The children were found at the highest archaeological site in the world, over 6,700 meters above sea level.
The remains were naturally freeze-dried by the extreme altitude, cold, and lack of oxygen, resulting in internal organs being preserved in pristine condition.
Capac Cocha was an Inca sacrificial ceremony performed to ensure the well-being of the empire or to appease mountain deities.
The artifacts found with the mummies, including Spondylus shell figurines, confirm the vast reach of Inca trade networks from the Pacific coast.
The museum uses a state-of-the-art climate control system to mimic the summit's environment, keeping the mummies at a stable negative temperature.
The Museum of High Altitude Archaeology (MAAM) houses the Llullaillaco Mummies, three remarkably preserved Inca children discovered in 1999 near the 6,739-meter summit of the Llullaillaco volcano. The collection includes the 'Maiden,' the 'Boy,' and the 'Lightning Girl,' who were sacrificial victims during the Capac Cocha ritual. The museum utilizes specialized cryo-preservation technology to maintain the remains at constant temperatures and atmospheric conditions. Beyond the mummies, the exhibition displays over 150 artifacts retrieved from the summit, including gold and silver figurines, feather headdresses, and intricate textiles. The building itself is an 18th-century colonial house located on the main square of Salta, Argentina. The museum serves as a research institution dedicated to Andean archaeology and high-altitude mountain heritage. Due to the sensitive nature of the remains, the museum rotates the display of the three individuals to ensure long-term preservation.
The internal courtyard with its colonial architecture provides the best aesthetic backdrop.
Plan your visit to focus on the reading materials provided, as they offer crucial historical context for the artifacts.
The lighting in the mummy chambers is intentionally kept very dim to protect the remains, so give your eyes a moment to adjust.
Visit the gift shop for high-quality books on Andean history published by the museum researchers.
Do not attempt to photograph the mummies, as the flashes are forbidden to prevent light damage.
Closed on Mondays.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the mummy display rooms; maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor.
