Mujica Gallo (Gold Museum)

Gold and silver were highly prized and beautifully worked by the Inca. The precious materials were worked into symbolic and decorative pieces, but were never used as money.

The gold drew the attention of the Spanish and led to the empire’s downfall, but not all of the Inca gold was removed and melted down by the conquistadors. The privately owned and operated Mujica Gallo displays more than 8,000 gold, silver and gilt copper artifacts surviving from pre-Inca and Inca civilizations.

The collection also includes pottery, weapons and clothing but the golden figurines and gem-studded jewelry are the real highlight.

Work your way through the various rooms crammed with golden drinking vessels, gilt animals and birds, masks, armor, swords and pistols, and take home a replica souvenir from the gift shop.

Practical Info

The Mujica Gallo is across the River Rimac, a short stroll from Lima’s historic center.