Museum of the Andean Sanctuaries of Arequipa, inaugurated in 1995, is an emblematic place that preserves the traces of ancient Andean civilizations, especially highlighting its focus on archaeology and the mummies found in the snow-capped mountains of southern Peru.
Its main attraction is the Juanita Mummy, a young Inca girl sacrificed over 500 years ago, known as “The Ice Maiden.” The museum displays mummies and ceremonial objects, inviting reflection on spirituality and human sacrifices to the mountain gods. With its modern infrastructure, the museum offers a unique experience that blends history, science, and art, providing a deep insight into the practices and rituals of pre-Inca and Inca cultures.
A Journey to the Past at the Santuarios Andinos Museum
The Santuarios Andinos Museum offers a journey to the past that connects visitors with the Andean worldview, exploring its relationship with nature, spiritual beliefs, and funeral practices. The mummies and objects on display are testimonies to a world filled with ancestral wisdom and human sacrifice rituals in religious and ceremonial contexts. Each piece tells the story of how ancient Andeans performed rituals to ensure rainfall, fertility, and the protection of their communities, making the museum a unique experience.
History and Foundation of the Santuarios Andinos Museum
The Santuarios Andinos Museum, founded in 1995 by the Catholic University of Santa María (UCSM) of Arequipa, aims to preserve and disseminate the archaeological legacy of the region. The name “santuarios” refers to the elevated places in the mountains where Andean cultures performed religious rituals, such as the volcanoes considered the home of the gods.
The discovery of several mummies, including the Juanita Mummy, in the Ampato volcano, inspired its creation. This discovery changed the understanding of human sacrifices in the Andes. The museum, located in the historic Casa del Moral, has become a reference point for research, education, and the conservation of Andean archaeology, promoting respect and appreciation for ancestral cultures.
The Juanita Mummy: The Ice Maiden
The Juanita Mummy, also known as “The Ice Maiden”, is the most emblematic piece of the Santuarios Andinos Museum. A team of archaeologists led by anthropologist Dr. Johan Reinhard discovered this mummy of a girl about 12 to 14 years old in 1995 in the Ampato volcano. The mummy dates back to around 1450 AD, and the Incas sacrificed her in a ritual in honor of the sun god, Inti.
Juanita is one of the best-preserved mummies in the world, offering valuable information about Inca rituals, the region’s climate, and preservation techniques in extreme conditions.
Exhibited in a controlled-temperature glass capsule, the mummy is accompanied by ceremonial objects such as textiles, ceramics, and gold figures, which help better understand the Inca religious beliefs and practices.
Other outstanding exhibits at the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries
The Santuarios Andinos Museum houses a fascinating collection of archaeological pieces related to the life and customs of Andean civilizations. Some of the most prominent exhibitions include:
| HIGHLIGHTED EXHIBITS | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Sarita Mummy | One of the mummies found on Ampato Volcano, also part of an Inca ritual. Sarita is notable for her garments and ritual objects that reflect the customs of the Inca elite. |
| Pre-Hispanic Musical Instruments | Flutes, drums, and other instruments used in religious ceremonies dedicated to the gods. |
| The Ampato Boy | An important mummy found on the same volcano as the Juanita Mummy. This mummy represents a boy around 7 years old who was also sacrificed as part of ceremonies dedicated to the apus. |
| Wari Culture | Artifacts from the Wari culture, a pre-Inca civilization that inhabited the southern Andes. Among the objects are textiles, ceramics, and metallurgy that showcase their advanced technology. |
| Ceramics from the Moche Culture | Pottery pieces from the Moche culture, known for their realistic depictions of people, animals, and mythological scenes, crafted in great detail. |
| Totems and Offerings from the Aymara Culture | Objects and totems used in Aymara rituals, emphasizing their spiritual connection with nature and the cosmos. |
| Gold Offerings | Gold and silver items, such as figurines and utensils, offered to the gods during sacrificial rituals. These pieces reflect the refined metalworking skills of the Andean cultures. |
Location, Hours and Admission
| Location | The Andean Sanctuaries Museum is located in the Historic Center of Arequipa, at Calle La Merced 110, Arequipa 04001. This location is easily accessible for both tourists and locals, in a city recognized as a World Heritage Site for its colonial architecture and rich cultural history. |
| Hours | The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Booking in advance is recommended if you plan to take a guided tour for a more enriching experience. |
| Admission | The museum offers special discounts for groups and students and also organizes educational and cultural activities, so it is recommended to check their schedule. The general admission fee is S/ 25.00. |
