About Museo de la Memoria

Mothers in Purgatory

Like the Holocaust or mass killings in Cambodia, Peru's history has also been blotched by tragedy. Unimaginable horrors are documented in this museum, which tells the narrative of the party Sendero Luminoso, whose members fought the government. Common people felt more than the brunt as thousands of civilians were butchered by the Peruvian army. Mothers lost their children, even infants as young as six months old. Some of them still visit the museum narrating their tragic tales to tourists and locals alike. The displays, at least some of them will move you to tears. So will the montage of photos of those mothers who lost their children. The leader of the communist party, also known as the Shining Path, Abimael Guzman was captured and imprisoned. The rebellion originated in the impoverished regions of Ayacucho and Apurimac. Eventually, it was squashed by the government and the army and fizzled out. As a tourist, you will be sad to comprehend a part of Peru's history that you will wish had never happened. 

 

Must See

  • Simple yet moving displays
  • Eyewitness accounts of events
  • Montage of photos of mothers who lost their children

How to reach

The flight from Lima to Ayacucho will take 2 hours and 30 minutes, a one-way ticket costing USD 70. The museum is an hour away from the airport at Miraflores. Shuttles costing 15 SOL per person will drop you at Miraflores and you can walk it down to the museum. 

Tips

  • An English leaflet can be collected at the reception counter.
  • Some mothers will visit recounting their tragic tales in Spanish.
  • Donations are accepted with gratitude. 
  • If you suffer from depression or anxiety it would be best to avoid visiting this museum.

Visit Time

Sunday:       10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Monday:      Closed

Tuesday:     10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Wednesday: 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Thursday:    10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Friday:         10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Saturday:     10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 to 2 Hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Light Rain 22.97°C

 

Local Services in Ayacucho (Contact directly)

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