A tour through the history of the archaeological capital of Chile, visiting the Tulor Village (the oldest inhabited vestige of the Salar), Pukará de Quitor (a pre-Inca defensive construction) and the Archaeological Museum (a sample of the evolution of the Atacameño peoples).

 

 

 

 

Located 10 km from San Pedro de Atacama, accessed by the same road that leads to the Moon Valley, this pre-Columbian village is a clear example of how sedentary life emerged in this area. The visit can be made privately or through organized excursions departing from San Pedro de Atacama. This pre-Columbian village dates back to around 2,800 BC. In its time, it was inhabited by approximately 150 to 200 people, dedicated mainly to ceramics, weaving, agriculture and cattle raising. The architecture was given by mud constructions in circular form, these houses were attached to each other and were further connected through courtyards and passageways. The enclosures, whose foundations were laid on previously excavated gutters, were built with adobe, acquiring a vaulted form that can reach about 2 meters high and ending in a conical roof supported by wooden posts. This village was buried by the sand and today, there is a museum on site representing the original houses with the same elements of ancient times. There is a viewpoint that allows to observe the village formations from above.

 

 

 

 

This impressive fort, which dates from the twelfth century, was constructed from large stones alternating with smaller ones, joined with earth mortar. For its construction, techniques of terracing and embankment were used. You can see about 200 structures, some larger than others. The Pukará received its name from the pre-Hispanic agrarian group "Ayllu de Quitor", who started cultivating their fields at the foot of the Pukará and were irrigated by the San Pedro River. Its location and structure was chosen because of its purpose as a defensive and strategic playe, as well as an ancestral traffic route later occupied in Inca times. In 1540, it was invaded by the Spaniards, mounted on horseback and with firearms; the natives knew neither horses, metal helmets nor firearms, which contributed to the Spaniards taking possession of the place and the natives to surrender. All the locals were decapitated.

 

 

 

 

It bears the name of the founder, a Jesuit who, in 1955, came to take charge of the Parish of San Pedro de Atacama. This man carried out an archaeological study in depth, collecting diverse indigenous objects. In 1958, he received the support of the Catholic University of the North, which has been in charge of the conservation and the continuous investigation until today, after the death of Father Le Paige. Today you can see a sample of the evolution experienced by the Atacameño people and how they were influenced by the Tiawanaku, Inca and Spanish culture. With more than 380,000 archaeological specimens, ceramics, clothing, precious metals, textiles and engravings stand out.