Museum of High Altitude Archaeology
Salta
The Museum of High Altitude Archaeology (MAAM) in Salta, Argentina, is a specialized archaeology museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing artifacts related to Inca high-altitude rituals, especially the Capacocha child sacrifices. Established in 2004, it primarily exhibits the three remarkably preserved mummies of the Children of Llullaillaco, discovered atop the Llullaillaco volcano in 1999. The museum is housed in a historic mid-19th century neogothic building located in Salta's main square, featuring modern conservation technology including cryopreservation chambers that maintain the mummies at stable sub-zero temperatures to ensure their preservation. Besides the Llullaillaco collection, the museum holds the Teruel collection and the Reina del Cerro mummy, expanding its representation of Inca ceremonial practices. MAAM also functions as a research and educational center, conducting scientific studies and offering temporary exhibitions and cultural programs. It has become a key cultural and tourist destination in Salta, attracting both local and international visitors, and has been recognized for its quality and significance within Argentina's cultural landscape. Despite its acclaim, the museum faces criticism from indigenous groups concerning the ethical aspects of displaying human remains.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit from Tuesday to Sunday between 11:00 and 18:30, as the museum is closed on Mondays. Tickets are available with special rates for Argentine nationals, seniors, and university students. Due to strict preservation needs, the Llullaillaco mummies are exhibited one at a time in rotation, so checking the current display before visiting is recommended. Purchasing tickets in advance can help avoid queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. The museum offers a cafeteria and a gift shop with local artisan products and themed souvenirs.
Interesting facts
- •The Children of Llullaillaco mummies are some of the best-preserved Inca mummies ever found, dating back over 500 years.
- •The museum maintains the mummies at -20°C in special cryopreservation capsules with controlled atmospheres and filtered lighting to prevent deterioration.
- •MAAM is located in a restored mid-19th century neogothic building in Salta's main square, blending historical architecture with modern technology.
- •The museum has been the highest rated museum in Argentina on Tripadvisor as of 2024, winning multiple Traveller Choice awards.
- •The Llullaillaco mummies are displayed one at a time on a rotating basis to ensure their preservation and minimize exposure.
History
The Museum of High Altitude Archaeology was inaugurated in 2004 by the Salta provincial government to conserve and exhibit the Llullaillaco mummies, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in recent times.
Initially, the museum displayed limited artifacts while developing specialized preservation systems, completed by 2007.
In 2005, it expanded with the Teruel collection donation, and in 2006, it acquired the Reina del Cerro mummy.
Over two decades, MAAM has grown into a prominent cultural institution, receiving accolades such as the Traveller Choice award from Tripadvisor multiple times.
It has also implemented ISO 9001:2008 quality standards since 2012 and was honored by the Konex Foundation in 2018 for its cultural contributions.
Place Guide
Llullaillaco Room1999 (discovery)
This permanent exhibition room displays one of the three Llullaillaco Children mummies accompanied by their funerary offerings, showcasing the Inca Capacocha ritual. The presentation rotates among the three mummies for conservation reasons.
Reina del Cerro Room1920s (discovery)
A temporary exhibition dedicated to the 'Queen of the Hill' mummy and her associated artifacts, discovered in the 1920s at the Nevado de Chuscha sanctuary. This room highlights the looting history and archaeological significance of the find.
Qhapaq Ñan Exhibition
This exhibition explores the Inca Empire's extensive road system, the Qhapaq Ñan, demonstrating its political, social, and economic importance in connecting the vast territory of the empire.
Contact
Phone: 0387 437-0592
