History journey though the Chilean arqueological capital, visiting the Tulor village (oldest vestige of atacamenean shelter), the Quitor Pukara (Preincasic construction with defensive purpose) and the archeologic Museum (Displays the atamenean culture and its evolution). 

TULOR VILLAGE 

Located 10 kilometeres from San Pedro de Atacama, on the route to the Moon Valley. This precolombian village is an example of the sedentary lifestyle of the region. You may visit the area on your own or take an excursion leaving from San Pedro de Atacama.  This small village from around 2,880 B. C. had a population of approximately 150 to 200 inhabitants during that period. Their main activity was ceramic, textile, agriculture, and livestock farming. The architecture of the time had circular clay buildings, joined together, and with patios and passageways that communicated with one another.  The rooms, whose foundations were set up on previously excavated grooves, were built in adobe in an arched form that reached a height of almost 2 meters, and finished off in a conical roof held by wooden poles. The sand buried this village and today on this location you can find a museum that has reproduced the original homes with the same elements of the period. There is a viewpoint that allows you to see the formation of the village from above.

PADRE LE PAIGE ARCHAEOLOGICAL  MUSEUM

This museum has been named after its founder, a Jesuit who arrived in 1955 to take over the parish in San Pedro de Atacama.  This man performed an in depth archaeological study collecting diverse indigenous objects. In 1958 he received the support from the North Catholic University (Universidad Católica del norte). After the death of father Le Paige, this university has remained in charge of the conservation of these objects as well as of the continuous investigation. You can currently see a sample of how the Atacamanean villages evolved and how the Tiawanaku, Inca, and Spanish cultures influenced them. This sample holds over 380,000 archaeological specimens that include ceramic, clothing, precious metals, textiles, mummies, and engravings.

PUKARÁ DE QUITOR

This impressive construction dates back to the XII century, and is made up blocks built with large rocks alternating with smaller ones, and joined with mud (mortar). Terracing and retaining wall techniques were used in its construction and around 200 structures can be seen, some larger than others. Its name comes from a pre-Hispanic agricultural group “Ayllu de Quitor”, whose farming fields started at the foot of the Pukará and fed by the San Pedro River. Its location and structure was mainly for defensive and strategic purposes, and as an ancient route, that would later be occupied in the Inca period.  The Spaniards who rode horses and carried guns invaded it in 1540. The natives had never seen horses, metal helmets or guns, which made it easy for the Spaniards to conquer them.  All the native chiefs (caciques) were beheaded.