Presbítero Maestro Cemetery Museum Lima
An expansive 19th-century cemetery and open-air museum in Lima, renowned for its stunning art, architecture, and historical significance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spooky atmosphere, unique experience
Presbítero Maestro Cemetery Museum Lima
Best Time
Spooky atmosphere, unique experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An expansive 19th-century cemetery and open-air museum in Lima, renowned for its stunning art, architecture, and historical significance.
"This place is INCREDIBLE! It is absolutely filled with art, history, drama, design; you name it, there is something for everyone."
Book Night Tours in Advance
Secure your spot for the popular night tours, offering a different perspective.
Uber for Safety
Use Uber for safe transport to and from the cemetery, especially at night.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Suicide Pavilion
Specific section within the cemetery
A somber pavilion rumored to be haunted, featuring the tomb of 'the evil witch.'
Tomb of Sara Helen
Specific section within the cemetery
Legendary tomb of a supposed vampire, adding a layer of folklore and mystery.
Architectural Marvels
Throughout the cemetery
Explore diverse mausoleums and monuments showcasing incredible art and design.
Tomb of the Heroes
Main building
The largest structure, often housing national heroes, though access may be limited.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Night Tours: Spooky or Safe?
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Night Tours in Advance
Secure your spot for the popular night tours, offering a different perspective.
Uber for Safety
Use Uber for safe transport to and from the cemetery, especially at night.
Beware of Unofficial Guides
Stick to official tours or maps; unofficial guides may overcharge or mislead.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across a large, uneven area.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Night Tours in Advance
Secure your spot for the popular night tours, offering a different perspective.
Uber for Safety
Use Uber for safe transport to and from the cemetery, especially at night.
Beware of Unofficial Guides
Stick to official tours or maps; unofficial guides may overcharge or mislead.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across a large, uneven area.
Explore Independently
If you prefer, a map is provided with your ticket for self-guided exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently amazed by the cemetery's incredible art, architecture, and historical depth, calling it an 'incredible' open-air museum. However, some reviews point to poor management of tours, limited facilities, and significant safety concerns in the surrounding neighborhood, urging caution and preparedness.
"Strange to review a cemetery, but here it goes. This place is INCREDIBLE! It is absolutely filled with art, history, drama, design; you name it, there is something for everyone. Going at night provides the right mix of introspection and fear! However, that said, this cemetery is being now operated as a tourist exhibit mainly and they are doing a bad job. Our tour guide was terrible, there in only ONE bathroom in the entire thing and there is no order or decorum to the tours. I would recommend going on your own on a quiet night. 👻👻👻"
Dale Plotzki
"Do the guided tour! You’ll learn so much! Uber it there locals say the area around it is pretty dangerous to foreigners"
Tito Mejia
"I have very mixed feelings about this place, but it's definitely worth a visit.
Corrections:
1. Hours are 9-5pm with late night tour options available (booked in advance)
2. Its 10 soles entry, not 8 as stated here.
Good:
1. Amazing artwork. Statues, tombs, all amazing!
2. Its a very big area! It can take 3-4 hours to explore fully.
Bad:
1. The neighborhood is very sketchy. Get an Uber door to door. Sometimes it's hard to find an available taxi when leaving, so be careful.
2. The people working there (cleaners, gardeners etc) try to take you on tours and ask for as much as 30 soles from you. Avoid it. They know nothing that you cannot find yourself. You are given a map with the ticket.
3. People pretend to work there and try to take you on a tour, then lead you to the far corner of the cemetery where there is nothing. Its super sketchy, just avoid anybody like this. If you want a tour, ask at the ticket office.
4. Maintenance is very very poor. Its not well looked after. Overgrown trees, holes in the floor, crypts falling apart, a poor state of disrepair, even the crypt of the heroes is missing glass on the main door.
Info:
1. The tomb of the heroes (the biggest building) is only open during July, the time of the independence. Its not a deal breaker though if you miss this.
2. You buy tickets across the street from gate 3. If you have family buried here, you can access for free. Its like a prison, everything is locked right. You have to show your ticket to the guard to access the place."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The safest way to reach the cemetery is by Uber or a similar ride-sharing service, especially if visiting at night. Taxis are also an option, but be cautious. The surrounding neighborhood can be sketchy, so direct door-to-door service is recommended.
