Are you looking for the very best collection of museums in Lima Peru?
This South American capital is renowned for its deep ancient human history and colonial periods, which have seen massive changes over the last 5000 years since the first nomadic tribes arrived here. Exploring Lima’s variety of museums first is the perfect introduction for any tourists visiting the capital – before heading off to see actual sites around Lima, the Sacred Valley and Cusco regions of the country.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the best museums to visit in Lima Peru. This includes our very best picks and what makes each one a must on your itinerary, and later we’ll also answer some of your most asked questions in our FAQ section.
Table of Contents
The 6 Very Best Museums In Lima Peru
Larco Museum
Arguably the very best museum to visit in all of Lima, if there’s only one you have time to visit – then it has to be Larco Museum. With over 45,000 artefacts dedicated to Peru’s ancient Inca and pre-Inca cultures, it’s the most comprehensive museum of its kind on the continent. Larco Museum is located in the district of Pueblo Libre, which is a 30 minute taxi ride from Miraflores.
MALI Museum
Short for the Museo de Arte de Lima, MALI showcases prestige and exotic art – and highlights the colourful and deep history of Peru. With thousands of preserved paintings, textiles and sculptures, it covers the last 3000 years of history in great style. The MALI Museum is located near the Magic Water Circuit in the historic center, and is best visited with a Privately Guided Lima Day Tour.
Museo Pedro De Osma
Famous for its colonial and modern period art collection, the Museo Pedro de Osma is different from MALI which otherwise focuses on Peru’s full timeline. Here we can marvel at viceregal and colonial art, as well as the exteriors of the French-style mansion and gardens. Museo Pedro de Osma is located within the trendy district of Barranco, which is just south of Miraflores.
San Francisco Catacombs
If you’re looking for a more adventurous type of museum visit, then the incredible San Francisco Catacombs is a perfect choice. A mazing labyrinth of underground passages, here we can see over 75,000 skeletal remains – many of which are arranged into sobering yet fascinating displays. The San Francisco Catacombs are located within the Historic Center of Lima.
Huaca Pucllana
Similar to the catacombs, Huaca Pucllana is a great site for those who prefer a more visual, untouched kind of historic experience. These ancient ruins were built by the Lima culture some 1500 years ago, and feature golden-brown staggered terraces which only the most royal and elite classes were permitted to live within. Huaca Pucllana is located right within the heart of Miraflores, and we include a guided visit here with our Private Miraflores And Historic Center Day Tour.
LUM Museum
While the majority of other museums in the list focus on the deeper periods of Peru’s history, the LUM Museum focuses on the much more recent modern epoch. Here we can learn all about the social unrest and terrorism that plagued the country between the 1980’s and 1990’s, and how the country had adapted and moved forwards after such troubled times. The LUM Museum is located along the Costa Verde hills of Miraflores.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Very Best Museums In Lima Peru
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about the best museums in Lima Peru, as well as anything else you need to know.
Is The Larco Museum Worth It?
The Larco Museum is arguably one of the country’s finest and most complete museums, and is perfect for any history buff or traveller with interest in ancient history. Best-known for its collection of over 45,000 preserved artefacts (which is one of the most comprehensive in South America), here we can learn more about the formidable Inca civilisation, as well as other cultures like the Moche, the Chimú and the Nazca.
What Not To Miss In Lima, Peru?
Aside from the must-see historical exhibitions of Larco Museum and the MALI Museum, there are many other things which you cannot miss while in the Peruvian capital. This includes the Plaza de Armas and San Francisco Catacombs in the historic center, as well as the ruins of Huaca Pucllana and stunning Costa Verde hills which are both located within the upscale district of Miraflores.
Are There Any Museums In Miraflores Lima?
Yes, Miraflores is home to many spectacular museums which are worth adding to your plans when visiting or staying within this trendy district. This includes Amano which dives into ancient pre-Colombian textiles, as well as the LUM Museum which explores the social difficulties of the country between 1980-2000. There’s also the ruins of Huaca Pucllana – which offer a more visual outlook on ancient life in Lima.
Overview Of The Best Museums In Lima Peru
And that’s all for this guide on our comprehensive list of the very best museums in Lima Peru.
Regardless if you’re a keen history buff, or simply want an easy introduction into Peru’s history upon arriving in Lima, there are many brilliant and worthwhile museums to visit within the Peruvian capital. Some like Larco and MALI are known for their comprehensive collections and detailed exhibits, while sites like Huaca Pucllana and the San Francisco Catacombs offer an unforgettable visual experience where you’ll walk around the sites themselves.
Looking to explore the best sites in Lima in the most enjoyable and stress-free way possible? Here at TravelBuddiesPeru, we operate a Full Day Private Lima Tour, where you’ll explore sites such as Huaca Pucllana and the San Francisco Catacombs, try delicious Peruvian cuisine, and also have one of our expert tour guides show you around the Peruvian capital in style.
