Juanita & Monasterio de Santa Catalina

Juanita was a young girl who was sacrificed to the gods ~550 years ago on the top of a volcano near Arequipa by the Incas. She was discovered in 1995, remarkably well-preserved because her body had been frozen since her death.

Today in Arequipa, her frozen body is on display in a university museum. It was really remarkable to see her, almost as if she was transported through time. Also, the artfacts found in and around the burial sites are incredibly well-preserved. It's interesting, however, that nowhere in the museum is a discussion of the morals of this aspect of Incan culture...

Also in Arequipa is the Monasterio de Santa Catalina, a very beautiful and huge complex where nuns have lived since the 1500s. Even now there are about 20 nuns who live there in silence. The monastery is full of gorgeous color contrasts, yet the solitude and isolation of the cells is palpable.Read more