Lima City Tour with Archaeology and Anthropology Museum

Huaca Pucllana

This huge archaeological site sits in the middle of Miraflores. The clay and adobe structure of Huaca Pucllana once functioned as a ceremonial site during the pre-Columbian era and dates back to 400 B.C. Since the beginning of its excavation in 1981, various pyramids, ceramics, textiles, and tools have been discovered at the archaeological site.  In 2010, four intact mummies were found offering even more insight into ancient practices. You can see many of the artifacts found here, in the small on-site museum. Huaca Pucllana is also home to a popular, award-winning restaurant that visitors highly recommend for its traditional Peruvian cuisine.

Huaca Pucllana by Night

The Plaza De Armas

Known as the birthplace of Lima, the Plaza de Armas (also known as Plaza Mayor) functioned as the heart of the Spanish colony dating back to 1535. Travelers say it's a must-see for every first-time visitor to Lima. Located in the historic center of Lima, this main square is remarkably photogenic!  Although none of the original structures stand, the current architecture is still photo-worthy. From the bright yellow Municipal Palace, as well as the bronze fountain that dates back to the early 1650s. The Plaza de Armas is also home to the baroque-style, Government Palace where you can watch the changing of the guard daily at noon. It also features the Archbishop's Palace, which is elegantly furnished with Moorish-style balconies.

The Lima Cathedral is one of the most important temples in Peru. This church is also a museum for those who want to see religious art. The building has been affected by the constant earthquakes that the city of Lima has endured throughout its history. Inside the cathedral, you will also find the remains of Francisco Pizarro who founded the city of Lima in 1535, in the middle of the Plaza de Armas. Francisco Pizarro was murdered in the same stalls within the cathedral by the son of another Spanish conqueror called Almagro.

Santo Domingo impresses with its enormity. The red stone that forms the facade is very finely carved, and as on the cathedral, contrasts with the white of the two side towers. The Virgin of the Rosario and Saint Dominic are venerated there. Flanked by the Municipal Palace and several colonial Peruvian mansions, the Iglesia y Convento Santo Domingo is one of the most important religious landmarks in Lima. Dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, this Minor Basilica is celebrated for its exquisite architecture and rich history. The opulent neoclassical altar of the church is an awe-inspiring sight. The turquoise columns and the ornate altar in gold carvings is an important place of worship among Peruvians. Apart from a massive library and several chambers, the church boasts of being the place where the University of San Marcos, one of the oldest universities in the Americas, started its work. The well-known cloisters, which are a part of the convent and the university, surround an exquisite octagonal garden. The Tomb of Santa Rosa de Lima, made from marble and adorned with mosaics, is a highlight of this basilica. Brimming with rich religious history and architectural excellence, this 16th-century landmark is an important tourist attraction.

Government Palace

The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

One of the most important museums not only in Lima but in all of Peru is the National Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. It is located in the traditional Pueblo Libre district, near the city center. It is the oldest museum in Peru as it was founded in 1822 by General José de San Martín. Through its thirty rooms, historical and archaeological pieces from ancient Peru, from the colonial era and the republican era are exhibited. In other words, it offers a quick look at more than 10,000 years of history in the country. 

Archaeology and Anthropology Museum

Peru´s pre-Hispanic, Colonial, and Republican History

The first collection at the museum consisted of donations, archaeological excavations, and purchases from private collections. These were exhibited in 1872 at the Palace of the International Exposition in Lima. The darkest page in its history occurred in 1881 when the Chilean army looted its pieces during the War of the Pacific. However, the reorganization of the museum was rapid because in 1905 it was recast under the name of the National History Museum. One of the most important pieces dating back to that time and that was not stolen in the Chilean looting, is the 'Estela de Raimondi', from the Chavín culture (1,200 AC - 400 AC). During the 20th century, the archaeological area of the museum was in charge of Max Uhle (1905) and Julio César Tello (1911). In that year the museum had approximately 9 thousand archaeological pieces.  Another unfortunate event occurred in 1981 when thieves stole 220 pieces of gold and silver from the museum. The final merger occurred in 1992 when the current National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru was created under the administration of the Ministry of Culture of Peru. Today it is considered the best and most complete cultural center in the country. Its collection includes pieces and works from ancient Peru (14 thousand BC), the colonial era, and the current republican period (from 1821 AD to today).

Plaza de Armas, Lima

Book your Lima Tour with The Archaeology and Anthropology Museum at Valencia Travel here!