Museo Santuarios Andinos Arequipa
Discover 'Juanita,' the remarkably preserved Inca mummy, and explore ancient artifacts at this unique Arequipa museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better tour options
Museo Santuarios Andinos Arequipa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better tour options
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover 'Juanita,' the remarkably preserved Inca mummy, and explore ancient artifacts at this unique Arequipa museum.
"Intriguing artifacts, but the mandatory, rushed tours and cost leave some visitors feeling disappointed."
🎯 Confirm Juanita's Display
Call ahead or arrive early to check if the 'Juanita' mummy is on display, as it's not guaranteed.
💰 Tour Fee & Tip
Entrance is 25 soles, plus a mandatory tip for the guide. Budget around 30-35 soles per person.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mummy 'Juanita'
Main exhibition hall
Discover the remarkably preserved Inca child mummy, a significant archaeological find from the Andes.
Inca Artifacts
Display cases throughout the museum
Explore intricate pottery, textiles, and ceremonial objects offering a glimpse into Inca life and rituals.
Volcanic Discovery Site
Informational displays
Learn about the dramatic discovery of Juanita on the Ampato volcano and the challenges of her retrieval.
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Planning Your Visit
Mandatory Guided Tours
Juanita's Display & Preservation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Confirm Juanita's Display
Call ahead or arrive early to check if the 'Juanita' mummy is on display, as it's not guaranteed.
💰 Tour Fee & Tip
Entrance is 25 soles, plus a mandatory tip for the guide. Budget around 30-35 soles per person.
📸 No Photography Allowed
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum to preserve the artifacts.
⏳ Short Tours
Tours are often brief (around 20 minutes) and can feel rushed. Manage expectations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Confirm Juanita's Display
Call ahead or arrive early to check if the 'Juanita' mummy is on display, as it's not guaranteed.
💰 Tour Fee & Tip
Entrance is 25 soles, plus a mandatory tip for the guide. Budget around 30-35 soles per person.
📸 No Photography Allowed
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum to preserve the artifacts.
⏳ Short Tours
Tours are often brief (around 20 minutes) and can feel rushed. Manage expectations.
🗺️ Arrive Early for Tours
Tours are group-based and run in different languages. Arrive early to ensure you get a spot in your preferred language.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Museo Santuarios Andinos intriguing for its unique exhibit of the 'Juanita' mummy and related Inca artifacts. However, many express disappointment with the mandatory, rushed guided tours, the high cost relative to the museum's size, and the strict no-photography policy. The preservation of 'Juanita' means she isn't always on display, which can also lead to unmet expectations.
"N.B. We didn’t actually visit - just wanted to say as we found it difficult to see from the website - a tour is mandatory (free; you pay the guide what you think at the end), you cannot visit and walk around alone. The tours are group tours, in different languages several times a day. I couldn’t see a way to book tickets or view the times in advance online.
Also, I had read that Juanita is not displayed for a few months of the year as she has to be preserved. I can’t remember the period but I am certain it wasn’t for September. However when we got there we were told she wasn’t on display.
For these reasons I believe it is best to go there in the morning and see what times are on offer for you to visit, and whether Juanita is on display, then you can plan your day."
Jenna Walker
"Just completed the guided tour of Museo Santuarios Andinos. As others have noted, the guide is mandatory. Entrance fee is 25 soles plus tip. Photography is not allowed.
I had a private French-language tour since I was the only participant. The museum was crowded, so we explored rooms out of order when space became available. The guide rushed through the exhibition without allowing time for independent exploration. The entire tour lasted only 20 minutes.
While the exhibition is interesting, I found limited value beyond what's readily available online (like the Wikipedia article on Mummy Juanita). I understand why the actual mummy isn't displayed for preservation reasons, but paying 30 soles (25 + 5 tip) for pottery, dolls, and textiles felt excessive.
I'm disappointed and feel robbed. In my opinion, not worth the cost for what's offered."
Yuval Bugajski
"Some of the most interesting artifacts I saw in Peru. The main exhibit is no longer exhibited to ensure its preservation, fair enough. However, the museum is very small. 25 soles + guide tip is obscene for such a tiny museum. Even in Europe, £5 would be overpriced for that. The mandatory guide told us some interesting things but the delivery was very flat and provided no better value than if they had put in signs. No photos, presumably because it's owned by a catholic uni."
