Museum of High Altitude Archaeology, Archaeological museum in Salta, Argentina.
The Museum of High Altitude Archaeology in Salta is an archaeological institution in Argentina that preserves human remains and objects recovered from Andean peaks. The exhibits lie in special chambers maintained at minus 20 degrees Celsius to keep their condition stable across centuries.
The facility opened in 2004 to protect three mummified bodies found in 1999 at the summit of Llullaillaco. These remains date from the 15th century and show sacrificial practices of the Inca Empire in the highest reaches of the Andes.
The collection displays items from capacocha ceremonies, where the Inca Empire left children as offerings on remote peaks. Visitors today see textiles with fine patterns, ceramic vessels, and small metal figures once used during these mountain rituals.
The building opens Tuesday through Sunday between half past eight in the morning and half past seven in the evening, with different entry fees for Argentines and visitors from other countries. The rooms are climate-controlled and well lit, so you can view the displays at your own pace.
One of the preserved bodies carries the nickname Lightning Girl because a lightning strike marked her burial site at 6739 meters (22,100 feet). This event helped researchers locate the exact spot amid ice and snow.
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