Museo de Sitio Colón 10 | Arica

Museo de Sitio Colón 10 (Colón 10 Site Museum)

Museo de Sitio Colón 10 is a unique archaeological museum in Arica, Chile, showcasing some of the world’s oldest mummies, the Chinchorro mummies. The museum is an essential stop for anyone interested in ancient civilizations and pre-Columbian cultures.

1. Location and Background

• The museum is located at Colón 10, in the city center of Arica, near Plaza Colón and other historical sites.
• It is built over an excavation site, where archaeologists discovered Chinchorro mummies and burial remains.

2. Historical Significance

• The museum preserves Chinchorro mummies, which date back over 7,000 years—older than the Egyptian mummies.
• The Chinchorro culture was a prehistoric fishing society that lived along the coast of northern Chile and southern Peru.
• Unlike other ancient civilizations, the Chinchorro people intentionally mummified their dead, developing advanced preservation techniques.

3. What to See in the Museum

Excavation Site & Mummies

• The museum is built over the original burial site, with glass floors allowing visitors to see the remains in their original position.
• The mummies are displayed in situ, meaning they have not been moved from where they were discovered.
• The museum showcases adult and infant mummies, highlighting the different burial techniques used by the Chinchorro people.

Exhibits & Interpretive Displays

• Information panels explain the mummification process and the tools used by the Chinchorro people.
• Displays include artifacts, textiles, and fishing tools, revealing details about daily life in the Chinchorro civilization.
• The museum explains how the desert climate and coastal conditions helped preserve these ancient remains.

4. Visiting Information

• Opening Hours: The museum is usually open during daytime hours, but schedules may vary.
• Entrance Fee: A small fee is required, often supporting the site's conservation.
• Guided Tours: Some tours provide in-depth explanations about the archaeological significance of the site.

5. Nearby Attractions

• San Marcos Cathedral – A Gothic-style church designed by Gustave Eiffel.
• Morro de Arica – A historic hill with a museum and panoramic views of the city.
• Museo Arqueológico San Miguel de Azapa – A larger museum with more extensive Chinchorro mummy exhibits.

6. Why Visit?

• See the world’s oldest mummies in their original resting place.
• Gain insight into one of the most advanced pre-Columbian cultures.
• Experience a rare archaeological site in the heart of a modern city.

Museo de Sitio Colón 10 is a fascinating and eerie glimpse into the past, making it one of the most significant cultural attractions in Arica.