Pukara
de Quitor
This fortress was built in the 12th century for strategic reasons
on a steeply-sided hill. It was built before the arrival of the
Incas in Atacama, and covers an area of 2 ½ hectares. Within its
great outer walls built of clay-cemented stones, there is a semi-circular
building similar to a tower. In 1540, it was taken by Francisco
de Aguirre, who at the head of 30 Spaniards forced the surrender
of the natives. It is located 3 kilometers northwest of
San
Pedro de Atacama, and was declared a national Monument
in 1982.
Catarpe Inca Administration Center, this consists
of a number of
pircas, square stone enclosures, resting
on a flat hilltop. It is north of
San Pedro de Atacama.
Tulor village, this is the oldest residential complex
in the area, and was inhabited between 800 BC and 500 AD. Huge sand
drifts buried the buildings, enabling excellent conservation, although
up to now only ten percent has been uncovered. The village consists
of 22 circular adobe buildings that are surrounded by a complicated
system of walls. It is thought to have housed some 200 people.
A few meters away there is a site museum with replicas of the living
quarters and exhibits that show the techniques used for building
the Pre-Hispanic village. It is 10 kilometers south of
San
Pedro de Atacama.
CHILE TRAVEL, 
ANTARCTICA
UK - London: 44-203-393-8867
(3,500 meters above sea level) This is an ancient Pre-Hispanic town, with attractive stone houses and a simple church with a tower made of the same material. In the past it was important due to its strategic location on the road linking Antofagasta and La Sierra. It also had its own gold mine.
Is a traditional village built in volcanic liparite. The church of San Lucas, declared a National Monument in 1951, and its belfry are worth visiting. The temple, raised in 1744, is a symbol of the Atacama style in architecture.
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