Huaca Huallamarca Lima
Ancient adobe pyramid and museum in San Isidro, Lima, offering a glimpse into pre-Inca cultures and burial rituals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Huaca Huallamarca Lima
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient adobe pyramid and museum in San Isidro, Lima, offering a glimpse into pre-Inca cultures and burial rituals.
"An impressive piece of history in the middle of a modern city, see it if you are nearby."
Carry Cash for Entry
Be prepared to pay the small entrance fee in cash, as card machines can be unreliable. :moneybag:
Quick Visit Recommended
Allow about 30-60 minutes for a thorough visit; it's a compact site. :stopwatch:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Pyramid Structure
Main site
Climb the steps of this ancient adobe pyramid for a unique perspective on Lima's urban landscape.
On-Site Museum
Museum building
Explore artifacts and learn about the Lima and Yschma cultures, including details on funeral rituals.
The 'Lady with Long Hair' Mummy
Museum (check availability)
Discover the story of a potentially sacrificed princess, though her display status can vary.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick History Fix in San Isidro
Cash is King (Sometimes)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Carry Cash for Entry
Be prepared to pay the small entrance fee in cash, as card machines can be unreliable. :moneybag:
Quick Visit Recommended
Allow about 30-60 minutes for a thorough visit; it's a compact site. :stopwatch:
Check Mummy Availability
The famous 'Lady with Long Hair' mummy may not always be on display due to preservation issues. :mag:
Combine with San Isidro
Perfectly pairs with a stroll through the nearby Parque El Olivar. :park:
Tips
from all over the internet
Carry Cash for Entry
Be prepared to pay the small entrance fee in cash, as card machines can be unreliable. :moneybag:
Quick Visit Recommended
Allow about 30-60 minutes for a thorough visit; it's a compact site. :stopwatch:
Check Mummy Availability
The famous 'Lady with Long Hair' mummy may not always be on display due to preservation issues. :mag:
Combine with San Isidro
Perfectly pairs with a stroll through the nearby Parque El Olivar. :park:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Huaca Huallamarca is praised as a quick, interesting stop for history enthusiasts in San Isidro, offering a unique glimpse into pre-Inca Lima. While some find the museum a bit underwhelming, the chance to climb an ancient pyramid in the city is a definite highlight. Visitors should be prepared with cash for the modest entrance fee.
"This is a quick but fun stop. If you have 60 minutes to kill in San Isidro and want to see a little history, go here. Entry fee was 5 soles per person in August 2025.
The site is in a lovely residential part of San Isidro."
Stuart Wood
"This is a relatively small pre-Incan site in Lima. It is worth visiting if you are in the neighborhood, but there are better pyramid sites to see in Lima. You can walk up the pyramid, and there are decent views. The museum itself was a bit underwhelming. Still, it is an impressive piece of history in the middle of a modern city, so see it if you are nearby."
Keith Moore
"I walked here with a broken leg, and when I got here, they said the credit card machine was broken, and we cannot get in without cash. We just arrived to Peru and did not have it, and even though it's 5 soles, they would not help us. We had to take an Uber to our hotel and could not get in. Crutches and all, denied entry. We understand we aren't entitled, I get it...but a little heartless. Bad start to Peru."
Chibi Moku
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Huaca Huallamarca is located in the San Isidro district of Lima. You can easily reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. It's situated at the corner of Av. El Rosario and Av. Nicolás de Rivera. 
While direct public transport to the exact site might be limited, you can take buses to major avenues in San Isidro and then walk or take a short taxi ride.
From Miraflores or Barranco, a taxi or ride-sharing app is the most convenient. If coming from the city center, consider buses that head towards San Isidro.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically very affordable, around 5 soles per person. It's advisable to have cash on hand as card machines may not always be functional. +1
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's best to check locally or confirm with your accommodation if you plan an early or late visit.
Currently, there is no indication of online ticket purchasing. Tickets are typically bought at the entrance on the day of your visit.
Yes, it's an ideal spot for a quick visit. Most visitors spend between 30 to 60 minutes exploring the pyramid and the small museum.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the ancient adobe pyramid structure, climb its steps for city views, and visit a small museum showcasing artifacts and information about the Lima and Yschma cultures.
Yes, there is a small museum on-site that displays archaeological findings from the site, including information about funeral rituals and mummies.
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to walk up the steps of the pyramid structure, offering a unique vantage point.
This mummy is significant as it's believed to be a princess buried alive as part of a ritual. However, its display status can change due to preservation efforts.
Information on official guided tours is limited, but site staff may be available to provide some context. Reading the signs in the museum is also informative.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted within the site and museum, allowing you to capture the unique blend of ancient history and modern city.
The top of the pyramid offers a great panoramic view, and the museum exhibits provide interesting close-up shots of artifacts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit concise, focusing on the most interesting exhibits in the museum and the experience of climbing the pyramid. The relatively low entrance fee makes it an affordable option for families. Remember to bring cash for tickets, as this can sometimes be an issue.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Compare the architectural styles and historical timelines with other sites in Peru. Consider visiting the Larco Museum and Huaca Pucllana in Lima for a broader understanding of the region's archaeological landscape.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
+1It's a safe and easily navigable site, ideal for a relaxed exploration. Be sure to have cash for the entrance fee, and you'll be able to absorb the essence of this ancient pyramid and its museum within an hour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Pre-Inca Gem in Modern Lima
+2The archaeological site is complemented by a small museum that delves deeper into the lives of its former inhabitants. Here, visitors can find artifacts unearthed from the necropolis, providing insights into their daily lives, social structures, and burial practices. The museum's exhibits often highlight the unique funeral rituals, including the famous 'Lady with Long Hair' mummy, believed to be a princess interred alive.
Visiting Huaca Huallamarca offers a unique juxtaposition of ancient and contemporary life. It's a place where you can stand atop a structure built centuries ago and gaze out at the bustling city, a powerful reminder of the layers of history that define Lima. While not as grand as some other archaeological sites in Peru, its accessibility and historical significance make it a valuable stop for anyone interested in pre-Columbian cultures.
The 'Lady with Long Hair' and Ritual Practices
This practice, while chilling to modern sensibilities, was not uncommon in various ancient Andean cultures as a way to appease deities or mark significant events. The discovery at Huaca Huallamarca provides crucial evidence for understanding the complex belief systems and ritualistic behaviors of the Lima culture. The preservation of such organic material offers invaluable data for archaeologists and historians studying ancient Peru.
It's important to note that the mummy's display status can be inconsistent. Due to preservation challenges and past attempts at incorrect preservation methods, the mummy has sometimes been removed from public view. Visitors interested in seeing her are advised to inquire about her availability upon arrival.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit