Machu Picchu - Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum

(Local Name: Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón) The Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón (Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum) is the archeological site museum for Machu Picchu. The museum opened its doors to the public in late July, 2005.

Although this is a relatively small museum compared to others across Peru, the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum is very well laid out, provides some great information, and is very advanced in terms of presentation. Displays are carefully arranged and very well lit. As visitors enter a room or approach a display, overhead and spotlighting automatically turns on. There is a short video on Machu Picchu which starts up as visitors enter the show room. The museum focuses on the "discovery", excavation, and history of Macchu Picchu. On display are historical photos, including photos of Henry Bingham at Machu Picchu shortly after he came across the ruins, informative write-ups on the construction of Machu Picchu and the life of the Incas, and artifacts found at the site. Outside the museum is a very lush botanical garden running along the river. Some plants are labeled and there are a few short trails. This is a nice shady area to rest on a hot day.

The Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum is located at the base of the mountain, below Machu Picchu. It is an easy 25 minute walk from Aguas Calientes down the road leading the Machu Picchu. After crossing a bridge which spans the river there is a sign for Machu Pichu and a sign pointing in the opposite direction which say "Site Museum". Follow this sign down the rough dirt road a short distance to the museum. At the time of writing, transportation options to the museum were limited but this will surely improve in time.