Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 22-2214; Calle Santa Teresa 351; admission S15; 10am-7pm Mon-Sat, noon-6pm Sun)
A fascinat-
ing new museum that leaves no leaf unturned, exploring the history and workings of Per-
uvian medicinal and sacred plants. Highlights include displays on coca's 8000 years of
cultivation and trippy multilayered visuals that emulate the ayahuasca experience. The di-
oramas are in Spanish, but English-speaking guides are available (S4 per person).
A lauded cafe resides in an upstairs patio.
MUSEO DE ARTE RELIGIOSO
(cnr Hatunrumiyoc & Herrajes; admission S15 or with boleto religioso; 8-11am & 3-6pm Mon-Sat)
Ori-
ginally the palace of Inca Roca, the foundations of this museum were converted into a
grand colonial residence and later became the archbishop's palace. It is now home to an
important religious art collection that provides a unique window into life in the colony.
The building also contains some impressive ceilings and colonial-style tile work.
| Museum
TEMPLO Y CONVENTO DE LA MERCED
( 23-1821; Mantas 121; admission S6; 8am-noon & 2-5pm Mon-Sat)
Cuzco's third most import-
ant colonial church, La Merced has a beautiful
cloister
( 8-11am)
hung with paintings
that chronicle the life of San Pedro Nolasco. The far side contains the
tombs
of conquista-
dors Diego de Almagro and Gonzalo Pizarro (brother of Francisco). Here, you'll also find
a small
religious museum
displaying vestments that allegedly belonged to conquistador
and friar Vicente de Valverde. The exhibit's most famous piece is a priceless solid-gold
monstrance, 1.2m high and covered with rubies, emeralds and no fewer than 1500 dia-
monds and 600 pearls. (Ask to see it if the display room is locked.)
The entrance to the monastery and museum is located to the left of the church, at the
back of a small courtyard.
| Church