Travelers have reported that the neighborhood surrounding the cemetery can be unsafe, particularly after dark. It's advised to use ride-sharing services and be aware of your surroundings.
While public transport might be available, it's generally not recommended due to safety concerns in the surrounding area. Uber or pre-booked tours are preferred.
For night tours, it's highly recommended to arrange for an Uber or taxi to pick you up and drop you off directly at the cemetery entrance for safety.
The cemetery is located a moderate distance from Miraflores, typically a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic. Using a ride-sharing app will provide an accurate estimate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cemetery is generally open from 9 AM to 5 PM. However, special late-night tour options are available and usually require advance booking.
Entry typically costs around 10 soles. Night tours may have a separate fee, and guided tours within the cemetery can cost an additional 5 soles per person.
It's advisable to book tickets in advance, especially for popular night tours, to secure your spot. You can purchase tickets across the street from Gate 3.
While not explicitly stated, group rates might be available for guided tours. It's best to inquire at the ticket office or when booking a tour.
Yes, if you have family members buried at the cemetery, you may be able to access it for free. Proof of kinship might be required.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
This expansive cemetery is an open-air museum filled with incredible art, architecture, and historical monuments. Highlights include the Suicide Pavilion, the Tomb of Sara Helen, and the Tomb of the Heroes. +1
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended to understand the history and significance of the site. Night tours offer a particularly atmospheric experience.
To fully explore the vast grounds and appreciate the details, allocate at least 3-4 hours for a self-guided visit. Guided tours may be shorter.
Some visitors have noted that maintenance could be improved, with overgrown areas and some structures in disrepair. However, the artistic and historical value remains significant.
Reports indicate there is only one bathroom facility within the entire cemetery, so plan accordingly.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged, as the cemetery is filled with stunning art and architecture.
The intricate mausoleums, the Suicide Pavilion, and the grand Tomb of the Heroes offer dramatic photographic opportunities. Look for unique statues and architectural details.
While generally permitted, be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and any ongoing ceremonies or private family plots.
Night tours offer a unique, atmospheric setting for photography, but be prepared for low-light conditions and consider using a tripod if possible.
A versatile camera with good low-light performance is ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the mausoleums, while a prime lens can focus on intricate details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Opt for a daytime visit to ensure better visibility and a less intimidating atmosphere. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
Be prepared for a spooky atmosphere and engaging storytelling that delves into the cemetery's darker history. While many stories are folklore, the sheer age and grandeur of the cemetery lend themselves to a truly haunting experience.
🏛️ Art & Architecture Lovers
Take your time to wander and admire the craftsmanship of the sculptures, the design of the tombs, and the overall layout of this expansive 'city of the dead.' The Tomb of the Heroes is a significant architectural piece, and the sheer variety of artistic expression throughout the grounds is breathtaking.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Significance
Walking through its grounds is like stepping back in time, with each mausoleum telling a story of the past. The cemetery is renowned for its eclectic architectural styles, ranging from Neoclassical and Art Nouveau to Egyptian Revival and Gothic influences. This diversity reflects the changing artistic tastes and the prominent families who commissioned these elaborate final resting places. The Tomb of the Heroes, a grand structure, is a focal point, though its accessibility can be limited.
The cemetery also holds a place in local folklore and paranormal tales. Stories of ghosts and mysterious occurrences add an intriguing layer to its already captivating atmosphere. The Suicide Pavilion, with its somber history and the legend of 'the evil witch,' is a prime example of these captivating narratives that draw visitors interested in the supernatural.
Night Tours: An Eerie Experience
Travelers often describe the night tours as a blend of history, mystery, and a touch of fear, making it a unique plan for friends or those seeking an unconventional outing.
Booking these night tours in advance is essential, as they are popular and have limited capacity. The experience is often cited as a highlight for those interested in the paranormal or simply seeking a memorable and slightly spooky adventure in Lima.
Navigating Scams and Safety
The neighborhood around the cemetery has been described as sketchy and potentially dangerous, especially after dark.
Despite these warnings, many visitors find the cemetery to be an incredible and worthwhile experience due to its artistic and historical significance. The key is to be informed, prepared, and to prioritize safety by using reliable transportation and being wary of unsolicited offers for tours.
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