This archaeological museum chronicles the 1999 dig that unearthed the three Llullaillaco children, who were sacrificed over 500 years ago on the summit Mount Llullaillaco near the Chilean border. Extreme cold and dry thin air preserved the bodies entirely; blood remained in the organs and skin and hair were kept in place. The modern museum tells a fascinating tale in the most respectful and thorough way imaginable. A video explains the archaeological mission, and the rooms that follow explain Incan traditions and the stories of these three children. Visitors can view artifacts and miniature models of the grave. The final exhibit is both enthralling and sobering: the body of La Doncella, the maiden and oldest of the children, which, previously kept in the freezers with the bodies of others, has been tastefully on exhibit since September 2007. Some of the exhibition can be heavy on writing, which is all in Spanish.

Location:
Mitre 77, Salta
Salta, Argentina

Museum

Price Description: $3.20, $0.95 for Argentines, (Tuesday to Friday free before 10 a.m.)

Audio Guides in Spanish, English, French, Portugese, German for $3.20

Relative price: Budget

Open Hours from:Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., closed Monday

Days Closed:Monday

Travel Skills: None

Contact Information:
Zip: 4400 Salta
Phone: (387) 4370499
URL: www.maam.com.ar

By Suzanne Russo

Suzanne's childhood travel experiences were limited to road trip forays with her parents, and the thrill that came with crossing the state line,...

Created: 15 Feb 2008

Updated: 12 Mar 2008

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