The old Imperial City of the Incas, Cusco, is one of Peru’s most popular tourist destinations. While many visitors are drawn to the region to explore the breathtaking fortress of Machu Picchu, they soon discover that there is much more to see and do.
Cusco is a charming city that blends colonial and Inca architectural styles, often within the same building. Its temperate climate provides a sense of comfort for tourists as they enjoy the city’s sights, restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
Visiting Cusco is like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into the past through its cobblestone streets and preserved traditions. Local customs are still practiced today, reflected in festivities, food, dress, and materials. Exploring Cusco allows visitors to connect with locals and learn about the region’s and Peru’s history, as the city was the site of many significant historical events.
One of the best ways to delve into Cusco’s rich history is by visiting its museums, which house incredible artifacts. Some museums even offer free admission, expanding the possibilities for your itinerary. This guide highlights the most relevant museums in Cusco, ensuring you don’t miss any details during your visit to this historic city.
Museums of Art, Nature, and History of Cusco
In this section, we will start with five paid museums for you to visit during your trip to Cusco. The visit to each of them is worth every penny invested in your tickets; however, it is worth remembering that there is a tool that can optimize your trip to the main attractions of Cusco.
We are talking about the “Boleto Turístico de Cusco” (The Cusco Tourist Ticket). It lets you visit attractions on some of the city’s tourist circuits without having to wait in queues at the box office to get tickets. The Cusco Tourist Ticket mainly includes visits to the famous archaeological sites in the region, as well as a specific circuit for site museums. Now that you know this great tip for your trip to Peru, let’s get to know the main museums in Cusco with these tips.
Cusco Regional Historical Museum
The Cusco Regional Historical Museum is a very interesting option for those who want to know Peruvian history and, especially, Cusco from the Inca times to the colonial period. The place gathers artifacts and some art from these periods. They are in 13 rooms.
A visit to this museum is pure history since its construction since the charming colonial mansion that you can see today was built on the foundations of an Inca structure. Also, telling a little about the history that gave life to the old mansion, this was the home of Garcilaso de la Vega.
Garcilaso was an important chronicler of Spanish origin, who lived there until 1560 when he definitively returned to Spain. The works of this chronicler concerned, with great focus, the culture, history, and conquests of the famous Inca Empire. Thus, a visit to the Regional Historical Museum is a chance to feel the historic energy of Cusco. You can also get to know one of the city’s beautiful colonial buildings from the inside.
Museum of Popular Art
The Museum of Popular Art offers a true journey back in time! This is due to the type of exhibition that the attraction offers, being an opportunity to appreciate art and history in a completely different way from what you are used to seeing or can imagine.
At the Art Museum, you will find a collection of handcrafted works in the form of miniatures, which portray cultural aspects and the Peruvian and Cusco way of life. Also, in this museum, it is possible to find photographic exhibitions about how life happened in Cusco’s past.
Inka Museum
If you want to delve deeper into the culture of the Inca civilization, you cannot miss visiting the famous Inka Museum, one of the gems of the city of Cusco. During your visit, you will be able to walk through the history of this mighty empire, learning about the facts that preceded its appearance, reaching all its conquests until the period of the fall of the empire with the beginning of Spanish colonization.
The visit is rewarding, as you learn about different aspects of the Inca culture, in addition to historical facts, such as their beliefs, and way of life, you also understand the geography of the empire. So, whether before or after your visit to the majestic city of Machu Picchu, this tour will certainly make you practically an expert on the subject!
Cusco Natural History Museum
This is an option for the curious by nature, with a special focus on the fauna and flora of Peru. Located in the central region of the city, close to Plaza de Armas in Cusco, it is possible to meet different species of animals, all taxidermied, that inhabit the Peruvian Andes and understand a little about their evolution over the years. This is an opportunity to go beyond the most obvious options in the city of Cusco.
Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
Among the museums located in the ancient Inca capital, this is certainly one of the most popular and highly recommended. The Museo de Arte Precolombino houses a collection of ancient pieces that number in the hundreds. Each room in the museum has its own theme, making it easier for visitors to understand what is being presented.
Among the objects displayed in the museum are works of art, pieces in gold and silver, and ceramics from the past, along with other attractions. In addition, it is also possible to enjoy local cuisine in a charming restaurant located inside the museum and experience a complete experience.
Free Museum Options in Cusco
Now that you’ve visited the most well-known museums in Cusco, we’ve decided to provide you with more opportunities to learn about many stories that are vital to this city. So, if you want to supplement or develop a vacation itinerary packed with historical and cultural attractions while also receiving free admission to the Incas’ old capital, this is the spot!
Here we will introduce you to some museum options to have fun, get to know, and get even closer to Peruvian culture, with which your trip will become even more special.
Choco Museo is exclusive for people to know the Peruvian Cacao and its derivates. Kids can participate in chocolate bean-to-bear activities or other chocolate-making-related activities
El Museo del Pisco is a good way to learn more about the Peruvian spirit. Satisfy your taste buds by trying the Peruvian delicacies this restaurant offers, and of course, the more than 100 varieties of Pisco cocktails.
Casa Concha was built above the palace of Túpac Yupanqui, son of the famed Inca Pachacuteq. During the conquest, the Spanish landed in Cusco and divided the residences among themselves.
This mansion was sold to Don José de Santiago Concha Salvatierra, who gave it its current name. In 2001, the National University of San Antonio Abad in Cusco took responsibility for its upkeep.
Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco: The museum’s management team works with ten local communities in Cusco to help weavers preserve their textile history. They also help these communities showcase their textile art abroad.
Don’t forget to visit this center if you want to purchase a textile item; it’s a great way to support Cusco’s artisans.
The Maximo Laura Museum: In 2017, the museum moved to “Santa Catalina Ancha Street”, in the heart of Cusco’s city. Laura’s artistic talent found a new canvas in this massive colonial structure with ancient Inca walls.
Since its relocation, the Máximo Laura Museum has risen in popularity with visitors. In 2019, the museum was placed among the top five attractions in Cusco.
Undoubtedly, there are options to complete a beautiful historical tour of Cusco! But if you are still in doubt about which one to choose, don’t worry. Viagens Machu Picchu has a team of professional agents who are always willing to help you plan your trip to the Incas’ land.
Contact us, and we will make your dream come true in Cusco and other Peruvian destinations worth seeing. We hope your experience in our country will be unforgettable.
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