Pukará de Quitor, Pre-Hispanic fortress in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Pukará de Quitor is a fortified settlement built with stone and mud that spreads across a hillside, containing about 160 structures including dwellings, storage facilities, and defensive walls. The site is arranged in terraced levels that step down like an amphitheater, with farming areas positioned at its base.
The Atacameño people built this fortress in the 12th century as a stronghold for their community. In the 16th century, Spanish forces under Francisco de Aguirre attacked the site with cannons, marking a major turning point when European military technology clashed with indigenous defenses.
The Atacameño people created this structure as the heart of their community defense, and it served as a place where extended families and groups made collective decisions. Walking through the remaining rooms and storage spaces, you can sense how people organized their daily activities and shared resources together.
The site sits about 3 kilometers north of San Pedro de Atacama on higher ground that opens up views of the valley and river below. Visiting involves climbing over rocky slopes, so sturdy footwear and reasonable physical fitness make the walk more comfortable.
The fortress was built using reddish stones called liparita found locally in the Atacama region, a material choice that shaped its distinctive appearance. This selection reflects how the Atacameño understood and worked with their specific landscape.
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