MAAM Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña
Discover the profound history of the Incas through remarkably preserved mummies and artifacts in a historic Salta building.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
MAAM Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the profound history of the Incas through remarkably preserved mummies and artifacts in a historic Salta building.
"A fascinating and harrowing glimpse into Inca rituals and mountain worship."
⏳ Beat the Rush
Arrive shortly after opening to avoid longer wait times for tickets and entry.
🗣️ Language Support
Bring a translation app or phrasebook for better understanding of exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mummies of Llullaillaco
Main exhibition hall
Witness the incredibly preserved Inca children, a poignant and unique glimpse into ancient rituals.
Inca Artifacts
Throughout the museum
Explore a collection of well-preserved Inca artifacts, offering insights into their culture and mountain connection.
The Lightning Girl
Special display
A particularly harrowing and well-preserved mummy, offering a profound connection to the past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Language & Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Looking for Northern Argentina and Atacama recommendations
⏳ Beat the Rush
Arrive shortly after opening to avoid longer wait times for tickets and entry.
🗣️ Language Support
Bring a translation app or phrasebook for better understanding of exhibits.
500 year old Inca mummy. Her frozen body has been hailed as one of the best preserved Incan mummies ever found and, this week, she went on public display for the first time in the High Mountain Archaeological Museum in Argentina.
A 500 year old frozen Incan girl
⏱️ Efficient Visit
The museum is compact; allow about 1-1.5 hours for a thorough visit.
💰 Ticket Prices
Foreigner prices are higher; check for national/local discounts if applicable.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Beat the Rush
Arrive shortly after opening to avoid longer wait times for tickets and entry.
🗣️ Language Support
Bring a translation app or phrasebook for better understanding of exhibits.
⏱️ Efficient Visit
The museum is compact; allow about 1-1.5 hours for a thorough visit.
💰 Ticket Prices
Foreigner prices are higher; check for national/local discounts if applicable.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the MAAM for its fascinating and incredibly well-preserved Inca mummies, offering a unique and profound glimpse into ancient rituals. The collection of artifacts is also highly regarded for its historical significance. While the museum is relatively small and English translations can be limited, most find it a worthwhile and impactful experience, especially for those interested in archaeology and Inca culture.
"Fascinating museum. We arrived at 11:10 and waited approx 15 minutes to enter the museum, buying tickets on the door.
Really insightful if you have limited prior knowledge of Inca history and culture. An incredible opportunity to see The Lightning Girl mummy, very harrowing. Limited English translations so we missed understanding some of the exhibits, but to be expected in an Argentinian museum.
The museum is quite small and can easily be visited within 1.5h. I’d love a larger collection and more stories, but overall a worthwhile visit."
Laura Butler
"Great museum. You learn a lot about the incas and their relation with the mountains. It took us about 1h to go through every and we found it perfect. I really recommend it during your stay in Salta."
Adrien Maillet González
"Absolutely fascinating museum documenting the discovery of three incredibly well-preserved Incan children who were buried as part of a ritual. The museum is fairly small, but covers a lot of information on the archeological team who uncovered them as well as the Incas and the rituals performed. There is only one body on display at a time for preservation sakes, but there is also another Incan mummy on display too in a separate exhibition. Cost for foreigners to enter was 12,000 pesos, less for Argentinan nationals and even less for locals. Well worth a visit."
MT MP
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The MAAM is centrally located in Salta, making it easily accessible on foot from most hotels in the city center. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available if you're coming from further afield.
Street parking can be challenging in Salta's city center. It's generally recommended to use taxis or public transport, or to park in a nearby paid parking lot if you are driving.
Yes, the MAAM is very close to Salta's main plaza (Plaza 9 de Julio), typically just a few minutes' walk. It's a convenient location for exploring the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary for foreigners, Argentinian nationals, and locals. As of recent reports, foreigner prices can be around 12,000-13,000 pesos, with significantly lower rates for Argentinians and students. It's best to check the current prices upon arrival.
While booking in advance isn't always mandatory, arriving early is recommended to avoid potential queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance.
Opening hours can vary, but the museum generally operates during standard daytime hours. It's advisable to check their official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
Some visitors have reported being asked to wait for a specific entry time to manage visitor flow, even if not part of a guided group. This is to ensure a steady pace through the museum.
Yes, significantly reduced ticket prices are often available for Argentinian students and local residents. Proof of status may be required.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that the museum is quite small and can be thoroughly explored within 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace and interest in the exhibits.
The museum's content, particularly the mummies, can be intense. While educational, parents should consider their children's sensitivity to such exhibits.
English translations are present but can be limited. The main exhibition is often translated, but some smaller displays might be primarily in Spanish.
The most significant and impactful exhibits are the incredibly well-preserved Inca mummies, particularly the children discovered as part of a ritual.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask staff upon entry regarding restrictions, especially for flash photography near the mummies.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can be strict, especially concerning the mummies. Always look for signs or ask museum staff for clarification on where photos are permitted and if flash is allowed.
While the main focus is the exhibits, the architecture of the 19th-century building itself can be photogenic. Focus on capturing the artifacts and the solemn atmosphere respectfully.
Generally, phone cameras are treated the same as other cameras. Adhere to any posted restrictions regarding photography, particularly in sensitive exhibit areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families interested in history, the MAAM provides a tangible link to the past. The displays of Inca artifacts, such as tools and pottery, can spark curiosity about ancient civilizations. However, if your children are easily frightened or disturbed by human remains, this might not be the most suitable attraction. It's a destination that requires a thoughtful approach to ensure a positive and educational experience for everyone.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Be prepared for a primarily Spanish-language experience, as English translations can be sparse. This might necessitate bringing your own translation tools or focusing on the visual aspects of the exhibits. The museum's compact size allows for a focused exploration, making it possible to absorb the key information without feeling overwhelmed. The opportunity to see such well-preserved human remains in their archaeological context is a rare and profound experience for any history enthusiast.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Budget-Conscious Visitors
To maximize value, try to visit during off-peak hours to ensure a more personal experience. If language is a barrier, focus on the visual storytelling of the artifacts and the mummies. The museum's central location in Salta also makes it easy to combine with other nearby attractions, optimizing your time and travel expenses within the city.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mummies of Llullaillaco: A Solemn Encounter
One of the most famous is often referred to as 'The Lightning Girl,' whose preservation is astonishing. The museum details the archaeological expedition that uncovered these mummies, shedding light on the scientific and ethical considerations involved in such discoveries. While the display of human remains is a sensitive topic, the MAAM strives to educate visitors about the cultural context and historical significance of these individuals within Inca society. The careful curation aims to honor their memory while providing an unparalleled educational opportunity.
Understanding Inca Culture and Mountain Worship
Visitors can learn about the rituals and beliefs that shaped Inca society, including the practice of Capacocha, the ceremonial sacrifice of children to appease the gods or mark significant events. The museum's narrative connects these practices to the high-altitude environments where many of these ceremonies took place. This focus on the mountain aspect of Inca civilization is a distinctive feature of the MAAM, setting it apart from other archaeological museums and offering a richer understanding of this complex Andean culture.
Navigating the Museum Experience
When planning your visit, be aware that there might be a slight wait to enter, even if you're not part of a formal tour group. This is often to manage visitor flow and ensure a more comfortable experience inside. The ticket pricing structure also differentiates between foreigners and locals, with foreigner tickets being considerably more expensive. Despite these practicalities, the consensus among visitors is that the MAAM offers a unique and worthwhile experience, providing a deep dive into a fascinating aspect of pre-Columbian history.
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