A Voyage of Cultures: My Visit to Peru’s Tall Ship B.A.P. Unión in London
Last week, from 7 to 12 July 2025, London had the rare privilege of hosting the B.A.P. Unión, Peru’s majestic four‑masted barque. A full‑rigged sail training ship, the B.A.P. Unión serves not only as a classroom on water for cadets but also as a floating cultural ambassador—bringing a taste of Peru to ports around the world.
Setting Sail on the Thames
Arriving in London on 7 July, the ship docked at West India Dock, near Canary Wharf, following a reception that included Peru’s Deputy Foreign Minister Félix Denegri, Peru’s Ambassador Ignacio Higueras, and Navy Commander General Luis Polar.
Training & Cultural Exchange
Part of the ship’s “VIEX 2025” training voyage, the B.A.P. Unión carries around 255 crew members and cadets—offering intensive sail training and leadership development . Alongside this educational mission, Casa Perú, a cultural showcase curated by PROMPERÚ, welcomed visitors aboard. It featured Peruvian superfoods, alpaca textiles, artisanal crafts, coffee, and pisco—highlighting Peru’s biodiversity and export potential.
Highlights from My Visit
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Meet the crew: I spoke with a few crew members, impressed by their stories of teamwork and discipline evolving aboard this barque.
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Cultural immersion: Tasting pisco sour and resting on alpaca shawls amid maritime rigging created an unforgettable sensory fusion of sea and tradition.
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Maritime admiration: From its striking 115.8 m hull to 3,400 m² of sail across four masts, the ship’s scale and beauty left a lasting impression.
Beyond London: A Global Mission
London was the first UK port—as part of a 10‑port European tour including Aberdeen, Liverpool, Amsterdam, and Vigo. This voyage not only strengthens naval training but also promotes Peru’s culture, tourism, and trade as the ship sails across continents .
If you missed the B.A.P. Unión in London, keep an eye out for its next visit—this floating embassy is truly a journey not just on water, but through stories, traditions, and human connections.