Fodor's Expert Review Museo de Árqueología de Alta Montaña

Salta Fodor's Choice

The fascinating Museum of High Mountain Archaeology (MAAM) holds the mummified remains of three children born into Incan nobility—aged 6, 7, and 15—and the 146 objects buried with them in sacrificial services some 600 years ago. They were discovered at the summit of the 22,058-foot Volcán Llullaillaco, on the Argentine–Chilean border, in 1999. The high altitude and freezing temperatures kept their skin, hair, and clothes in impeccable condition, although the face of one was damaged by lightning. The museum also contains an exhibition about the Qhapaq Ñan Inca trading route from southern Colombia to Mendoza and another mummy, the Reina del Cerro (Queen of the Mountain), which for decades was illegally in the hands of private collectors.

Fodor's Choice History Museum

Quick Facts

Mitre 77
Salta, Salta  4400, Argentina

387-437–0592

www.maam.gob.ar

Sight Details:
Rate Includes: 400 pesos, Closed Mon.

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