Perou Decouverte
Perou Decouverte
Located just 200 m from the Plaza de Armas, in the heart of Arequipa's historic center, this museum, managed by the Catholic University of Santa María, offers an exceptional dive into the sacred rituals of the Incas. Its unique collections shed light on the little-known practice of high-altitude offerings.
This site stands out for its scientific vocation and its collection of natural mummies, preserved by the Andean ice for over five centuries. Unlike Egyptian mummifications, these bodies were preserved thanks to the intense cold of the volcanic peaks.
Discovered in September 1995 by archaeologist Johan Reinhard on the slopes of Ampato volcano (6,288 m), this young Inca girl, estimated to be around 13 to 14 years old, is the crown jewel of the museum. Her exceptional state of conservation allows for the study of:
These sacrifices, called capacocha, were reserved for crucial moments in the Inca empire:
The museum houses a rich collection of Inca sacrificial artifacts, classified according to their origin and ritual function. These unique pieces were found during archaeological expeditions on different sacred volcanoes.
Considered one of the best-preserved mummies in the world, Juanita rests in a special refrigerated chamber (-19°C) that recreates the conditions of her discovery:
Her analysis has revolutionized our understanding of the capacocha, these sacrifices of children and adolescents considered the purest.
Sarita
• Sara Sara Volcano (5,500 m)
• Age: Approximately 13 years
• Particularity: Intact headdress
Urpicha
• Pichu Pichu Volcano
• Age: Not specified
• Particularity: Well-preserved mummy
Mummies of Misti Volcano
• Discovered in 1998
• Number: Five female mummies
• Particularity: Ritual sacrifices
The exhibited objects reveal the splendor deployed for these ceremonies:
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Last entry at 5:30 PM
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Last entry at 1:30 PM
Exceptional closures: Good Friday (April 18, 2025), December 25, January 1.
| Category | Price (soles) |
|---|---|
| Foreign adults | 25.00 |
| Foreign students | 13.00 |
| Peruvian adults | 5.00 |
| Peruvian students/schoolchildren | 3.00 |
| School groups (per student) | 2.00 |
Free admission: Children <5 years, seniors >65 years (Peruvian), people with disabilities.
The museum is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility (except conservation room). Please notify in advance for assistance.
The museum visit follows a carefully designed chronological and thematic path to understand the evolution of Inca rituals. Plan for about 50 minutes for a complete experience, including a 20-minute introductory film.
Note: The Juanita mummy is exhibited from May to December. From January to April, it is replaced by another mummy, usually Sarita, for conservation reasons.
Photography is allowed only in certain areas like the introduction room and the shop. Taking pictures is strictly prohibited in the Juanita gallery to preserve the conservation conditions.
The museum offers a lighter version of the tour without mummies, adapted to sensitive children or young visitors. Don't hesitate to ask for advice at the reception.
A visit to the Andean Sanctuaries Museum offers more than just a look at the past: it invites reflection on beliefs, rites, and respect for ancestral cultures. Whether you're passionate about history, science, or simply curious, this unique place will not leave you indifferent.