Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana - Museum Salta - Argentina

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

Museum, Activity Info. Types:
Archaeology

Travel Tips: Guided tours are offered at noon and 6 p.m.

Price Description:

General entry: $8.50, Salteños $3.50; retirees and children under 10 years old, free with accredited ID.
Audio Guides in Spanish, English, French, Portuguese, German for $3.20

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

Relative price: Mid-Range

Open Hours from:Tuesday to Sunday 11 a.m.

Open Hours to:Tuesday to Sunday 7:30 p.m.

Days Closed:Monday

Travel Skills: beginner/easy.

Visit the city’s many museums, plazas and churches. Take a hike up to Cerro San Bernado. Make a day outing to Dique Cabra Corral for some wild watersports, or get your adrenaline rushing by going rafting or horseback riding.

Currencies accepted
Argentine Peso

Contact Information:
Zip: 4400 Salta
Phone: (387) 4370499
E-mail: maam(at)remove-this.culturasalta.gov.ar
URL: www.maam.com.ar

About this Page

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,...

Updated: 11 Aug 2010