| In ancient times different people lived in the area that makes up the province of Salta. Towards 1000 BC primitive farmers and herdsmen became the first inhabitants of the region. A very important group came from the Andes: they were skilled farmers and settled in the high valleys and in Puna. Later on, these people were known as belonging to the Diaguita - Calchaqui culture. In the 15th century the area was conquered by the Incas and it became part of the Collasuyo, one of the four regions that made up the great Inca Empire of Tahuantisuyo. The Inca culture had a great influence on the people and the Quechua language prevailed. In the 16th century the Spaniards colonized the territory and a process of cultural exchange and mixing began. Salta kept strong economic, social and cultural links with the cities of Potosí, Sucre, La Paz and Lima, with which it shared architectural and artistic features as well as customs and traditions. This connection can still be seen today in the different celebrations, traditions, dishes, rhythms, museums and churches.  The inca trailThe area of the Calchaqui Valleys and the Puna is crisscrossed by an impressive network of Inca trails. The winding paved paths through the mountains made up the vast communication system of the Inca Empire. Many of these trails lead to sanctuaries on the mountain tops and go through breathtaking landscapes. The “Niños del Llullaillaco”In 1999, one of the highest Inca sanctuaries was found in the summit of Mount Llullaillaco, at 6739 metres over sea level. The sanctuary had remained undiscovered for over five centuries and it sheltered the frozen bodies of children offered as a sacrifice to the gods. It is a very important High Mountain Sanctuary where Incas used to make offers in a ritual celebration known as “Capacocha” Today this marvellous discovery is conserved, investigated and presented in the High Mountain Archaeological Museum (MAAM) in the City of Salta where people is be able to appreciate, understand and value these remains of the Inca culture. |
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