Unveiling Incan Treasures – Inca Museum Cusco

upper floor inca museum cusco

1.- A GLIMPSE INTO THE HEART OF THE INCA EMPIRE

The Inca Museum Cusco is one of the most important places in the city where the largest amount of objects from the Inca culture is preserved, however, the question is, who were the Incas? The Inca culture is a civilization that was established in the Andes and excelled in engineering, agriculture, goldsmithing and many other specializations (according to studies, the Incas got their knowledge of the cultures that preceded them as the Paracas, Nazca, Chimu and others) which allowed them to conquer a very large land from southern Colombia to northern Argentina, all this territory was called the Tahuantinsuyo and the whole civilization was rooted to the polytheistic religion (multiple gods) even many of the constructions were dedicated to different deities, however they had a main god to whom they directed all their beliefs, the Sun God.

In fact the city of Cusco was the place directed to worship this god since here (Cusco) was considered the center of the Inca world, for this reason here is where the temple to the sun or Qoricancha was built. They had multiple rulers during this period and each one had a space where he built his palace, it is precisely here where it connects with history because the Spanish chose to use the enclosures of these palaces as a base for their constructions and this is the case of the Inca Museum Cusco, its base was originally an Inca palace.

2.- AN ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL: THE MUSEUM’S STUNNING LOCATION

Upon the arrival of the Spaniards many of the Inca buildings were destroyed, it was the way in which they were conquered and at the same time evangelized. This also happened with the space where the Inca Museum Cusco is currently located, on top of the existing Inca palace was built a colonial house that belonged to Admiral Francisco Alderete Maldonado and who took the name of the “Casa del Almirante”, the admiral lived in the house until 1643.

location the inca museum cusco

After the earthquake of 1650 the mansion was restored by Pedro Peralta who became the owner. Finally in 1950 it became part of the San Antonio Abad University of Cusco (UNSAAC), after it was restored after another earthquake. Each step inside the Inca Museum Cusco is a unique experience since from its incredible cover where you can see carved in stone the coats of arms of those who inhabited it to its interior where you can still see spaces that are original from colonial times, this visit gives you a walk in time to the present.

3.- FINDING THE INCA MUSEUM CUSCO: A GUIDE TO ITS CENTRAL CUSCO LOCATION

Getting to visit the Inca Museum Cusco is an ideal complement for all visitors who have some free time but for this it is important to know how to get here, the Inca Museum Cusco is located a few steps from the main square of Cusco. Going up the slope of the Admiral we will arrive to the corner between the coffin street and Cordoba de Tucuman street and there the main door of the Inca Museum Cusco awaits you with its incredible and fine stone finishes, at the top you will see a beautiful balcony that also has a unique finish in stone and from the inside this balcony will give you a privileged view of the cathedral.

how to get to the inca museum cusco

Remember that most hotels are located around the main square so getting to the Inca Museum Cusco is easy, if you need help with transportation Auri Peru can help you.

4.- TREASURES OF HISTORY: THE MUSEUM’S INCREDIBLE COLLECTION

The highlight of the Inca Museum Cusco is the vast collection of historical pieces it has, not only of the Inca culture but also of the passage of time. From pieces of pottery and weapons to mummies and important books. Each of the exhibition rooms inside the Inca Museum Cusco is an interpretive space for visitors to learn more about what really lies behind the history of this beautiful city. The Inca Museum Cusco has 2 levels between which the tour is separated.

ground floor inca museum cusco

• Ground Floor: In this space 2 things stand out, the first is the large courtyard surrounded by arches (something that is typical only of the squares) and second the 2 rooms that you can see, in them are exhibitions of information about cultures before the Incas. You can also see pieces of pottery from Puno, Paracas, Lake Titicaca dating back thousands of years to the past, the relationship is that the Incas were influenced by these cultures throughout their organization.
• Upper floor: As usual, inside the Inca Museum Cusco there is also an entrance ticket control so it is important to have it at hand when accessing the second level is requested. From here begins the exhibition rooms about the Inca culture, how the process of civilization began and of course what were the main objects found. Here you can appreciate the vast collection of ceramics, samples of architecture, pieces of carved wood, mirrors and other decorative elements such as jewelry made with gold and silver. As you advance during your guided tour inside the Inca Museum Cusco you can appreciate other important aspects such as the funerary process, you can appreciate a set of skulls where you can see the famous cranial trepanations and continuing to the next room the royal burials.

You can also appreciate that inside the Inca Museum Cusco there is the process of syncretism in which the culture is combined and begins to see the influence that was by the Spanish conquerors, here you can see works of art, sculptures and exhibits on both sides of our tour. You will see how the Spanish culture was imposed on the Andean culture and resulted in an incredible combination that made both coexist.

5.- PLANNING YOUR INCA MUSEUM ADVENTURE

To make your visit to the Inca Museum Cusco something unique, you can consider the following available schedules:

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

“The Inca Museum Cusco is part of the museums that provide you with information and an incredible historical experience. Other places you can visit during your stay in Cusco are Casa Concha Museum, Qoricancha Site Museum, Casa Garcilaso, Museum of Contemporary Art and more.”

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6.- ADMISSION COSTS AND DISCOUNTS

Consider this price list updated in 2024 to be able to visit the Inca Museum Cusco.

Consider the visit to Inca Museum Cusco to learn more about the Inca Culture. Auri Peru has the best tips for you, contact us now and discover more unique things we can organize for you.

“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.”