Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region
Historical Site Preceramic coastal settlements known for earliest artificial mummies
The Chinchorro sites on northern Chile’s coast preserve prehistoric settlements and artificially mummified human remains-some of the world’s oldest known mummies-drawing archaeologists and visitors curious about coastal hunter‑gatherer funerary practices.
The Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture is a series of prehistoric coastal burial sites in the Arica and Parinacota Region of northern Chile notable for the Chinchorro culture’s practice of artificial mummification. The property illustrates some of the earliest known deliberate human mummification.
The sites are associated with the Chinchorro culture, a prehistoric coastal population that developed specialized burial and mummification practices long before similar techniques appeared elsewhere. The remains and burial contexts preserved at these coastal sites show continuity and technical complexity in mortuary tradition across centuries.
The sites are distributed along the Pacific coast in the Arica y Parinacota Region of northern Chile, in the coastal landscape around the city of Arica and nearby coastal settlements.
- Oldest artificial mummies: These mummies are the oldest known examples of deliberate, artificial mummification anywhere in the world.
- Local museum collections: Many of the best-preserved finds and research collections are held in museums in and around the city of Arica, where lines of study and conservation continue.
Tips for Visiting Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region #
- Start your exploration in Arica's museums (notably the Museo Arqueológico San Miguel de Azapa and the Museo de Sitio Colón 10) where Chinchorro mummies and conserved material are displayed and explained before visiting field sites.
- Many Chinchorro settlements and archaeological loci are remote and fragile-join a specialist guided outing rather than attempting to visit isolated sites independently to ensure access and site protection.
- If you plan to travel between sites in the desert/valley, schedule outings for early morning to avoid peak desert heat when roads and walking/transfers are most uncomfortable.
Best Time to Visit Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region #
Arica's desert coast is visitable year-round; the dry, mild months (spring-autumn) are particularly comfortable for outdoor archaeological sites.
Weather & Climate near Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region #
Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 14°C to 25°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
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April
April is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
