Inca Museum in Cusco, also known as the Admiral’s House

The charmingly modest Inca Museum (Museo Inca), a steep block northeast of the Plaza de Armas, is the best museum in town for those interested in the Incas. It is also known as the Admiral’s House, after the first owner, Admiral Francisco Aldrete Maldonado.

Inca Museum in Cusco, also known as “the Admiral’s House”

Description:

Inca Museum (Museo Inka) sits in an old 17th century building called Casa del Almirante, the former home of Spanish Admiral Francisco Alderete Maldonado. He built his Cusco palace over Inca Ruins. This place belonged to the Tahuantinsuyo Empire, in this case to the Inca Huascar.

It was badly damaged in the 1650 earthquake and rebuilt by Pedro Peralta de los Ríos, the count of Laguna, whose crest is above the porch. Further damage from the 1950 earthquake has now been fully repaired, restoring the building to its position among Cuzco’s finest colonial houses.

Location:

It is located on Cuesta del Almirante, 103, in Cusco, on the walk up from Plaza de Armas to Plaza Nazarenas. It is near Plazoleta of “Colegio San Francisco de Borja”, one block from the Plaza de Armas

Map to get to the Inca Museum in Cusco

Things you can find in the Inca Museum:

This museum contains artifacts that trace Peruvian history from pre-Inca civilizations and Inca culture to the impact of the conquest and colonial times on these native cultures. The restored area is filled with Inca trinkets and everyday items such as ceramics, textiles, vases and jewelry. However, the museum’s crowning jewels remain the world’s largest collection of queros (ceremonial Inca wooden drinking vessels) and a large number of Inca mummies. 

The state-owned museum is run and managed by Cusco’s San Antonio Abad University.

Peruvian history from pre-Inca civilizations and Inca culture:

Chavin Culture (1000 a.C):

Chavín culture was one of the most important of the pre-Inca era. Its beginnings date from 1200 BC to 200 BC, in the so-called “formative” period. Its centers of worship are noted for the architecture displayed in its terraces and plazas, which are surrounded by carved stone structures. Clear examples are the area of the Tello Pyramid, the Circular Plaza, the Rectangular Plaza, the North and South Platforms, the New Temple and the Old Temple.

Chavin Culture, pre inca culture

Marcavalle (1000 a.c):

Marcavalle culture, which flourished around 1000 B.C., developed in Cusco at the time when Chavin and Paracas cultures ruled Ancash and Ica regions, respectively.

Cultura Marcavalle – Cusco

Wari (800 D.C)

Wari, also known as Huari, had their origin in the Ayacucho region. Being presumably the first culture to use military force to conquer the surrounding civilizations, they soon reigned over much of the highlands and coast of modern Peru.

In the Inca  Museum you will find textiles of Wari culture

Museo Inka is the best museum in town for those interested in the Incas. Once there you feel like you have been transferred back in time. The restored interior is jam-packed with a fine collection of metal- and gold-work, jewelry, pottery, textiles, mummies, models and the world’s largest collection of queros (ceremonial Inca wooden drinking vessels).

Mummies exhibition inside the Inca Museum in Cusco

“The Admiral’s House” has numerous rooms and Inca exhibits and displays. You will learn about ancient Inca architecture, and see techniques used by the Incas in building and construction. 

You will also see amazing pieces of Inca artwork like wood carvings, mirrors made from bronze, cups and bowls with decoration, and much more. Inkayni Peru Tours assures the best time visiting the Inca Museum. There is no doubt you’ll love it!

Visit this museum the first days you arrive in Cusco. Since it is recommend to acclimatize to the altitude first, you can visit the museum once you arrive. It doesn’t much physical activity. 

Downstairs in the sunny courtyard, highland Andean weavers demonstrate their craft and sell traditional textiles directly to the public. You will also find weavers in Pisac and Chinchero.

Highland Andean weavers demonstrate their craft made by wool.

Opening Hours:

From Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Saturdays and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Fee to enter into the Inca Museum:

The entrance ticket is S/. 5.00 PEN for Peruvian tourists and S/10.00 PEN for foreigners.

Inkayni Tips:

• Take your passport or any personal ID with you all the time.
• Wear a hat and sunscreen to prevent from sun damage.
• Nights are cold, so you need to bring beanies and warm socks.
• Acclimatize to the altitude before you start any physical challenging trek.
• Children can travel only under parents supervision.
• Drink water to keep hydrated.
• Have a camera with you.
• Bring some cash with you.

Note:

Visiting Inca Museum is part of our personalized packages that are designed for you. Don’t forget to visit our website and find more details about the packages.

We are Inkayni Peru Tours, a local tour operator determined to make the most of your experience. Working with the best staff of well-trained and passionate guides from the region, we would love to assist you and show you the best of our city.