Sara Sara

Sara Sara is a 5,505-metre-high volcano lying between Lake Parinacochas and the Ocoña River in Peru [1]. The volcano formed during the Pleistocene during four different stages of volcanic activity, which constructed a volcanic edifice with an oval outline consisting of lava flows and lava domes [1]. The mountain was worshipped by local populations in and before Inca time, and the Inca performed human sacrifices on it [1]. During Inca times it was part of the Kuntisuyu province [1]. According to the writings of a cleric Cristóbal de Albornoz, who beginning in 1570 wrote about local religious practices, the local population considered Sara Sara a sacred mountain and offered gold, silver, animals and servants to it [1]. In 1996, archaeologists discovered a burial in a collapsed structure just northeast of the summit and recovered a body [1]. This mummy was nicknamed "Sarita" and appears to be a 15-year old girl [1]. It was accompanied by the remnants of offerings and the ice surrounding the body had melted [1].