Regional Museum Ica
Discover ancient Peruvian civilizations through remarkable artifacts, including mummies and textiles, in this compact and affordable museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Regional Museum Ica
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient Peruvian civilizations through remarkable artifacts, including mummies and textiles, in this compact and affordable museum.
"A small but excellent collection that gives a good impression of ancient Peruvian cultures."
Bag Drop Available
Travelers can use the convenient bag drop service, making it easy to explore without luggage. :handbag:
Walkable from Bus Station
Just a 15-minute walk from Cruz Del Sur bus station, perfect for a quick cultural stop. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Civilizations Collection
Main Exhibition Halls
Discover artifacts from Paracas, Nazca, Wari, and Inca cultures, offering a glimpse into Peru's rich past.
Remarkable Mummies
Mummy Exhibit
See some of the best-preserved mummies in Peru, providing a fascinating look at ancient burial practices.
Nazca Lines Reproduction
Special Exhibit Area
A great alternative for those who can't visit the actual Nazca Lines, offering insights into these enigmatic geoglyphs.
Textiles and Ceramics
Exhibit Halls
Admire intricate ancient textiles and detailed ceramics that showcase the artistry of past civilizations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Affordable Admission
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bag Drop Available
Travelers can use the convenient bag drop service, making it easy to explore without luggage. :handbag:
Walkable from Bus Station
Just a 15-minute walk from Cruz Del Sur bus station, perfect for a quick cultural stop. :walking:
Affordable Entry Fee
Very reasonable S/.8 general admission, with discounts for students and seniors. :moneywithwings:
Small but Informative
Don't let its size fool you; it's packed with fascinating history and artifacts. :bulb:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bag Drop Available
Travelers can use the convenient bag drop service, making it easy to explore without luggage. :handbag:
Walkable from Bus Station
Just a 15-minute walk from Cruz Del Sur bus station, perfect for a quick cultural stop. :walking:
Affordable Entry Fee
Very reasonable S/.8 general admission, with discounts for students and seniors. :moneywithwings:
Small but Informative
Don't let its size fool you; it's packed with fascinating history and artifacts. :bulb:
Learn About Ancient Foods
Discover ancient beans and other food artifacts, offering a unique culinary history perspective. :food:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Regional Museum Ica to be a surprisingly rich and well-organized cultural stop, especially given its modest size and affordable entry fee. Many are impressed by the quality of the artifacts, particularly the mummies and ancient textiles, and appreciate its convenient location near the bus station. While some note its unassuming exterior, most agree it's a worthwhile visit for anyone interested in Peru's ancient history.
"wasn't sure if it was worth it, but beautiful small museum with a collection from Pracas Nazca, Wari and Inca, with the best mummies I've seen in Peru so far"
VAGANTURE
"Beautiful museum, only a 15 minute walk from the Cruz Del Sur bus station and close to the mall. They have a bag drop for travelers. It was only 8 soles per person to enter, and the museum is small but has a little but of everything- ceramics, textiles, mummies, elongated skulls, and a little exhibit about food. I had the epiphany that lima beans are referring to Lima, the city. They have beans in there that are thousands of years old. A must see if you have time in Ica and care about the local culture."
Sarah “Red” Dezelin
"Small and well organized museum. Really interesting artifacts and explanations on display, along with a reproduction of the Nazca lines for those who can't afford or don't have time to visit the lines themselves."
Eugène Fournier
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located in the center of Ica. It's a short 15-minute walk from the Cruz Del Sur bus station, making it easily accessible for travelers arriving by bus. Taxis are also readily available throughout the city.
While the museum itself is in a concrete block building, street parking is generally available in the surrounding area. However, given its central location and proximity to public transport, many visitors opt not to drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, it operates from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. It is closed on Mondays. 
General admission is S/.8. Students, teachers, and seniors pay S/.4, while schoolchildren and children have an entry fee of S/.1.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Regional Museum Ica. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival at the museum. Given its size, it rarely reaches capacity.
