Visiting the Andean Sanctuaries Museum in Arequipa is like opening a window to the mysteries and wonders of Inca culture. If you’ve ever wondered what life, faith, and rituals were like for the ancient inhabitants of the Andes, this museum offers such vivid answers that it’s impossible not to leave with goosebumps. The museum’s greatest treasure, the Juanita mummy or “the Ice Maiden,” has captivated both curious travelers and expert archaeologists alike. Honestly, I think it’s one of those places you can’t leave off your list if you want to understand the soul of southern Peru.
In this article, I’ll detail what makes the Andean Sanctuaries Museum so special, how to get there (without any hassle), what you’ll see in its halls, and why Juanita’s story continues to send chills down the spines of both locals and visitors. Additionally, I’ll include practical information about prices, hours, and some personal experiences I’ve had or heard about during my visits. If you’re looking for a complete, friendly, and honest guide, stick with me until the end.
Museum description and archaeological significance
The Andean Sanctuaries Museum was inaugurated in 1996 by the Catholic University of Santa María with the main goal of protecting, researching, and exhibiting archaeological finds from the snow-capped mountains of southern Peru. What stands out to me is that this museum houses one of the most impactful discoveries in South American archaeology: the Juanita mummy.
Beyond the “Juanita effect,” the museum features a fascinating collection of textile objects, ceramics, and Inca ritual pieces found near volcanoes like Ampato, Misti, and Pichu Pichu. Each piece tells a small part of the pre-Hispanic past and showcases the complex relationship the Incas had with nature and the sacred. In my opinion, this museum is key to understanding how mountains were viewed as living gods and sites for transcendent offerings.
Location in the historic center of Arequipa
The museum is located right in the heart of the historic center of Arequipa, just two blocks from the main square. Its exact address is Calle La Merced 110, an area that combines the typical bustle of the White City with the solemn atmosphere created by being surrounded by colonial churches and century-old mansions.
Personally, I really enjoy walking around this part of the center because everything is close by: charming cafés, bookstores, artisan shops, and, of course, other museums like the Cathedral Museum. The location makes it very accessible for both tourists and locals who want to rediscover their history.
How to get to the Andean Sanctuaries Museum
Getting to the museum is straightforward, and you don’t need to be an urban navigation expert. If you’re starting from the Main Square, just walk west along Calle La Merced; in less than five minutes, you’ll be at the museum’s door. If you’re coming from other areas of Arequipa, you can take any bus or taxi that goes through the historic center.
- From Rodríguez Ballón Airport: direct taxi (approx. 25 minutes)
- From the bus terminal: taxi or city bus to the center (20-30 minutes)
- Walking from the Main Square: 2 blocks (less than 5 minutes)
I’ve noticed that many tour agencies include scheduled stops here in their city tours. It’s a good option if you prefer comfort and a guided explanation from the get-go.
Location map
The museum is just two blocks west of the Main Square, located at Calle La Merced 110. A strategic location in the historic center.
| Landmark | Distance to the museum |
|---|---|
| Main Square | 2 blocks (5 min walk) |
| Arequipa Cathedral | 3 blocks (7 min walk) |
| Santa Catalina Monastery | 5 blocks (12 min walk) |
Exhibition halls and collections
Each hall of the Andean Sanctuaries Museum is carefully designed to transport visitors to different times and environments of the Andean world. What’s interesting is how they manage to combine original objects with audiovisual resources to tell immersive stories without overwhelming visitors with technical information.
- Introductory hall: Explains the geographical and historical context of the finds.
- Capacocha hall: Details the Inca ritual and presents original ceremonial objects.
- Textile hall: Displays carefully preserved mantles and garments.
- Juanita hall: Here, the mummy is exhibited in a refrigerated urn, accompanied by videos and explanations about its discovery.
- Temporary hall: Space for rotating exhibitions on other regional archaeological topics.
