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Pukará de Quitor

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Historical site
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Pukará de Quitor (Chile)

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Pukará de Quitor is an impressive pre-Columbian fortress located in the Quitor Valley, near San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile. It was built in the 12th century by the Atacameño people (Lickan Antay) using stone and mud, constructed directly into a steep hillside. The site served as a defensive outpost and a strategic lookout over the fertile river valley of the San Pedro. The terraced walls and circular residential structures demonstrate sophisticated architectural skill and social organization. In 1536, the fortress was the site of a decisive battle when Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco de Aguirre captured it after fierce indigenous resistance. This historical moment marked the beginning of Spanish dominance in the region. Today, the Pukará is a national monument and a significant archaeological site offering deep insights into the pre-colonial history of the Atacama Desert. From the upper terraces, visitors can enjoy a wide view over the arid desert landscape and the surrounding oases.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C1717161411991012141617
Rain mm784120100114

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Pukará de Quitor is a pre‑Columbian stone fortress on a hill north of San Pedro de Atacama. The site is publicly accessible and provides excellent views of the surrounding oasis.
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Typical hours
The site is typically open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, with last entry often at 5 PM. Check locally for any changes as hours can vary seasonally.
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Photography
The fortress made of mud and stone is a popular photo subject, especially at sunset when desert colors glow. Photography is allowed, and the elevated position enables great shots of the surroundings.
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Time needed
A walk around the fortress grounds takes about 45 minutes to an hour. If you also climb the hill and enjoy the views, allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
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Combine with
The fortress is just a few kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama and combines well with Valle de la Luna or the salt flats. A visit to the archaeological site of Tulor is also recommended.
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Getting there
From San Pedro de Atacama, you can reach the fortress by bike (about 15 minutes) or by taxi in a few minutes. A marked hiking trail leads from the edge of San Pedro to the site.
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Insider tip
Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Bring a flashlight if you want to explore the small cave rooms inside the fortress.

Geography

Coordinates
-22.89420, -68.21250

Facts

  • Built in the 12th century by the Atacameño people.
  • Located just 3 km from San Pedro de Atacama.
  • Captured by Spanish forces in 1536.
  • Declared a National Monument of Chile in 1982.
  • Includes more than 160 structures and terraces.
  • Strategic control point for the San Pedro River valley.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Aldea de TulorAldea de Tulor4 km · SWExplore →
Valle de la LunaValle de la Luna6 km · SExplore →
Los Flamencos National ReserveLos Flamencos National Reserve13 km · WExplore →
El Tatio GeysersEl Tatio Geysers32 km · NEExplore →
Salar de Atacama Lithium PlantSalar de Atacama Lithium Plant33 km · SWExplore →
LicancaburLicancabur37 km · NExplore →
Laguna BlancaLaguna Blanca45 km · NExplore →
Eduardo Avaroa ReserveEduardo Avaroa Reserve50 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Pukará de Quitor (15)

Valle de Marte🌿 nature

A spectacular viewpoint over a rust-colored valley filled with jagged rock formations and towering sand dunes.

Túnel de Catarpe🌿 nature

This viewpoint at the Túnel de Catarpe gives views over the surrounding rocky landscape.

Viewpoint📍 landmark

This attraction serves as a viewpoint offering panoramic views over the local desert landscape.

End of Route📍 landmark

This attraction marks the scenic end of the local hiking route in the rocky terrain.

Quebrada del Diablo📍 landmark

The Devil's Gorge is a natural attraction characterized by its narrow, winding dry riverbed through red rock formations.

Cerro de La Guacha🌿 nature

Cerro de La Guacha is a notable mountain peak towering over the arid landscape.

Espacio Cultural Fundación Minera Escondida🏛 museum

This cultural space and gallery showcases local art and exhibitions supported by the Minera Escondida Foundation.

Ruinas de Catarpe🏺 historical

The Ruins of Catarpe are an archaeological site featuring the stone remains of a former settlement.

