In northern Peru, a place that holds secrets about Pre Inca and Inca Cultures lies in the heart of green and cloud forests. We’re talking about El Museo Leymebamba. This museum was established in 2000 in the town of Leymebamba, south of Chachapoyas.
Its goal is to provide a good environment preserving cultural materials left by the Chachapoyas civilization thanks to Adriana Von Hagen, a Peruvian archaeologist who contributed to the creation of this establishment.
This museum focuses on funeral bundles from Laguna de los Cóndores archaeological sites. The museum was created with the help of the community, such as Centro Mallqui, an organization that helped find archaeological ruins, mummy bundles buried in fetal position, and other similar materials, as well as other large international sponsorships.
The Chachapoya used to bury their dead in the fetal position. The Chachapoyas put the mummies in the sarcophagus, then wrapped the tomb in textiles, and finally covered the dead’s face in fabrics. Despite the heat and huaqueros (Grave robbers), hundreds of mummies were uncovered, some almost intact. You can see them in one of the museum’s rooms
It integrates traditional components and materials. These include adobe walls, wood, stone, plant fibers, and tiles. They mix well with the natural and cultural setting. The rooms of the museum display ceramics, textiles, metals, quipus, and other relics from the Chachapoyas Culture. These were found in la Laguna de los Condores.
The museum's highlight is its collection of over 200 mummies that were discovered in 1996. They represent the treasure left by the Inca Chachapoyas and show their close relationship with the world of their deceased. The museum has a garden, where you’ll see at least 100 species of orchids
You can take a bus, taxi, or private transport from Chachapoyas City. The trip will take you about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Address: Avenida Austria S/N San Miguel - Chachapoyas, Amazonas
