Inca Museum
A charming, old-fashioned museum showcasing a rich collection of Inca artifacts, tools, and miniatures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Inca Museum
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, old-fashioned museum showcasing a rich collection of Inca artifacts, tools, and miniatures.
"Best museum experience of the trip, with a charm that feels like a star pupil's history presentation. "
Translate with Google Lens
Some exhibits lack English descriptions; use Google Translate's camera function for quick translations. :iphone:
Allow 1-2 Hours
You can spend 30 minutes or up to 2 hours, depending on how deeply you explore the exhibits. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inca Artifacts & Tools
Main exhibition halls
Explore a vast collection of pre-Inca pottery, tools, and weaponry, offering a glimpse into daily life and ancient craftsmanship.
Miniature Models
Specific display areas
Marvel at detailed miniature models of Machu Picchu and other significant Inca sites, providing a unique perspective.
Elongated Skulls
Special exhibit section
See several examples of elongated skulls, a topic of fascination and historical debate among visitors.
Quipus (Knot Records)
Textile and record-keeping section
Discover the mystery of Quipus, the intricate knotted cords used by the Incas for record-keeping, which remain largely undeciphered.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Quieter Visit
Embrace the Charm of a Dated Space
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Translate with Google Lens
Some exhibits lack English descriptions; use Google Translate's camera function for quick translations. :iphone:
Allow 1-2 Hours
You can spend 30 minutes or up to 2 hours, depending on how deeply you explore the exhibits. :clock1:
Photography is Encouraged
Capture the fascinating Inca artifacts and miniatures; photography is generally allowed. :camerawithflash:
Friendly Staff
The museum staff are friendly and often speak good English, happy to assist visitors. :smiley:
Tips
from all over the internet
Translate with Google Lens
Some exhibits lack English descriptions; use Google Translate's camera function for quick translations. :iphone:
Allow 1-2 Hours
You can spend 30 minutes or up to 2 hours, depending on how deeply you explore the exhibits. :clock1:
Photography is Encouraged
Capture the fascinating Inca artifacts and miniatures; photography is generally allowed. :camerawithflash:
Friendly Staff
The museum staff are friendly and often speak good English, happy to assist visitors. :smiley:
Affordable Entry
The admission fee is only 20 soles, making it a budget-friendly cultural experience. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Inca Museum to be a charming and informative stop, offering a solid overview of Inca history and artifacts despite its dated presentation. While some exhibits lack English descriptions, the affordable price and friendly staff make it a worthwhile experience for those interested in pre-Inca and Inca civilizations.
"Thorough museum about Inca timeline, tools, places. Some exhibits have English explanation but other don’t. Still worth the 20soles ticket. Was pretty quiet when we went at noon."
Jane Lee
"As we go, I can honestly say that this was my best museum experience of the trip.
It’s definitely a dated space and you can tell they don’t have a lot of funding, but Claire and I thought that really added to the charm and it feels like you’re kind of walking through a 90s high school History presentation done by a star pupil and it’s pretty sweet. It was fun to walk through and take photographs, as well as learn about the artists representation of what saquasawawoman used to look like."
Cole Graham
"Today we visited the Inka Museum! It’s right off the plaza mayor decuzco (big plaza in Cusco with lots of shops and things).
Outside of the travel itinerary from our travel company this was one of two museums we wanted to visit.
I wanted to go and see an elongated skull in person and they have several.
The museum is 20 soles to get in, the staff were very friendly and scope good enough English. Despite the reviews, most things had some English along with Spanish. It wasn’t everything but reception was great so google translate did the rest.
It has an impressive amount of pre Inca pottery, arrow / axe heads, etc. Was not disappointed at all.
They also had great miniatures of Machu Pichu and other important areas. If you find yourself with a few spare hours it’s great."
Karl Whinnery
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Inca Museum is conveniently located near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, making it easily accessible on foot from the main square.
Yes, it's situated right off the Plaza Mayor de Cusco, surrounded by shops and other points of interest, making it easy to combine with a walking tour of downtown.
If you're coming from further afield, a taxi or a local bus to the Plaza de Armas will bring you within a short walking distance of the museum.
Parking directly at the museum is unlikely. It's best to use public transport or park in a public lot near the Plaza de Armas and walk.
The walk from the main bus station to the Plaza de Armas and then to the Inca Museum can be quite long, so a taxi or local transport is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee for the Inca Museum is 20 soles, which is considered very affordable for the wealth of historical artifacts it contains.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Inca Museum. You can purchase tickets upon arrival, though it's always wise to check their official website for any updates.
The museum typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's advisable to check the most current opening hours before your visit, as they can vary.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, it's always worth asking at the ticket counter if any student, senior, or group rates are available.
The Inca Museum is often included in broader Cusco tourist ticket packages, which can offer savings if you plan to visit multiple attractions. Inquire about these packages locally.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum showcases a rich collection of Inca artifacts, including pottery, metalwork, jewelry, textiles, miniatures of important sites, and even elongated skulls.
While some exhibits have English explanations, others are primarily in Spanish. Using a translation app like Google Lens can help bridge the language gap.
Yes, children can find the artifacts and miniature models fascinating. The historical context provides an educational experience for younger visitors.
Photography is generally permitted inside the museum, allowing you to capture the impressive Inca artifacts and historical displays.
A visit can range from 30 minutes for a quick overview to up to 2 hours if you wish to thoroughly examine all the exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Inca Museum, so you can capture the impressive Inca artifacts and historical displays.
While generally permitted, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography, especially in areas with delicate artifacts.
The miniature models of Machu Picchu and other Inca sites, as well as the intricate pottery and metalwork, make for excellent photographic subjects.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around historical sites and museums to ensure safety and preservation.
The museum's location near the Plaza de Armas offers opportunities for exterior shots, while inside, the detailed artifacts provide ample subjects for close-up photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider framing the visit as a treasure hunt for historical artifacts. Encourage them to spot different types of pottery or imagine using the ancient tools. The friendly staff can also add a welcoming touch to the experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
While some exhibits may require translation apps, the core historical narrative is accessible. The museum offers a deep dive into Inca artifacts and history, providing a rich cultural experience that rivals more expensive attractions.
🤓 History Enthusiasts
While the museum's presentation might be considered traditional, this allows for a focused appreciation of the artifacts themselves. The opportunity to see these Inca artifacts firsthand, coupled with the insights from the exhibits, makes for a deeply rewarding historical exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Inca Civilization: A Glimpse Through Artifacts
The museum also features miniature models of iconic Inca sites like Machu Picchu, providing a unique visual understanding of their architectural prowess and urban planning. For those intrigued by the more mysterious aspects of Inca history, the collection of elongated skulls offers a point of contemplation and discussion.
While the museum's presentation might be considered dated by some, this very quality lends it a certain authentic charm, making visitors feel as though they are stepping back in time. It's a place where the scientific reality of Inca achievements can be appreciated, moving beyond mere speculation.
Navigating the Inca Museum: Practical Tips for Visitors
A common point of feedback is the varied availability of English explanations for exhibits. To overcome this, visitors are encouraged to utilize translation apps like Google Lens on their smartphones, which can quickly decipher Spanish text.
Photography is typically allowed within the museum, so feel free to capture the fascinating artifacts. However, always be considerate of other visitors and avoid flash photography near delicate items.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit