Are you curious about ancient civilizations and archaeological finds? Here are the archaeology museums you must see in Peru:
1Qoricancha Site Museum
CuscoThe Temple of the Sun, also known as Coricancha, Qorikancha, or Qoricancha, was the most sacred site in the Inca Empire. It is located in Cusco, a city that was the center of the Inca Empire. This site was of great importance to the Incas and was the location of significant ceremonies such as marriages, coronations, and funerals. The mummies of the Inca rulers were also kept here, seated on golden thrones. 2Larco Museum
Pueblo LibreThe Larco Museum, officially known as Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum, is a privately owned institution dedicated to the display and preservation of pre-Columbian art. It is situated in the Pueblo Libre District of Lima, Peru. The museum is renowned for its extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, providing a comprehensive overview of 5,000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. 3Huaca Huallamarca
San IsidroHuaca Huallamarca, alternatively known as Huaca Pan de Azúcar, is an archaeological site situated in Peru. This site holds significant historical and cultural value, making it an interesting destination for those interested in archaeology and history. 4Inka Museum
CuscoEl Museo Inka, located in the city of Cusco, Peru, is a university museum that offers a unique insight into the rich history and culture of the region. It is an ideal destination for those interested in learning more about the Inca civilization and the historical significance of Cusco. 5National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru
Pueblo LibreThe National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru (MNAAHP) holds the distinction of being the oldest museum in Peru. It is conveniently located in Plaza Bolívar, in the Pueblo Libre district of Lima. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. 6Lima Art Museum
LimaThe Lima Art Museum, also known as Museo de Arte de Lima or MALI, is a renowned art museum situated in Lima, Peru. The museum is housed in the Palacio de la Exposición and was officially opened to the public in 1961. It is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of art forms and historical artifacts. 7Site Museum and Archaeological Sanctuary of Pachacamac
LurínThe Pachacamac archaeological site, situated approximately 30 km from Lima, Peru, is a significant historical location that showcases ruins from different eras, ranging from the Lima civilization (200-600 AD) to the Incas (1450-1530). This site provides a unique opportunity for tourists to explore and understand the rich history and culture of these ancient civilizations. 8Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum
LambayequeThe Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, located in Lambayeque, Peru, is a significant cultural site that showcases discoveries from the Huaca Rajada complex. This complex is considered the most important funerary complex of the Moche culture discovered to date. The museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and culture of the Moche civilization. 9Leymebamba Museum
Dos de MayoThe Leymebamba Museum is an archaeological museum situated at an altitude of 2,400 meters above the small town of Leymebamba, in the Amazonas department of Peru. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the region while enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. 10Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
CuscoThe Pre-Columbian Art Museum, also known by its Spanish acronym MAP, is an art museum located in Cusco, Peru. The museum is dedicated to showcasing archaeological artifacts and pre-Columbian artworks from all regions of pre-Columbian Peru. This provides a comprehensive view of the rich cultural heritage of the region before the arrival of the Spanish. 11Huaca Pucllana Site Museum
MirafloresHuaca Pucllana, also known as Huaca Juliana, is a prominent adobe and clay pyramid situated in the Miraflores district of central Lima, Peru. The structure is built from seven staggered platforms, making it a unique architectural marvel. 12Andean Sanctuaries Museum
ArequipaThe Andean Sanctuaries Museum, also known as Museo Santuarios Andinos, is an archaeological museum located in Arequipa, Peru. It was established in 1996 with the primary aim of conserving the archaeological artifacts from the High Sanctuaries of the South Andean project. This project was initiated in 1980 by archaeologists José Chavéz and Johan Reinhard in the southern mountains of Peru. 13Museo Histórico Regional del Cuzco
CuscoThe Museo Histórico Regional de Cusco is situated in the city of Cusco, within the department of Cusco, Peru. This location is easily accessible for tourists visiting the city and offers a rich historical experience. 14Parque de las Leyendas
San MiguelThe Parque de las Leyendas, also known as "Dr. Felipe Benavides Barreda", is a zoo situated in the district of San Miguel in Lima, Peru. The Metropolitan Municipality of Lima manages this zoo, making it a well-maintained and organized place for tourists to visit. 15Museum of the Nation
San BorjaThe Museum of the Nation was home to an extensive collection of over 12,500 pre-Hispanic pieces. These included collections of ceramics, metals, and textiles from various cultures such as Paracas, Moche, Wari, and Lima. In addition, the museum also housed more than 2,500 historical pieces of art from the colonial and republican era, providing a comprehensive view of Peru's rich cultural heritage. 16Parque de La Muralla
LimaEl parque de La Muralla is a public park situated in the district of cercado in Lima, the capital city of Peru. The park was officially opened to the public in 2004. 17Regional Museum of Ica Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins
IcaThe Regional Museum of Ica "Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins" is a significant cultural institution in Peru. It is an archaeology and anthropology museum situated in the city of Ica, which is the capital of the department and province bearing the same name. The museum offers a deep dive into the rich history and culture of the region, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in archaeology and anthropology. 18Monumento Arqueológico de Willkawain
