Mujica Gallo (Gold Museum)
Jr. Alonso de Molina 1100, Santiago de Surco, Lima, Peru, 15023
The Inca prized gold, silver, and gilt copper, but never used them as currency. They were worked into symbolic and decorative totems symbolizing Inca culture and ceremonial worship. This privately-owned museum displays over 20,000 pre-Columbian artifacts including historic weapons like the gleaming sword of Francisco Pizarro.
The Basics
Thankfully not all the old that the Spanish conquistadors plundered was melted down or sent back to the King of Spain. This compact but intense museum displays the mastwork of goldsmiths covering several centuries of Peruvian history, mainly pre-Inca times. Among the highlights are such as openwork nose pieces embossed with filigree birds and monkeys, masks with open and toothed mouths, and drinking vessels.
Travelers may discover Gold Museum of Peru on a guided tour that includes a visit to both the collection of stunning riches as well as the “Weapons of the World,” a museum-within-a-museum that showcases swords, daggers, uniforms, spears, revolvers and pistols of various civilizations and cultures around the world.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and especially history buffs.
- Remember to bring sun protection and water for hydration.
- Admission is about $10.
How to Get There
The Gold Museum of Peru (Museo Oro del Perú) is on Avenue Alonso de Molina in the Surco district of Lima. From Miraflores or Barranco, which are both west of the museum, the easiest way to reach the museum is to take a taxi, which should take about 20-30 minutes. Public transport does not run to this part of Surco.
When to Get There
The museum is open Monday - Sunday from 10:30am - 6pm. Come in April or May for Surco’s Vendimia festival when the whole district comes alive to celebrate the wine harvest. In general, the best time to visit Lima is winter (May–September), when it's the least rainy, especially important if planning a trip to Cusco or trek to Machu Picchu. The summer months (December–March) are warmer, but wetter, and in Lima especially, quite foggy.
Explore Surco District
There are plenty of reasons to dedicate time to visiting Surco, especially for travelers who have already been to Lima. There’s the former colonial sugar plantation San Juan Grande Hacienda with a 16th-century Catholic chapel on the grounds; and also the Parque Ecologico Loma Amarilla (Yellow Hill Ecological Park),xa0 a 19-acre (16.5-hectare) green oasis with 34 bird species, 23 tree species, and a jogging track.
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