Andy Birdsall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at Calle La Merced 110, Cercado de Arequipa, a short distance from the Plaza de Armas. Many visitors find it easily accessible by walking or a short taxi ride from the city center.
Yes, it's centrally located in the historic center of Arequipa, making it relatively easy to find. Look for signs directing you to Calle La Merced.
While taxis are common, local buses also serve the area around the Plaza de Armas, from where you can walk to the museum.
From the Arequipa airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Rodríguez Ballón), it's best to take a taxi or pre-booked transfer directly to the museum, as public transport options are limited.
Information on accessibility is limited, but given its historical nature, some areas might present challenges. It's advisable to inquire directly with the museum if you have specific concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is 25 Peruvian Soles (PEN). This fee includes a mandatory guided tour. +1
Yes, a guided tour is mandatory for all visitors. You cannot explore the museum independently. +1
While the initial information might suggest tipping is optional, it's generally expected. A tip of 5-10 Soles is common, bringing the total cost to around 30-35 Soles. +1
Unfortunately, booking tickets or checking specific tour times online in advance is difficult. It's recommended to arrive early to secure a spot.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The real 'Juanita' mummy is not always on display due to preservation requirements. You may see a replica or other artifacts related to her.
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Museo Santuarios Andinos.
Tours are often quite short, sometimes lasting only around 20 minutes, and can feel rushed. +1
The museum features various Inca artifacts, including pottery, textiles, and ceremonial objects, providing context to the discovery and rituals. +1
The museum can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Visiting in the morning or on weekdays can help avoid the largest crowds.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is strictly forbidden inside the museum. This is to protect the delicate artifacts.
The museum is located in Arequipa's historic center, which offers many beautiful colonial architecture and street scenes for photography.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, making them ideal for capturing the city's charm.
While the museum itself doesn't offer viewpoints, areas like Yanahuara offer panoramic views of the city and volcanoes.
Yes, you can take photos of the museum's exterior architecture, which is typical of Arequipa's colonial style.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's recommended to prepare children beforehand by explaining who Juanita was and why she is important. The artifacts, like pottery and textiles, can also be visually engaging. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to make the experience more manageable. The museum's central location also makes it easy to combine with other family-friendly activities in Arequipa.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, try to join a tour with more people to potentially share the guide's tip, or ensure you're fully engaged during the brief tour to absorb as much information as possible. Visiting during less crowded times might also lead to a more focused experience.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
+1However, serious history buffs might find the limited scope and rushed nature of the guided tours somewhat restrictive. It's advisable to supplement your visit with prior research on Inca culture and the Ampato volcano to gain a more comprehensive understanding.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of 'Juanita'
+1Due to the extreme fragility of her remains, Juanita is not always on display. The museum carefully controls her environment to ensure her preservation. When she is displayed, it's typically in a specially designed, climate-controlled case. Visitors should be aware that seeing the actual mummy is not guaranteed, and the museum may feature a replica or focus on other artifacts from the excavation.
The artifacts found with Juanita, such as textiles, pottery, and personal adornments, are also key exhibits. These items offer a tangible connection to the Inca civilization and the rituals performed at high altitudes. The museum's presentation aims to educate visitors about the significance of these findings and the cultural context of the Andes.
Navigating the Museum Experience
The tour typically lasts about 20 minutes and covers the main findings related to Juanita and other Inca ceremonial objects. The guides are knowledgeable, but the rapid pace and lack of independent exploration can be a drawback for those who prefer a more leisurely visit. Photography is strictly prohibited, so be prepared to absorb the information visually and through the guide's narration.
Given the mandatory nature of the tour and the relatively small size of the museum, it's advisable to manage your expectations. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday can help mitigate crowds and potentially lead to a more personalized tour experience, even if it remains brief.
Beyond Juanita: Other Exhibits
The museum also features displays detailing the archaeological expeditions that led to Juanita's discovery, highlighting the challenging conditions on the Ampato volcano. Information about the Inca civilization's relationship with the natural world, particularly their reverence for mountains and volcanoes, is also presented. These exhibits contribute to a broader understanding of the Andean worldview.
Occasionally, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions. For instance, there have been displays on automotive history, such as a Ford Mustang exhibition, showcasing the museum's versatility beyond its permanent archaeological collection. These temporary exhibits can offer a different perspective and add variety to a visit.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit