Take a trip back in time at the Larco Museum

The museum houses the collection of a Peruvian archaeologist who devoted his life to finding sites and objects dating back to past civilisations. Rafael Larco Hoyle succeeded not only in establishing a chronology of pre-Incaic cultures through his collections, but also in analysing them. He has studied the various aspects of Moche culture, including architecture, religion, art and sexuality, all themes that can be found in the museum's objects.

A native of Trujillo, this archaeologist housed his discoveries in the family home, which already had a collection of 600 pieces belonging to his father, Peru's former first vice-president. In 1958, the 45,000-piece collection was moved to the Pueblo Libre district of Lima, and the archaeologist named the place the Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera, in honour of his father. The style of the building, an 18th-century colonial house with white walls, tree-lined gardens and colourful plants, was designed to reflect the spirit of the family hacienda in Trujillo.

Discover objects from different civilisations

The Larco Museum houses collections of objects from different civilisations in the country. These include objects from the Mochica and Chimu cultures, who lived in northern Peru around Trujillo and Chiclayo between the 1st and 8th centuries. They were renowned for their ceramics, some of which depicted scenes of daily life. An effective way for archaeologists to analyse these cultures. Visitors move from one room to another, and from discovery to discovery they understand the birth and evolution of Peruvian civilisations.

The visit begins with a first room providing general information about the museum, its origins and its collections. A short introductory video also provides the information you need to get your visit off to a good start. The ceramics in the galleries invite visitors to immerse themselves in 5 centuries of history.

Then, as you enter the textiles room, you quickly realise just how ingenious the pre-Inca civilisations were. Intact tunics, fabrics, canvases and ponchos reveal the techniques and know-how of the Huari and Chancay peoples, who wove using animal fibres, feathers and cotton.

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Entering the sacrificial hall reveals more about the rituals of past civilisations, particularly the Moches. Ceramic objects and pottery perfectly depict the scenes of human and animal sacrifice carried out by the pre-Inca civilisations, and we also understand that ritual combat took place. The warriors wore impressive costumes complete with helmets, jewellery and other metal ornaments. Crescent-shaped knives known as Tumi are also on display. These were used to slit the throats of losing warriors and offer the blood to the gods in a container that can be seen in the ceremonial hall.

An impressive collection of gold, metal, silver and copper objects can be discovered in the Galerie de l'Or et des Bijoux. You will discover how the noblest people, warriors and people with a role to play in society were adorned with jewellery.

In the erotic room, the museum also houses a large collection of vases, pottery and other objects depicting the erotic customs and scenes of the Mochica people. There are representations of religious, humorous and even moralist eroticism. The objects also represent the homosexuality present in these civilisations.

Finally, at the end of your visit, you will have access to the museum's storeroom. Objects from the Lima, Chiclayo, Moche, Chimu and Inca cultures are displayed on glass shelves. In total, the collection comprises 45,000 items. An impressive collection!

Lunch at the Larco restaurant

Before or after your visit, a diversion to the Larco museum restaurant is a must. This beautiful restaurant offers refined cuisine, with a menu featuring a wide range of Peruvian specialities influenced by different nationalities. You'll find a fusion of Peruvian, Spanish, Italian and Japanese cuisine. Choose the tuna causa as a starter, a wok of vegetables and marinated beef for the main course and a lemon tart for dessert. It's also a good time to try the Pisco Sour, a traditional cocktail served as an aperitif or after-dinner drink.

The Museo Larco is located in the Pueblo Libre district, about 30 minutes' drive from the residential area of Miraflores. By bus, you can get off at the Mariano Cornejo Avenue stop and then walk for about 10 minutes.

👛 Price:

Admission is 35 soles or approximately 9 euros and 17 soles for minors aged 9 to 17, 30 soles for over 60s. Admission is free for children up to the age of 8.

⏰ Opening times:

The museum is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. The tour takes around 2 hours.

📅 Book:

It is advisable to book your time slotonline. You can also book aguided tour with a specialist in the Peruvian pre-Columbian period.Address: Av. Simón Bolívar 1515, Pueblo Free Lima 21 .

Ayenda Casa Aika offers a range of rooms for two or three people, with all the comforts you need, including a minibar, kettle with coffee, desk and private bathroom. The hotel is just 400 metres from the Larco Museum. The owner is often praised by guests for his warm welcome and invaluable advice on things to do in the Pueblo Libre district. Expect to pay around €50 per night for two people.