Llullaillaco mummies remain among the world's best-preserved

The Llullaillaco children, three Inca mummies discovered 27 years ago atop the Llullaillaco volcano at an altitude of 6,700 meters, remain among the best-preserved human remains in the world. The extreme cold at such high altitudes has kept the bodies in a state that makes them appear as if they are merely sleeping.

Discovered in March 1999, the children were identified by archaeologist Dr. Johan Reinhard. The group includes El Niño (a boy in a red tunic), La Niña del rayo (a girl found in a seated position), and La Doncella (the Maiden). The preservation of these remains has allowed scientists to conduct intensive studies into the Inca civilization and the circumstances of their deaths.