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Resolution N° 229/714 – Government of Salta. Recognition of the museum and its staff for achievements during 2015–2017 in quality public service.
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The museum meets the standards of ISO 9001:2008 and has successfully transitioned to ISO 9001:2015.
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Recognition by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for implementing the Quality Management System to improve the region’s tourism standards.
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Argentine System of Tourism Quality – Ministry of Health, Office of the President of the Nation.
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Accessibility Award 2010 granted by the Ministry of Tourism and the National Rehabilitation Service for implementing accessibility guidelines.
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Recognition from Chinese tourism organizations Top Choice Tourist attraction 2016.
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The museum was named a national and international cultural icon, alongside other major institutions by Konex Foundation in 2018.
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Provincial Award for Quality and Innovation in Public Management in 2018. Awarded by the Government of Salta for excellence in organizational management and public service.
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Sello “Salta Ciudad Amigable”, nivel Bronce in 2024. Awarded by the City of Salta for commitment to inclusion and equality in tourism.
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Recognition of MAAM’s staff and quality coordinator Matías Argüello for their outstanding contribution to the Provincial Quality Plan in 2024.
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Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice – Best of the Best in 2024 based on visitor reviews, MAAM was ranked as one of the most beloved cultural destinations.
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Sol de Plata Award 2024 - 2025 granted by the Rotary Club of Buenos Aires for continuous contribution to cultural outreach.
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(Español) Premio Travellers Choice “The Best Of The Best” 2025 otorgado por el sitio web Tripadvisor, donde viajeros de todo el mundo realizan puntuaciones y reseñas de los sitios más importantes a nivel nacional e internacional. La actual distinción como The Best Of The Best posiciona al MAAM como uno de los favoritos por los visitantes durante el 2025.
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El Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña (MAAM) finalizo exitosamente el proceso de implementación de las Directrices de Accesibilidad para Espacios y Servicios Turísticos, pertenecientes al Sistema Argentino de Calidad Turística 2025. Esta distinción reconoce el compromiso del museo en garantizar la accesibilidad de sus espacios y servicios para todas las personas, fortaleciendo la competitividad y calidad del turismo en la provincia de Salta.
Certifications and awards
Innovation Projects
MAAM’s mission, values, and vision guide its role as a leader in museology, education, and cultural dissemination. Through innovative projects, the museum fosters local identity, the Andean legacy, and participatory experiences that reflect its commitment to social dialogue and knowledge-sharing.
“Museums as cultural spaces for diverse audiences: Including the visually impaired at MAAM”
This social responsibility initiative promotes inclusion by adapting the museum experience for visitors with visual impairments.
Activities include:
- Staff training.
- Educational materials and tactile resources.
- Sensory-friendly exhibition rooms.
- Braille guides and raised maps.
- Ceramic replicas and 3D objects representing “The Maiden” and “The Lightning Girl”.
The project (only in spanish) allows visitors to engage directly with the exhibition, with the trained staff, provide inclusive and meaningful interactions. It reflects MAAM’s ongoing commitment to accessible, modern, and socially conscious museum experiences.
Research Projects
Interdisciplinary research is a core pillar of MAAM’s mission. The museum leads and participates in scientific studies, continuously updating its exhibitions and educational content.
Highlights include:
- 2017: Study of Miniature Offerings from LlullaillacoAnalysis of gold, silver, and mullo figurines and garments found on Llullaillaco Volcano. The study helped define their purpose and symbolic meaning and provided comparative data with other Andean sites like Cerro El Toro and Aconcagua.
- 2018: DNA and Isotope Research on the Llullaillaco Children Led by Dr. Andrew Wilson, the project analyzed mitochondrial DNA and stable isotopes to trace the children’s journey from Cusco to the volcano. It also produced 3D images of the mummies.
- Ongoing: Quehuar Snow-Capped Mountain Project Research on a funerary bundle discovered in 1999 containing the remains of a young girl and her ceremonial offerings. The project involves multidisciplinary conservation techniques.
These research efforts provide new insights into Inca rituals and enrich the museum’s narrative and educational programs.
Personalized Visitor Experience
MAAM approaches outreach with a variety of strategies:
- Printed and audiovisual materials
- School and tourism sector training
- Public talks and workshops
- Guided tours and interactive activities
The museum staff is trained to offer excellent, personalized service. Guided tours are a key educational tool to explore pre-Hispanic themes in a clear and engaging way, encouraging interaction and reflection. The goal is to create a dynamic and inclusive space, where cultural heritage is not only observed but experienced as a living, interactive process.