IndependenciaWillkawain is situated approximately 6 km northeast of Huaraz, at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, which lies further to the east. The locality is at an altitude of 3350 m, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.- 19
Museo de Sitio Julio C. Tello
Puerto General San MartinThe Museo de Sitio Julio C. Tello de Paracas is situated in the department of Ica, specifically within the Paracas National Reserve. It is approximately 22 kilometers south of the city of Pisco. This location makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the reserve or the surrounding areas. 20Sicán National Museum
FerreñafeThe Sicán National Museum is situated in the city of Ferreñafe, which is in close proximity to Chiclayo, on the north coast of Peru. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the region.- 21
Museo La Recoleta
YanahuaraA monastery from the 17th century, now a museum displaying mummies, masks, various objects from missionary travels and a huge library. 22Huaca Esmeralda
TrujilloHuaca La Esmeralda is an archaeological site that is part of the Chimú Culture. It is situated in the city of Trujillo, Peru. This site provides a unique opportunity for tourists to explore the rich history and culture of the Chimú people.- 23
Numismatic Museum of Peru
LimaThe historical seat of the main court of accounts now aptly houses an interesting numismatic museum. 24Museum of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru
LimaThe Museum of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru, also known as the Central Museum (MUCEN), is a multifaceted institution located in the historic district of Lima, the capital of Peru. It offers a diverse range of exhibits, including archaeology, numismatics, painting, and history, providing a comprehensive insight into the rich cultural and historical heritage of the country. 25Gold Museum of Peru
Santiago de SurcoThe Gold Museum of Peru and Weapons of the World is a significant cultural institution situated in Lima, specifically in the district of Santiago de Surco. This location is easily accessible for tourists visiting the city, making it a convenient destination for those interested in Peruvian history and culture. 26National Museum of Peruvian Culture
San BorjaNot the best museum on this topic in Lima, but no entrance fee is charged. Ancient artefacts on display. 27Inkariy Museum
CalcaThe Inkariy Museum is a private institution dedicated to history, situated in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, within the district of Calca in the province of the same name in the Cusco region of Peru. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the region in a serene and culturally significant setting. 28Museum of Religious Art
CuscoThe Museum of Religious Art of the Archbishop's Palace in Cusco is home to the most comprehensive collection of viceregal religious art from the Cusco School, a style that flourished primarily in the 17th and 18th centuries. This collection provides a unique insight into the fusion of indigenous and Spanish artistic traditions during the colonial period. 29Ancon Site Museum
AncónThe archaeological museum and research centre exhibits vast numbers of excavated objects ranging from ceramics to human bones. 30Museo de Sitio Huaca Rajada-Sipán
SipánThe Museo de Sitio Huaca Rajada-Sipán is a Peruvian museum located in the district of Saña, in the province of Chiclayo, in the department of Lambayeque. This location is important for tourists to know as it helps them plan their visit to the museum. 31Regional Museum of Ancash
HuarazThe Archaeological Museum of Ancash is conveniently located opposite the Plaza de Armas in Huaraz. This location is in the district and province of the same name in the Ancash region. Its central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area. 32National Museum of Peru
LurínThe National Museum of Peru is situated in the Lurín District of Lima, Peru. It is nestled within the archaeological zone of Pachacamac, making it a significant location for those interested in the rich history and culture of the region. 33Museo de los Colli
ComasThe Museo de los Colli is open to the public from Monday to Sunday, from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. This schedule allows visitors ample time to explore the museum and learn about the Collique culture. The museum's location in the district of Comas, within the metropolitan area of Lima, makes it easily accessible for tourists. 34Museo de Sitio Túcume
TúcumeThe Museo de Sitio Túcume is a museum in Peru, situated within the archaeological site of Túcume in the Lambayeque department. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore both the museum and the archaeological site, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region's historical and cultural significance. 35Caral
CaralCaral, situated in Peru, is recognized as the oldest known city settlement on the American continent. It is located approximately 200 km north of Lima and 25 km inland from the Pacific coast in the valley of the mostly dried up Río Supe. This ancient city offers a unique opportunity for tourists to explore the roots of civilization in the Americas.- 36
AMANO - Pre-Columbian Textile Museum
MirafloresPrivate collection of Chimú and Nasca artefacts is really not to be missed despite being so down-to-earth. Free entrance, call ahead. - 37
Museo Municipal de Chancay
ChancayThe Museo Municipal de Chancay, located in the town of Chancay, was officially established on July 23, 1991. This was done through the municipal resolution N.° 161: CDCH/91. The museum was created with the resources of the municipality, which dedicated the premises of the old municipal palace as the institution's headquarters. - 38
Tacna Historical Museum
TacnaThe Tacna Historical Museum, situated at Apurimac Street N° 202, is a significant cultural institution dedicated to the archaeology and history of Tacna. The museum primarily focuses on the Emancipation and Republican Period, offering visitors a deep dive into these crucial periods of Tacna's history. The museum's location, near Alameda Bolognesi, makes it easily accessible for tourists. - 39
Museo Municipal de Caraz
CarazThe Municipal Museum 'Hernán Osorio Herrera' of Caraz is a municipal museum situated in the district of Caraz, in the province of Huaylas, within the Áncash region of Peru. This location is a significant cultural hub, offering visitors a chance to delve into the rich history and heritage of the region.