Magpie
5.0(2 reviews)

Atacama Archaeological Tour: Tulor & Quitor

FromCLP 198
5 hours
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

About this activity

Discover the ancient Tulor village and Pukara de Quitor fortress on this guided tour from San Pedro de Atacama, delving into Atacama's rich history and culture.

Highlights

  • Explore ancient Tulor village ruins
  • Discover Pukara de Quitor's ancient fortress
  • Learn about Atacama's rich history
  • Enjoy scenic desert landscapes
  • Experience local culture and traditions

Full description

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Atacama Desert with our Archaeological Experience in Atacama. This captivating tour takes you to the ancient Tulor village, where you'll explore its unique adobe structures and learn about the indigenous cultures that once thrived here. Next, visit the impressive Pukara de Quitor fortress, perched atop a hill and offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert. Along the way, our knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the area's history, archaeology, and cultural significance. This half-day excursion provides a perfect blend of adventure, education, and cultural immersion, making it an unforgettable addition to your Atacama itinerary.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of Tulor archaeological site
  • Visit to Pukara de Quitor fortress
  • Transportation from San Pedro de Atacama
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Pass by: We will start our tour experience from your hotel in the morning to get to know the richness of the valuable Atacama culture, visiting places of great archaeological importance and learning about the customs and traditions of the different peoples that inhabited the area.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

We will visit the most important sites such as the Tulor Village, the oldest inhabited vestige in the Atacama basin, located only 8 kms from San Pedro de Atacama. The remains indicate a labyrinth of semicircular dwellings that were built of adobe (mud and coiron straw) and communicated through interior patios. The first remains were found by the Jesuit priest Gustave Le Paige in 1956.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NO
3

Later we will go to the Pukará de Quitor, a 12th century building that has witnessed important historical events that are part of the local culture and was the place of entry to the oasis sector of San Pedro de Atacama, which had a great cultural exchange with other ethnic groups in the area such as the Chinchorro, Coyas, Aymara and Tiwanakus. Clay, wood, bones and textiles indicate that this culture had its heyday between 300 BC and 500 AD. Today, there are still more than 20,000 Atacameños living in small villages around San Pedro de Atacama. Finally we will visit the church of San Pedro in the historic centre of the town.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NO
4

Then we will visit "la comunidad de Coyo", a house where we will see how an Atacameño family mixes ancient traditions in local agriculture and tourism to offer a small tasting to the visitors. After this experience we will return to the hotel.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates in Spanish; English-speaking guides may be available upon request.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Tour may be subject to weather conditions; check local forecasts before booking.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Be prepared for varying temperatures; layering is recommended.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Good to know

  • Wear comfortable clothes, sunscreen and mineral water
  • Due to the height, only people between 8 and 75 years of age in good health can join us

Traveler reviews

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2 reviews
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Awesome Cultural and historical tour

The tour has 3 parts: the Tulor village, the Pukara (fortress) de Quitor, and the Museo. All parts are great, the guide was very knowledgleable and nice. Unfortunately it seems not many people search for cultural and archeological tours in San Pedro de Atacama, which is a pity because there is a lot of history there about the pre-colombian history. Be aware that the Pukara de Quitor part includes a really long climb to the highest observation site of the fortress. Combined with the altitude it's a great challenge but the guides will cheer you up during the climb, and you can chose to stop at any point.

Maite_DAug 13, 2023VIATOR

Additional information

Wear comfortable clothes, sunscreen and mineral water Due to the height, only people between 8 and 75 years of age in good health can join us
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