe’. Take a guided tour and discover another part of the Peruvian past (it takes about 2½ hours).

The Naval Museum – Museo Naval y Maritimo del Peru (Av. Jorge Chávez 123, Plaza Grau, Callao Center)

Located just a few blocks from the Fortress Real Felipe is the Peruvian Naval Museum. The fascinating naval and maritime history of Peru is shown with archaeological testimonies, personal objects of war heroes, ship models, instruments for navigation, photos, paintings, jewelry, sculptures and documents. In the library you will find all kinds of books related to the maritime history. The museum offers an interesting ‘package’: The tour through the museum (1½h to 2h) and a great 30 min. boat trip around Callao harbour. Have fun!

Museo de la Fuerza de Submarinos (Base Naval del Callao, La Punta, Callao)

The museum shows the captivating history of the Peruvian submarines starting in 1912 until today. You can find more info about it on our museums pages.

Museo de la Compañía de Bomberos Italia No. 5 (Alejandro Granda, Block 3, Bellavista, Callao)

The museum of the famous fire brigade Italia No. 5 is located directly in the still operating fire station of the ‘Compañía de Bomberos Italia No. 5’ in Bellavista, Callao. The museum displays objects related to the history of the station, put together with lots of love and dedication. This museum is an absolute must for all enthusiasts. You can find more info about it on our museums pages.

Read more... (Museums in Lima)

Museo Memoria Coronel Leoncio Prado (Colegio Leoncio Prado, Av. Costanera 1545, La Perla, Callao)

The museum, located inside the Military School ‘Leoncio Prado’, is dedicated to Leoncio Prado, a man who fought his lifetime against Spanish oppression. It shows photos, paintings, flags and personal belongings of the national hero Coronel Leoncio Prado. You can find more info about it on our museums pages.

Boat Tour to Callao’s Islands

One of the highlights of a visit to Callao is a boat trip to the islands offshore. Discover the ‘Mysterious Island’ of San Lorenzo, The Island of Death ‘El Frontón’ and the Palomino Islands with their unique wildlife. Boats depart daily in the morning from the piers of La Punta and Callao. You need to book a tour in advance at one of the numerous travel agencies or at the tourist booth of the Municipality of Callao. Depending on the tour you choose, the trips takes around 4 hours.

Plaza Francisco Bolognesi (Av. Saenz Peña, Block 5, Callao)

The Plaza Bolognesi is considered to be the main square in Callao, even if it seems that this honour belongs to Plaza Grau with its historical fortress, the Naval Museum nearby and its closeness to the old downtown Callao. But on the Plaza Bolognesi most for the community important ceremonies and events takes place. In honour of the hero of the famous Battle of Arica, Francisco Bolognesi, this nice square place was named after him and a statue of him built in the middle.

Plaza Jose Galvez (Off Av. Saenz Peña, Block 2 towards the historic city center, Callao)

This square is dedicated to Colonel Jose Galvez, hero of the naval battle of the 2nd of May 1866, who died defending Callao against the Spaniards. The historical houses surrounding the square give it its special charm. Many of them date back to the end of Colonial and Republican times with clearly visible English influence. The old mansions were declared as Historical Monuments by the National Cultural Institute of Peru (INC).

Have Fun...

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