In 1999, archaeologists found a teenage Inca girl frozen on a 6,739-metre volcano, where she had remained untouched for more than 500 years

In 1999, archaeologists discovered a teenage Inca girl frozen near the 6,739-metre summit of Mount Llullaillaco on the Argentina-Chile border.

Nicknamed 'La Doncella', she was preserved for over 500 years due to freezing temperatures and dry mountain air.

She was found alongside two younger children, buried in ceremonial chambers with offerings such as textiles, figurines, and coca leaves.

Scientists believe she was part of a capacocha ritual, a state ceremony where children were selected as messengers to the gods.

Hair analysis showed her diet shifted to high-status foods like maize and animal protein in the year before her death.