It is indisputable that one of the greatest destinations in Peru is the ancient Imperial City of the Incas, which we know today as the city of Cusco and the entire region around it. Many travelers come to this destination with one main dream: to know the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. But before that, they discover that there is much more to do in this place.
Cuzco is a city that exudes charm, mixing scenarios with buildings as old as Colonial to Inca architecture, sometimes in a single building. The mild climate also gives a feeling of comfort and warmth to local visitors who enjoy the scenery, restaurants, cafes, and bars scattered throughout the city.
Visiting the ancient capital of the Incas works like a trip back in time, taking its curious visitors to reflect on the way it was and how life takes place these days among its cobbled streets. There are numerous traditions maintained to the present day that refer to the past, whether in their festivities, cuisine, clothing, and fabrics, in addition to other diverse local cultural characteristics.
For these and other reasons, exploring the city of Cusco becomes such an exciting activity, to get closer to the local people and understand more about the history of the region and Peru as a whole, as this was the stage of many historical events. relevant to making this country what it is today.
And what would be the best way to do that, if not visiting some of the museums in Cusco that keep the great finds that marked history? Museums also represent a way of connecting the past to the present and showing how life has changed or not. And, without a doubt, countless places do it with mastery in this city.
With that in mind, we decided to gather here a conglomerate of our best tips on which museums you cannot miss visiting in Cusco, because in any itinerary they need to be present so that you understand a little better about this famous Peruvian destination. And as there are countless museums that you can visit, it’s important to have a guide to help you make the right choices while you plan your trip to Peru, isn’t it?
So, continue with us in this guide and discover the most relevant museum options in the Imperial City and also find out which museums offer free admission in Cusco, to expand even more the possibilities of itinerary during your days in the heart of Peru. Don’t miss any details with this article!
Museums of Art, Nature, and History of Cusco
In this section, we will start with 5 paid museums for you to visit during your trip to Cusco, among them are the main choices related to artistic and historical content regarding the Cusco region. 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, a card that allows you to visit attractions on some of the city’s different tourist circuits without having to spend time in queues at the box office to get your 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 archaeological artifacts and also some artistic items from these different periods, which are distributed over 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 the ideal opportunity to feel involved in the historic energy of Cusco and to get to know one of the beautiful colonial buildings in the city 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 than 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. In addition, in this museum, it is also 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 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 objects used in the past, among other attractions. In addition, it is also possible to enjoy the local cuisine in a charming restaurant located inside the museum, enjoying a complete experience.
Free museum options in Cusco
Now that you are familiar with the most famous museums in Cusco, we also decided to bring you other possibilities to learn about different stories that are very significant for this city. So, if you want to complement or build a travel itinerary full of historical-cultural attractions, but with free entrances to the ancient capital of the Incas, this is the right place!
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.
In general, here we can point out that subcategories encompass the indicated museums, being them from the food and textile segments, both having a very important role in Peruvian culture.
If you want to delve even deeper into aspects of Peru’s culinary art, a visit to the Museo del Café, Choco Museo, casa concha, and Museo del Pisco de Cusco can be essential to make your dining experiences even more memorable. In terms of textiles, a visit to the Museo Maximo Laura, one of the country’s great upholsterers, and the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco are mandatory stops to understand more about this form of Andean expression.
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, we have a team of professional agents always willing to assist you in the process of planning your trip and giving you tips about Peru, contact us and we will make your dream come true.
We also recommend that you discover our travel packages to Cusco and other wonderful destinations in the ancient land of the Incas so that you can be inspired and come travel with the largest specialized travel agency in Peru. Your experience will be unforgettable!