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Nearby Inca Ruins: / Sacsayhuaman / Q'enko, Puca Pucara & Tambomachay

Sacred Valley of the Incas / Pisac / Calca & Urubamaba / Ollantaytambo

Museums in Cusco and other attractions

The Museo Inka (***) (on the corner of Calle Córdova and Calle Ataud, half a block from the Plaza de Armas. Entrance $1.50, open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm) contains a fine archaeological collection from all over Peru. It is housed in the Admiral’s Palace, although the building has been expanded with a modern section. The museum has a very good section on the pre-Inca cultures in the Lake Titicaca and Cusco areas, and has some exquisite Wari turquoise mini-sculptures found at Pikillaqta. The section on the Inca culture is very good, and there are some wonderful photos of Machu Picchu when it wasfirst rediscovered. The ceramics collection is good, as are the bone sculptures, and there are a few textiles, although not in great condition. There is also a post-conquest section with some fine colonial furniture.

The Museo Histórico Regional (**) (Heladeros. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm. Entrance on Tourist Ticket) contains an interesting collection of Inca and pre-Inca ceramics, as well the world’s most complete Glyptodonte skeleton. The museum is in the house where the Inca chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega was born, and the museum contains interesting information on his life. Another museum included on the Tourist Ticket is the Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporaneo (Plaza Regocijo. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm), which houses changing exhibitions by local artists. The Casa Cabrera (**) (Plazoleta de las Nazarenas) is now a cultural centre, hosting different exhibitions. There is a permanent collection of wonderful photos by Martin Chambi, however, who is probably the finest photographer Peru has produced.

Further from the centre, close to the bus station, is the monument to Pachacuteq. This large tower with a statue of the great leader can be climbed, and offers a good view of the city. There is also an astronomical observatory just above Cusco on the road to Urubamba. However, being so close to the city means that there is much light pollution.

Information used with the kind permission of www.llamatravel.com - holidays to Peru from £799. © Llama Travel Ltd (UK).
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