San Pedro de Atacama

Archaeological sites in San Pedro de Atacama

Ancient Archaeological Sites

This collection showcases the archaeological heritage of the Atacama Desert, featuring sites from the pre-Inca and Inca periods. Highlights include the 12th-century Pukará de Quitor, a defensive stone fortress built into a hillside, and the Aldea de Tulor, one of Chile's oldest sedentary villages characterized by circular adobe structures. The list also features the Hierbas Buenas petroglyphs, where hundreds of ancient rock carvings depict local fauna and nomadic life, providing insight into the cultural evolution of the Likan Antai people.

Ancient Archaeological Sites — Map

Lorna-Lorna / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Fort Quitor

Pukará de Quitor is a pre-Columbian archaeological site in northern Chile.

PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ

B

Tulor Settlement

Tulor is an archaeological site located in the Norte Grande natural region of the Antofagasta Region, Chile near San Pedro de Atacama.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

C

Sector Uno Petroglifos de Hierbas Buenas

Extensive collection of rock art carved into volcanic rock, featuring figures of llamas, flamingos, and foxes created by ancient caravan travelers.

D

Sector Dos Petroglifos de Hierbas Buenas

Secondary section of the archaeological site showcasing additional pre-Columbian rock carvings and geological formations in the Domeyko Range.

E

Ruinas Incas

Stone remains of structures indicating Incan presence and territorial expansion within the Atacama region.

F

Windschutz

Stone ruins traditionally used as windbreaks or temporary shelters in the high-altitude desert environment.

G

Viehkoppel

Remains of ancient stone enclosures likely used for penning livestock such as llamas or goats.

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