Three kilometers north of San Pedro de Atacama (Chile), there is the pucara of Quitor, an archaeological monument of the area. What is considered a monument today was built in the 11th century AD as a small citadel and defensive fortress by the Atacameño people or Lican Antai.

It operated for approximately 500 years, and archaeological evidence may suggest that it was the home of the ancient hierarchy of the lordship of San Pedro de Atacama (Agustín Llagostera Martínes, “The Ancient Inhabitants of the Salar de Atacama”, 2005).
The town of San Pedro de Atacama is an oasis in the desert, and its most exuberant vegetation can be found in the ayllu of Quitor, north of the town. The ayllus can be understood as communities with ancient blood ties, who share a certain territory, as well as its administration. This is one of the organizational forms inherited from the Inca Empire (or Tawantinsuyu), and it is present throughout the Andean region in South America, with its different variations, presenting in San Pedro de Atacama its most southern representation in the region.

The route to the Pucará de Quitor is quite friendly, it can usually be done by bicycle, being a 20-minute stretch, or for trekking lovers it can be done on foot, being a journey of approximately one hour. It is also possible to arrive by car for those who prefer this option, and they can be at the Pucará de Quitor in no more than 10 minutes from the center of San Pedro de Atacama.
We invite you to venture into this adventure, and marvel at the nature of the Atacama Desert and its archaeological wealth!