Museo Santuarios Andinos

Location:
Arequipa, Peru

Museum, Historical Building

V!VA User‘s Description

This museum, dedicated to high-altitude archaeology and its pioneer Johan Reinhard, is most famous for housing the mummified remains of 13-year-old Juanita. Shortly after arriving in the area, the Incas implemented the practice of sacrificing children on the peaks of the area’s highest volcanoes. Archaeologists believe that the children were sacrificed as part of a Capac Cocha ceremony aimed at appeasing the apus, or mountain gods. While the idea of human sacrifices may seem a bit gruesome by modern day standards, such a death was considered an honor during the Inca period. In addition to Juanita, the museum is home to 18 other mummies discovered atop volcanoes in Peru, Argentina, and Chile. The mummies are displayed with the textiles, gold, ceramics, and woodcarvings that were found in their tombs. The entrance fee includes a mandatory one-hour tour that features a National Geographic documentary.

Travel Skills: None

Contact Information:
E-mail: btblow(at)remove-this.yahoo.co.uk