Inca Museum (Museo Inka)
Ataud 154, Cusco, Peru, 08002
Located in the heart of Cusco, the Inca Museum (Museo Inka) puts Peru’s numerous Inca ruins into context. The humble museum, which is built on an ancient Inca foundation, houses hundreds of artifacts that shed light on ancient Inca civilizations. In the outdoor courtyard, visitors can observe artists showcasing their weaving skills and purchase handcrafted souvenirs.
The Basics
For visitors in Peru for the first time, the Inca Museum (Museo Inka) is a great place to learn about the country’s Inca heritage. You can delve deeper into the history of Cusco and the surrounding highlands during a walking tour, which offers an intimate glimpse into Cusco’s colonial Old Town. Tours typically combine the Inca Museum with stops at Cusco Cathedral (Catedral de Cuzco) and the central market (Mercado Central de San Pedro).
Things to Know Before You Go
The Inca Museum will appeal to history buffs and visitors wanting to learn more about ancient Inca civilizations.
There is a small admission fee to enter the museum.
With lots of information to take in, it’s best to dedicate at least an hour to exploring the museum.
Highlights of the collection include decorated shells used as trumpets, real Inca mummies, and ceramics that date back thousands of years.
How to Get There
The museum is located on Tucuman near Ataud, just a few steps from the spectacular Plaza de Armas. The cobbled streets of Cusco’s Old Town are mazelike and similar in appearance, so for first-time visitors, a walking tour is an easy way to get oriented.
When to Get There
The Inka Museum is open 8am–6pm Monday through Friday and 9am–4pm on Saturday. The museum is closed on Sundays and on public holidays.
Beyond Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is the best-known Inca site in Peru, but in the highlands around Cusco are several other worthwhile archaeological sites. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacsayhuaman offers panoramic views of the Sacred Valley; Moray gives visitors a glimpse into early Inca agricultural practices; and Choquequirao, nicknamed ‘the other Machu Picchu,’ is only accessible via a strenuous 2-day hike.
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