Museum of Andean Sanctuaries, Arequipa (must see)
The Museum of Andean Sanctuaries offers visitors an intimate encounter with the region鈥檚 most extraordinary archaeological discovery: the frozen mummies of the Andes. Established in 1996, the museum was created to house and study the remains of sacrificial victims uncovered on the peaks of Peru鈥檚 highest mountains, the most famous being the 鈥淚ce Maiden,鈥� or Juanita. Found in 1995 on Mount Ampato by anthropologist Johan Reinhard and his team, Juanita鈥檚 remarkably preserved body offers invaluable insight into Inca rituals and beliefs, particularly the Capacocha ceremonies in which children were sacrificed to honor the gods and ensure cosmic balance.
The museum is housed in a colonial-era building close to Arequipa鈥檚 main square, blending historic surroundings with carefully curated exhibition spaces. Inside, visitors can follow a chronological journey beginning with Inca cosmology and the spiritual role of the mountains, then moving to the discovery of the mummies and their scientific study. Displays include ceramics, textiles, and ritual objects found alongside the bodies, shedding light on the symbolic offerings made during the ceremonies. The atmosphere is contemplative, balancing scientific explanation with cultural sensitivity toward these sacred remains.
The highlight of the visit is the chance to view Juanita herself, displayed under controlled conditions that preserve her natural state. Depending on conservation needs, Juanita may be rotated with other mummies, such as Sarita or Illapa, allowing visitors to witness different aspects of this unique heritage. More than a museum, the site serves as a bridge between the modern world and the Inca past, offering a profound look at how ancient Andean societies sought to communicate with their gods through acts of devotion and sacrifice.
The museum is housed in a colonial-era building close to Arequipa鈥檚 main square, blending historic surroundings with carefully curated exhibition spaces. Inside, visitors can follow a chronological journey beginning with Inca cosmology and the spiritual role of the mountains, then moving to the discovery of the mummies and their scientific study. Displays include ceramics, textiles, and ritual objects found alongside the bodies, shedding light on the symbolic offerings made during the ceremonies. The atmosphere is contemplative, balancing scientific explanation with cultural sensitivity toward these sacred remains.
The highlight of the visit is the chance to view Juanita herself, displayed under controlled conditions that preserve her natural state. Depending on conservation needs, Juanita may be rotated with other mummies, such as Sarita or Illapa, allowing visitors to witness different aspects of this unique heritage. More than a museum, the site serves as a bridge between the modern world and the Inca past, offering a profound look at how ancient Andean societies sought to communicate with their gods through acts of devotion and sacrifice.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Arequipa. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Museum of Andean Sanctuaries on Map
Sight Name: Museum of Andean Sanctuaries
Sight Location: Arequipa, Peru (See walking tours in Arequipa)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Arequipa, Peru (See walking tours in Arequipa)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Arequipa, Peru
Create Your Own Walk in Arequipa
Creating your own self-guided walk in Arequipa is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Arequipa Introduction Walking Tour
Capital of the eponymous region of Peru, Arequipa is a colonial-era city rich in architecture built of the volcanic stone provided by three neighboring volcanoes. The historic downtown area of Arequipa is dominated by Plaza de Armas complete with a plethora of ancient churches located nearby, of which the most notable is the 17th-century Basilica Cathedral. This orientation tour will walk you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Historical Churches
Colonists from Spain brought to Peru and Arequipa the power of Catholicism, which is beautifully reflected today in the splendid architectural designs of Arequipa's numerous places of worship. Arequipa鈥檚 churches are among the most striking in Peru. Take this self-guided walking tour to explore the city's religious heritage.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles