All archaeology museums to visit in Peru

Uncover the secrets of the past at 39 archaeology museums in Peru. These museums feature artifacts and exhibits that reveal the history of ancient civilizations.

Are you curious about ancient civilizations and archaeological finds? Here are the archaeology museums you must see in Peru:

  1. Qoricancha Site Museum1

    Qoricancha Site Museum

     Cusco
    The 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.
  2. Larco Museum2

    Larco Museum

     Pueblo Libre
    The 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.
  3. Huaca Huallamarca3

    Huaca Huallamarca

     San Isidro
    Huaca 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.
  4. Inka Museum4

    Inka Museum

     Cusco
    El 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.
  5. National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru5

    National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru

     Pueblo Libre
    The 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.
  6. Lima Art Museum6

    Lima Art Museum

     Lima
    The 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.
  7. Site Museum and Archaeological Sanctuary of Pachacamac7

    Site Museum and Archaeological Sanctuary of Pachacamac

     Lurín
    The 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.
  8. Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum8

    Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

     Lambayeque
    The 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.
  9. Leymebamba Museum9

    Leymebamba Museum

     Dos de Mayo
    The 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.
  10. Museum of Pre-Columbian Art10

    Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

     Cusco
    The 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.
  11. Huaca Pucllana Site Museum11

    Huaca Pucllana Site Museum

     Miraflores
    Huaca 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.
  12. Andean Sanctuaries Museum12

    Andean Sanctuaries Museum

     Arequipa
    The 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.
  13. Museo Histórico Regional del Cuzco13

    Museo Histórico Regional del Cuzco

     Cusco
    The 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.
  14. Parque de las Leyendas14

    Parque de las Leyendas

     San Miguel
    The 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.
  15. Museum of the Nation15

    Museum of the Nation

     San Borja
    The 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.
  16. Parque de La Muralla16

    Parque de La Muralla

     Lima
    El 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.
  17. Regional Museum of Ica Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins17

    Regional Museum of Ica Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins

     Ica
    The 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.
  18. Monumento Arqueológico de Willkawain18

    Monumento Arqueológico de Willkawain

     Independencia
    Willkawain 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. 19

    Museo de Sitio Julio C. Tello

     Puerto General San Martin
    The 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.
  20. Sicán National Museum20

    Sicán National Museum

     Ferreñafe
    The 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. 21

    Museo La Recoleta

     Yanahuara
    A monastery from the 17th century, now a museum displaying mummies, masks, various objects from missionary travels and a huge library.
  22. Huaca Esmeralda22

    Huaca Esmeralda

     Trujillo
    Huaca 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. 23

    Numismatic Museum of Peru

     Lima
    The historical seat of the main court of accounts now aptly houses an interesting numismatic museum.
  24. Museum of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru24

    Museum of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru

     Lima
    The 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.
  25. Gold Museum of Peru25

    Gold Museum of Peru

     Santiago de Surco
    The 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.
  26. National Museum of Peruvian Culture26

    National Museum of Peruvian Culture

     San Borja
    Not the best museum on this topic in Lima, but no entrance fee is charged. Ancient artefacts on display.
  27. Inkariy Museum27

    Inkariy Museum

     Calca
    The 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.
  28. Museum of Religious Art28

    Museum of Religious Art

     Cusco
    The 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.
  29. Ancon Site Museum29

    Ancon Site Museum

     Ancón
    The archaeological museum and research centre exhibits vast numbers of excavated objects ranging from ceramics to human bones.
  30. Museo de Sitio Huaca Rajada-Sipán30

    Museo de Sitio Huaca Rajada-Sipán

     Sipán
    The 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.
  31. Regional Museum of Ancash31

    Regional Museum of Ancash

     Huaraz
    The 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.
  32. National Museum of Peru32

    National Museum of Peru

     Lurín
    The 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.
  33. Museo de los Colli33

    Museo de los Colli

     Comas
    The 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.
  34. Museo de Sitio Túcume34

    Museo de Sitio Túcume

     Túcume
    The 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.
  35. Caral35

    Caral

     Caral
    Caral, 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. 36

    AMANO - Pre-Columbian Textile Museum

     Miraflores
    Private collection of Chimú and Nasca artefacts is really not to be missed despite being so down-to-earth. Free entrance, call ahead.
  37. 37

    Museo Municipal de Chancay

     Chancay
    The 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. 38

    Tacna Historical Museum

     Tacna
    The 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. 39

    Museo Municipal de Caraz

     Caraz
    The 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.