Yes, the museum offers a bag drop service for travelers, which is very convenient for those visiting between bus journeys or exploring the city with luggage.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum houses a collection of artifacts from ancient Peruvian cultures like Paracas, Nazca, Wari, and Inca. Highlights include well-preserved mummies, intricate textiles, ceramics, and a reproduction of the Nazca Lines.
Yes, the museum is suitable for children, with an affordable entry fee for younger visitors. The exhibits on mummies and ancient artifacts can be quite engaging for kids interested in history.
A visit to the Regional Museum Ica is usually quite brief due to its size. Most visitors spend around 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the exhibits, making it a perfect stop for those with limited time in Ica.
Yes, the museum is described as small and well-organized, with interesting artifacts and clear explanations on display. The interior was thoroughly reorganized between 2011 and 2016.
Photography policies can vary, but generally, visitors are allowed to take photos for personal use. It's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask a museum attendant if you're unsure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not have a restaurant. However, it is located in the center of Ica, close to a mall and various local eateries, so you'll find plenty of dining options nearby for a meal before or after your visit.
Ica is known for its regional cuisine, often featuring seafood due to its coastal proximity, as well as traditional Peruvian dishes. You can also find local specialties and enjoy Pisco sours, as Ica is a major Pisco-producing region.
📸 📸 Photography
Key photo opportunities include the well-preserved mummies, the intricate ancient textiles and ceramics, and the Nazca Lines reproduction. The museum's layout also offers opportunities for capturing the display cases and artifacts.
Flash photography is often discouraged or prohibited in museums to protect delicate artifacts from light damage. It's best to rely on natural light or your camera's low-light settings and check for any specific museum rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Its central location and proximity to the bus station mean it's easy to fit into a family's schedule, especially if you have a few hours to spare in Ica. The museum is small and well-organized, so it won't overwhelm younger attention spans. Remember to check if flash photography is allowed, as kids often love capturing their discoveries.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1Its proximity to the main bus terminal also saves on transportation costs, as it's easily walkable. The museum provides a significant amount of historical context and visual interest for a minimal investment, making it a highly recommended stop for backpackers and budget-conscious explorers.
✈️ Day-Trippers & Transit Passengers
The museum is compact and well-organized, allowing you to get a solid understanding of ancient Peruvian cultures in about an hour or so. This makes it a perfect way to enrich your travel experience without requiring a large chunk of your day, offering a meaningful cultural immersion before you continue your journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Ancient Peru
One of the most striking aspects of the museum is its display of mummies. These ancient remains are remarkably well-preserved, offering a direct and often profound connection to the past. Beyond the mummies, the museum showcases exquisite textiles with complex patterns and vibrant colors, as well as finely crafted ceramics that tell stories of their creators. For those unable to visit the actual geoglyphs, the museum features a reproduction of the Nazca Lines, providing a valuable educational experience and a chance to appreciate these enigmatic designs.
The museum's history is also noteworthy. Founded in 1946, it was one of the first in Peru to conduct paleontological studies of indigenous cultural remains. A significant reorganization between 2011 and 2016 has further enhanced the visitor experience, making the Regional Museum Ica a highly recommended stop for anyone interested in understanding the pre-Columbian heritage of Peru.
Practicalities for the Modern Traveler
Financially, the museum is very budget-friendly. The entry fee is a modest S/.8 for general admission, with further reductions for students, teachers, seniors, and children, making it an affordable cultural excursion for everyone.
+1 Travelers with luggage will appreciate the bag drop service offered by the museum, allowing for a comfortable and unencumbered exploration of the exhibits. While the museum is not extensive, its well-organized layout ensures that visitors can efficiently see and appreciate the key artifacts. The explanations provided are informative, making it a worthwhile stop for gaining a deeper understanding of local history and culture, even if you're short on time.
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