Larco Museum Lima
Discover 4,000 years of Peruvian history through an unparalleled collection of pre-Columbian art in a stunning colonial mansion.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.
Larco Museum Lima
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover 4,000 years of Peruvian history through an unparalleled collection of pre-Columbian art in a stunning colonial mansion.
"An unforgettable experience—leave yourself plenty of time!"
🎯 Guided Tour Recommended
Enhance your visit with a guided tour for deeper insights into the artifacts.
⏰ Allow Plenty of Time
Don't rush! Plan for 2-3 hours minimum to truly appreciate the collection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pre-Columbian Art Collection
Thousands of artifacts spanning 4,000 years of Peruvian history, showcasing incredible craftsmanship.

Erotic Ceramics Gallery
A unique and surprisingly candid collection of ancient pottery depicting intimate scenes.

Museum Grounds and Restaurant
Beautifully manicured gardens and an elegant cafe offering a delightful dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Dinner & Special Occasions
Allocate Ample Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guided Tour Recommended
Enhance your visit with a guided tour for deeper insights into the artifacts.
⏰ Allow Plenty of Time
Don't rush! Plan for 2-3 hours minimum to truly appreciate the collection.
🍽️ Reserve Restaurant Table
Popular for romantic dinners; book in advance, especially for evenings.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The grounds and architecture offer stunning photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tour Recommended
Enhance your visit with a guided tour for deeper insights into the artifacts.
⏰ Allow Plenty of Time
Don't rush! Plan for 2-3 hours minimum to truly appreciate the collection.
🍽️ Reserve Restaurant Table
Popular for romantic dinners; book in advance, especially for evenings.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The grounds and architecture offer stunning photo opportunities.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry bottled water, especially during warmer months.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Museo Larco for its exceptional pre-Columbian art collection and the stunning beauty of its grounds and restaurant. The Erotic Ceramics Gallery is a unique and memorable highlight. Some find the main exhibits a bit repetitive after a while, and the restaurant is noted for being pricey, but overall, it's considered a must-visit in Lima.
"This museum isn't very big but it has amazing pieces. I would really recommend a guided tour which is offered at an extra 10 soles - it really does a much better job of explaining what we are looking at. Very interesting pieces divided in 3 areas: the main museum (perhaps 5-6 rooms), the erotic gallery, and visible storage. The surroundings are also very nice and there is a great fancy restaurant too. A big tip would be to come early: we got there at 10-ish and had a tour just for both of us; by the time we were going out there were lines for tickets and the museum was very crowded."
Catarina
"Beautiful museum of artifacts from ancient Peruvian civilizations, including ceramics, textiles, and metalwork. The exhibits are nicely curated, and the collection is huge, but for an entry fee of 50 soles I would've expected a bit more variety and some other content than just constant display cases with accompanying text. Very interesting, but after a while it gets a little boring.
Beside the main museum there's a separate exhibit for "erotic" artifacts, mainly pottery portraying sexually explicit scenes. It's included in the main ticket price. There's also a souvenir shop and a restaurant on site.
There are explanatory texts in several languages for all exhibits, so English speakers for example can easily follow along. There's also an audio guide available, but this we didn't try. We spent approximately two hours walking through the museum, stopping briefly at most exhibits."
Johan Björefeldt
"Be sure to take a guided tour if you are able. Daniela was amazing and brought the history to life. She answered questions and asked if there were specific topics that I wanted to see and hear about to do a deeper dive. The grounds are beautifully kept."
Larry Zablin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber are the most convenient options. The drive can take 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Consider pre-booking a taxi or using a reputable airport service for a smoother experience.Yes, you can reach Museo Larco via public bus routes. However, it can be more time-consuming and less direct than a taxi. Check local transit apps for the best routes from your location.
Taking a taxi or Uber is recommended for a direct and comfortable journey from Miraflores to Museo Larco. The travel time is typically around 20-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Taxi fares can vary, but expect to pay around 20-40 Peruvian Soles (PEN) from central Lima areas. It's always a good idea to confirm the fare before starting your journey or use a metered taxi.
Yes, Uber is readily available in Lima, and you can easily book a ride back to your accommodation from Museo Larco.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Museo Larco is typically around 50 Peruvian Soles (PEN) for adults. Prices can change, so it's best to check their official website for the most current information.
While not always explicitly stated, it's advisable to check the official Museo Larco website for online ticket purchasing options to save time.
Museo Larco is generally open daily, often from around 9 AM to 6 PM. It's recommended to verify the exact hours on their official website before your visit.
Yes, the admission ticket to Museo Larco includes access to all exhibits, including the renowned Erotic Ceramics Gallery.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or children. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter or check the museum's official website for details.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the museum, but flash is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. Always look for signage indicating specific restrictions.
The beautifully landscaped gardens, the colonial mansion architecture, and the courtyard offer excellent photo opportunities. The exhibits themselves also provide unique visual content.
Photography is typically allowed in the Erotic Ceramics Gallery, but be mindful of any posted restrictions.
Drone photography is generally not permitted within museum grounds or historical sites. It's best to assume this is not allowed unless explicitly stated otherwise.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for indoor shots. A versatile lens that can capture both wide shots of the grounds and details of the artifacts would be ideal.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Museo Larco features an elegant restaurant and cafe, highly recommended for its ambiance and cuisine.
The restaurant offers a refined dining experience with Peruvian and international dishes. Reviews often highlight the quality of seafood and the pleasant atmosphere.
The restaurant is considered upscale, with prices on the higher side. It's a good option for a special occasion or a splurge meal.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and on weekends, as it's a popular spot for romantic dates and celebrations.
The museum is located in Pueblo Libre, a district with various local eateries and cafes. However, the museum's restaurant is a standout experience.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours, but art and history enthusiasts might want to allocate 3-5 hours to fully absorb the collection and grounds.
The Erotic Ceramics Gallery is a unique highlight, alongside the vast collection of gold, silver, and pottery showcasing pre-Columbian civilizations.
While the historical artifacts are fascinating, the Erotic Ceramics Gallery might be more suited for older children or adults. The beautiful grounds can be enjoyable for all ages.
English guided tours are sometimes available, but it's best to confirm in advance. Audio guides in English are also an option.
The museum is housed in an 18th-century vice-royal mansion built over a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid, adding historical depth to the visitor experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
✈️ Day-Trippers & Layover Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Remarkable Collection of Museo Larco
One of the most talked-about sections is the Erotic Ceramics Gallery. This collection provides a candid and often humorous glimpse into the sexual practices and beliefs of ancient Peruvian societies. The detailed depictions on the pottery are both artistic and informative, offering a unique perspective on a often-taboo subject. Beyond these highlights, the museum also features visible storage areas, allowing visitors to see even more of its extensive holdings, providing an unparalleled depth of understanding of Peru's rich past.
An Elegant Setting: The Museum's Grounds and Restaurant
The on-site restaurant is a significant draw, offering an upscale dining experience in a charming atmosphere. Many visitors recommend it for romantic dinners and special occasions, praising the quality of the Peruvian cuisine and the elegant ambiance. While prices are on the higher side, the combination of exquisite food, beautiful surroundings, and attentive service makes it a memorable part of the museum visit. Reservations are highly advised, particularly for evening dining.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit