Museum of High Altitude Archaeology

At the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology in central Salta, exhibits explore Inca culture and the discovery of three children buried on the summit of Llullaillaco volcano. The remains, found in 1999 after more than 500 years in the mountain cold, are exceptionally well preserved. Only one child is displayed at a time, alongside objects buried with them and information about the archaeological expedition. The museum is compact, with two floors, and some panels are in English. Take time with the exhibits to understand the ritual context of the burial.

The Llullaillaco discovery

The museum is dedicated to safeguarding and studying the Children of Llullaillaco, three Inca children whose remains were found in 1999 on the summit of Llullaillaco volcano, near the border between Argentina and Chile. The discovery dates to more than 500 years ago, during the height of the Inca state.

The children had been buried at high altitude, where low temperatures and thin air naturally preserved their bodies. Their skin, hair and clothing remained in unusually good condition. The museum’s displays also explain the archaeological expedition that reached the site and recovered the remains.

The displays and their care

Only one of the three children is shown at a time. The museum rotates the display to help protect the remains, which are kept under a cryopreservation system. Objects buried with the children and other Inca artifacts help place the discovery in the context of the culture and ritual practices of the Andes.

The remains are presented as part of an archaeological and cultural record. Their display can be a powerful encounter, so give yourself time to read the surrounding information and consider the context rather than treating the children as curiosities.