Cerro El Plomo Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Cerro El Plomo
The glaciated south-west face, visible from Santiago, with Cerro Leonera to the left
Highest point
Elevation	5,424 m (17,795 ft)
Geography
Cerro El Plomo Location in Chile
Parent range	Andes

Cerro El Plomo is a tall mountain in the Andes mountain range. It is located near Santiago, Chile. Standing at 5,434 meters (about 17,783 feet) high, it is the biggest mountain you can see from Santiago on a clear day.

The best time to climb this mountain is from November to March. In spring (September to November), there is a lot of snow. The easiest time to climb is in January and March. During these months, there is less snow, and the weather is usually more stable.

The Incas climbed to the top of Cerro El Plomo many times in the 1400s. The first Europeans to reach the summit were Gustav Brandt and Rudolph Lucke in 1896.

On July 16, 1932, a plane called the San José crashed on Cerro El Plomo. This plane belonged to Pan American-Grace Airways (Panagra). It was flying from Santiago to Mendoza. The crash happened during a very bad snowstorm. Sadly, all nine people on board were lost. The plane's wreckage was buried in ice and snow. It was not found until March 1934.

The site where the mummy was found

The Plomo Mummy: A Special Discovery
- Who was the Plomo Mummy?
- Where is the Mummy Now?
Gallery
See also

The Plomo Mummy: A Special Discovery

Cerro El Plomo was an important place for the Incas. They used the mountain for special ceremonies. The mountain became very famous in 1954. This was when a mummy of a child was found near the summit.

Who was the Plomo Mummy?

The mummy was a boy, about nine years old. He was found at the very top of the mountain. This discovery showed how important Cerro El Plomo was to the Incas.

Where is the Mummy Now?

Today, the Plomo Mummy is kept safe. You can see it at the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural in Santiago, Chile. It helps us learn a lot about the ancient Inca people.