Peru Guide
Lima
The Museo de Oro
Address: Javier Prado Este, Monterrico at Av Alonso de Molina 1100
Opening time: Daily 11.30am–7pm
Price: $11
Telephone: 3451292
The Museo de Oro is housed in a small, fortress-like building set back in the shade of tall trees and owned by the high-society Mujica family, Upstairs there are some excellent tapestry displays, while the ground level boasts a vast display of arms and uniforms, which bring to life some of Peru's bloodier historical episodes. The real gem, however, is the basement, crammed with original and replica pieces from pre-Columbian times. The pre-Inca weapons and wooden staffs and the astounding Nasca yellow-feathered poncho designed for a noble's child or child high-priest are especially fine pieces. One object which usually causes a stir is a skull with a full set of pink quartz teeth.
It's quite distant from Miraflores or Lima Centro, so it's best to take a taxi ($4–6).