Meteor Museum🏛 museum

This museum exhibits a fascinating collection of meteorites found in the surrounding desert landscape.

🕒 Mo off; Tu-Su 17:00-20:00💶

Iglesia San Pedro⛪ religious

Dating back to 1557, this historic church is a prominent and well-known place of worship constructed with traditional local materials.

Museo Arqueológico Gustavo Le Paige🏛 museum

This renowned archaeological museum houses extensive artifacts detailing the ancient Atacameño culture.

🕒 09:00-12:00; 14:30-18:00

Feria Artesanal🎭 culture

This lively craft fair marketplace is filled with stalls offering traditional textiles and handmade souvenirs.

Mercado🎭 culture

This bustling local marketplace serves as a central hub for purchasing regional goods and fresh produce.

Handcrafters Village🎭 culture

The Handcrafters Village is a dedicated marketplace where artisans showcase their authentic handmade creations.

🕒 We-Mo 11:00-20:00

Pozo 3🎡 recreation

Pozo 3 operates as a public bath facility situated within the arid landscape.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is a Pukará?
A pre-Columbian fortress of the Atacameño culture.
How far is it from San Pedro de Atacama?
Only about 3 km, easily accessible on foot or by bike.
Is there a viewpoint?
Yes, a steep path leads to a summit with a great view over the valley.
What are the hours?
Usually from 08:30 to 18:30.
Is climbing on the ruins allowed?
No, it is strictly forbidden to protect the archaeological site.
Pukará de Quitor: where is it located?
Pukará de Quitor is located in Chile.
Pukará de Quitor: what is there to see?
Highlights include Valle de Marte, Túnel de Catarpe, Viewpoint.
Pukará de Quitor: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Pukará de Quitor: why is it worth visiting?
Pukará de Quitor is an impressive pre-Columbian fortress located in the Quitor Valley, near San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Antofagasta — Pukará de Quitor (Chile)
Antofagasta
A port city in northern Chile heavily influenced by mining.

History & landmarks

Valle de la Luna — Pukará de Quitor (Chile)
Valle de la Luna
A moon-like desert landscape with bizarre rock and sand formations near San Pedro de Atacama.
El Tatio Geysers — Pukará de Quitor (Chile)
El Tatio Geysers
The third-highest geyser field in the world, located in the Andes at over 4,000 meters altitude.
La Portada — Pukará de Quitor (Chile)
La Portada
An impressive natural stone arch on the coast near Antofagasta.

Nature

Atacama Desert — Pukará de Quitor (Chile)
Atacama Desert
The driest desert in the world with fascinating salt lakes, geysers, and clear starry skies.

More places

Aldea de Tulor — Pukará de Quitor (Chile)
Aldea de Tulor
One of the oldest archaeological sites in northern Chile, consisting of circular adobe houses buried in the sand.
Los Flamencos National Reserve — Pukará de Quitor (Chile)
Los Flamencos National Reserve
A nature reserve in the Atacama salt basin protecting the fragile breeding grounds for three different flamingo species.
Salar de Atacama Lithium Plant — Pukará de Quitor (Chile)
Salar de Atacama Lithium Plant
A massive lithium extraction facility operating in the Atacama salt flat.
Pukará de Lasana — Pukará de Quitor (Chile)
Pukará de Lasana
A pre-Hispanic stone fortress in the Atacama Desert strategically built on a hill to control the valley.
Radomiro Tomic Mine — Pukará de Quitor (Chile)
Radomiro Tomic Mine
A significant open-pit copper mine located close to Chuquicamata.
Chuquicamata Mine — Pukará de Quitor (Chile)
Chuquicamata Mine
One of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world, operated by Codelco.
Escondida Mine — Pukará de Quitor (Chile)
Escondida Mine
The highest-producing copper mine in the world, located in the Atacama Desert.
🗺️
Spence Mine
A significant open-pit copper mine operated by BHP in the Antofagasta Region.