Plizio Visual Lab
Larco Museum
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Larco Museum in Lima is a world-class treasure trove of pre-Columbian art, housed in a beautiful 18th-century vice-royal mansion built over a 7th-century pyramid. It is widely considered one of the best museums in the world, offering a comprehensive and fascinating journey through 5,000 years of ancient Peruvian history. The museum is famous for its extraordinary collection of Moche ceramics, particularly its unique and world-renowned erotic pottery gallery. Unlike many museums, Larco allows visitors into its 'open storage' area, where tens of thousands of cataloged pieces can be viewed. The museum's lush gardens and elegant restaurant provide a serene atmosphere to reflect on the artistic genius of cultures like the Nazca, Wari, and Inca. It is an essential stop for anyone wishing to understand the soul of ancient Peru.
- Location: Peru
- Top sights: Museo de la Inmigración Japonesa · National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru · Larco Herrera Museum
- Nearby: Huaraz (81 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 3 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Larco Museum is a privately run museum of pre-Columbian art housed in a beautiful 18th-century building. It is open to visitors and displays an impressive collection of ceramics and gold objects.
Typical hours
The museum is open daily, typically from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. As one of Lima’s most famous museums, hours are relatively stable, but an online check is recommended.
Photography
Photography without flash is allowed in most exhibition areas. Some rooms with particularly delicate objects may have restrictions; watch for signs.
Time needed
Plan at least two hours for a thorough visit. The collection is extensive and the building itself is worth exploring.
Combine with
Combine your visit with a walk through the adjoining Pueblo Libre district. The National Museum of Archaeology is also not far.
Getting there
The museum is located in the Pueblo Libre district of Lima, easily reachable by taxi or Uber. Public buses stop nearby, but a taxi is more convenient.
Insider tip
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds. The museum’s own restaurant features a pleasant break with views of the garden.
Geography
Facts
- Founded in 1926 by Rafael Larco Hoyle, a pioneer of Peruvian archaeology.
- Housed in a colonial mansion built over a pre-Columbian adobe pyramid.
- Famous for its 'Erotic Gallery', which showcases the open attitude of ancient cultures toward sexuality.
- One of the few museums in the world with an open-access storage area for over 30,000 artifacts.
- The collection includes the world's finest gold and silver jewelry from ancient Peru.
- The museum's gardens have won awards for their beauty and variety of flowers.
- Provides a chronological tour of Peru's diverse regional cultures over five millennia.
- Consistently ranked as one of the top museums in the world by TripAdvisor.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Larco Museum (14)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Museo Larco so famous?
For its excellent collection of pre-Columbian art and jewelry.
Can you visit the gardens?
Yes, the gardens are beautifully landscaped and accessible.
Is there a restaurant there?
Yes, a highly recommended restaurant with a garden view.
How much time do you need?
At least 2 hours for the museum and gardens.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, it is a pleasant and quiet place.
Larco Museum: where is it located?
Larco Museum is located in Peru.
Larco Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museo de la Inmigración Japonesa, National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru, Larco Herrera Museum.
Larco Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Larco Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Larco Museum in Lima is a world-class treasure trove of pre-Columbian art, housed in a beautiful 18th-century vice-royal mansion built over a 7th-century pyramid.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in South America
More places in Peru →
Nearby cities
Lima
The capital and largest city of Peru.
Ica
The heart of Peruvian wine and pisco production, surrounded by desert and sand dunes.
Huánuco
The city of eternal spring in the central Andes, famous for its ancient ruins and mild year-round climate.
Pisco
Historic port city and namesake of Peru's national grape brandy, Pisco.
Tarma
Known as the "Pearl of the Andes," Tarma is a charming city famous for its stunning floral displays and mild mountain climate.
Paracas
Gateway to the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets the Pacific.
Lunahuaná
A sunny paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts and wine lovers, situated directly on the banks of the Cañete River.
History & landmarks
Ayacucho
The city of 33 churches, famous for its religious tradition, colonial architecture, and the intricate retablo folk art.
Nazca
Famous for the mysterious Nazca Lines, giant geoglyphs etched into the arid Peruvian desert.
National Stadium of Peru
The largest and most important multi-purpose stadium in Lima, mainly used for matches of the Peruvian national football team.
Huaca Pucllana
A massive adobe pyramid of the Lima culture, which today is a fascinating relic in the middle of the modern Miraflores district.
Plaza Mayor of Lima
The main square and birthplace of the city of Lima, surrounded by significant historical and architectural buildings.
Monastery of San Francisco
An impressive baroque church and monastery complex in Lima, particularly famous for its underground catacombs.
Bridge of Sighs
A picturesque wooden bridge in the bohemian district of Barranco in Lima, which has inspired many artists, musicians, and lovers.
Pachacamac
A massive archaeological site on the coast south of Lima that was an important religious center long before the Incas.
More places
Parque de las Leyendas Zoo
Lima's main zoo and botanical garden, divided into three ecological zones of Peru.
Magic Water Circuit
A sprawling park in Lima featuring numerous interactive, colorful fountains that attract families, especially at night.
Huachipa Zoo
A popular animal park on the outskirts of Lima, showcasing a large collection of Peruvian and exotic animal species.
Cajamarquilla Zinc Refinery
One of the largest zinc refineries in the world, located near the capital city of Lima.
Chancay Megaport
A major deep-water port project aimed at significantly increasing trade between South America and Asia.
Amancay Sanctuary
A hilly area near Pachacámac, known for the yellow amancay flower, which blooms briefly during the winter.
Lomas de Lachay National Reserve
A fog-dependent ecological oasis in the desert near Lima that turns green during the humid season and attracts wildlife.
Siula Grande
Siula Grande in the Cordillera Huayhuash became world-famous through Joe Simpson's book and film 'Touching the Void'.