Delve into the lives of Peruvian tribes before the arrival of Spanish colonialists in the Larco Museum. This institution preserves treasures from the indigenous tribes the Moches, Chimus, Nazcas and Incas. Climb to the museum, which is uniquely located atop a pre-Columbia pyramid.
First opened as a museum in 1926, the building was named after Rafael Larco Herrera, the famous potter who started the museum's varied collection of permanent and temporary displays.
Among the museum's treasures is an exhibit of erotic pottery, which is the largest collection of its kind in the world. These ceramics were made in the 1960s by Rafael Larco Hoyle after he researched the sexual behaviours of pre-Columbian tribes. Admire his careful depictions of the sexual congress that ancient people took part in.
In the Gold and Jewellery gallery, marvel at a dazzling display of precious ornaments that decorated the bodies and faces of tribe leaders. From gilded nose rings to crowns and masks, this exhibit illuminates the extent of indigenous love of adornment. Learn about 10,000 years of Peruvian humans in the Cultures Gallery. This section is split up into four sections, with exhibits representing different geographic locations. English-spoken tours can be booked from the main desk.
Stroll around the museums and enjoy wafting aromas from flower displays. Take a seat on serene lawns or enjoy a pleasant meal at the museum restaurant. Before leaving, pick up a souvenir model from the museum gift shop.
Find the Larco Museum sits in southwest Lima, in the Pueblo Libre (Free Town). Get there by bus and get off along the Mariona Corneja, which is a short walk from the museum. Alternatively, a taxi ride from central Lima takes 15 minutes. After exploring the museum, visit the zoo and botanical gardens of the nearby Parque de las Leyendas (Park of Legends).
