R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum

Named after the Belgian priest and archaeologist who founded it, the R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum holds one of the most important collections of pre-Columbian artifacts in Chile. The museum displays over 380,000 objects, including mummies from the Chinchorro culture (among the oldest in the world), intricate pottery, textiles, and metalwork from the Atacameño and Inca civilizations. Exhibits are well-organized with bilingual descriptions, offering deep insight into the region's ancient inhabitants. A visit here provides essential context for understanding the desert's human history before exploring archaeological sites like Tulor and Quitor.

Don't miss

• See the Chinchorro mummies, which predate Egyptian mummies by thousands of years, in a dedicated exhibition.
• Examine finely crafted pottery and textiles that reveal the daily life and beliefs of the Atacameño people.
• Learn about the region's cultural evolution through artifacts spanning over 10,000 years.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum

Cheapest way inShared Transfer from Calama Airport to San Pedro de Atacama4.2★ · 27 travelersFree cancellationFrom$29 per personSee dates →Best full dayHalf Day Tour to Geysers del Tatio4.9★ · 592 travelers6–7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$50 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate tour with Archaeologist at National Anthropology Museum5★ · 119 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$98 per personSee dates →