In my experience, what surprises most are the details: the ritual miniatures, the finely crafted offerings, and the stories about how the mummies were found during expeditions led by Johan Reinhard and his team.
The Juanita mummy: the Ice Maiden
There’s no elegant way to put it: seeing Juanita in front of you is something that profoundly impresses. She was discovered in 1995 after the partial melting of the Ampato snowcap by an expedition led by American archaeologist Johan Reinhard along with Arequipa guide Miguel Zárate. The mummy was so well preserved due to the extreme cold that details like braids, nails, and ritual clothing were still visible.
As I understand it, Juanita was between 12 and 14 years old at the time of her sacrifice. Scientific analyses have confirmed that she died during a religious ritual called Capacocha—in fact, her remains show no signs of violence except for a strong blow to the skull, typical of the Inca rite. The truth is that standing before her evokes a mix of awe and respect for ancestral beliefs.
Capacocha ritual and Inca sacrifices
The Capacocha ritual was one of the most solemn sacrifices of the Inca Empire. It was performed during key moments such as droughts, eruptions, or important deaths, taking selected children from Cusco to the snow-capped peaks to offer them to the divine mountains (apus).
- They were chosen for their physical and spiritual purity.
- They traveled hundreds of kilometers accompanied by priests and family members.
- They carried offerings such as fine textiles, gold or silver figurines, and special foods.
- Death was considered the highest honor and a guarantee of blessings for their people.
- The bodies were deposited alongside ceremonial vessels and anthropomorphic or zoomorphic miniatures.
I find it thrilling to think that, centuries later, we are still uncovering details about these rituals thanks to multidisciplinary studies: from forensic analyses to genetic research revealing unexpected aspects about the diet, health, and ethnic identity of the victims. Speaking of this, I’ve heard testimonies from local descendants who feel pride and a bit of fear regarding these findings so close to their roots.
Admission prices and discounts
| Category | Approximate price (soles) |
|---|---|
| National adult | 20 |
| National university student | 10 |
| Foreign adult | 25 |
| Foreign students | 12 |
| Peruvian schoolchildren (with ID) | 5 |
It’s worth noting that discounts are available for organized school groups and special promotions during certain months. From my personal experience—and I recommend this—always bring your identification (DNI or university ID), as they tend to be very strict about this at the ticket counter.
Opening hours and days
The museum generally opens to the public from Monday to Saturday, between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm, although it may close earlier during low season or for special maintenance. It is closed on Sundays except for exceptional dates (such as cultural fairs or regional anniversaries).
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (last recommended entry: 5:30 pm)
- Closed on Sundays and major holidays
- Occasional closure for preventive conservation (it’s recommended to check ahead if you’re traveling from afar)
You can check updated hours by calling the museum directly or visiting its official website before planning your visit. I think it’s essential to do this if you have limited time in Arequipa or if you’re traveling in a large group.
Museum photo gallery
Frequently asked questions about the Andean Sanctuaries Museum
- Is photography allowed inside the museum?
Due to internal policies, taking photographs or recording inside the main halls is not permitted to protect the original pieces; photos can only be taken in certain designated areas. - Are guided tours available?
Yes. Guided tours are included in the ticket price and are highly recommended as they greatly enrich the experience. - Can I buy souvenirs?
The museum has a small shop where you can purchase specialized books, handmade replicas, and themed postcards. - Is access adapted for people with disabilities?
There are basic ramps and assistance for people with reduced mobility, although some areas may be narrow due to the original colonial architecture. - How long does an average visit last?
Between 1.5 to 2 hours if you want to explore all the halls at a leisurely pace.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that leaving the Andean Sanctuaries Museum leaves a mark: you walk away thinking differently about the Andes and their secrets. If you have free time in Arequipa, I encourage you to discover it; you’ll probably end up recommending it just as much as I do now. And if you’ve visited before, what impacted you the most? Share it on your social media or tell your experience to those planning their trip. See you among the showcases filled with living history.