Tulor, Archaeological site near San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Tulor is an ancient settlement site in the Atacama Desert that contains multiple circular mud structures arranged across a large area. The buildings include dwellings, storage spaces, and common areas, all built using simple mud construction methods.
The site was first established around 380 BCE, but most of its buildings were constructed between 800 and 1200 CE during a later expansion phase. This second period of growth reflects advances in farming methods that allowed the population to prosper.
The people who lived here developed strong traditions in pottery and weaving that you can still see in the remnants scattered across the site. These crafts reveal how ancient communities adapted their skills to life in the desert.
Arrive early and bring plenty of water, as the site sits in open terrain with minimal shade from the sun. Wear sturdy shoes to navigate the uneven ground safely.
Excavations uncovered storage pits containing animal bones, ancient pottery, and seashells from distant coastal areas, suggesting residents maintained surprisingly wide trade networks. These findings reveal connections that extended far beyond the immediate desert surroundings.
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