Pucará de Lasana, Archaeological fortress in Calama, Chile.
Pucará de Lasana is an archaeological site with stone buildings spread along a cliff face, containing about 110 structures connected by narrow passages. The settlement overlooks the Loa River valley and uses the natural terrain as a defensive advantage.
The Atacameño people built the fortress in the 12th century as a strategic defense point and inhabited settlement. The site remained occupied and in use until the 15th century, when it was eventually abandoned.
The buildings show specialized storage rooms that reflect the daily life of pre-Columbian people and demonstrate their advanced methods of food preservation. These spaces were important for survival in the dry Atacama region, where storing food was critical.
The site is located away from main roads and requires a private vehicle or organized tour to reach it. It is wise to arrive early in the day to have enough daylight for exploring the passages and structures.
Each house features dual cellar systems specifically designed to store different types of food at varying temperatures. This double-cellar design reveals a sophisticated understanding of storage and temperature control in pre-colonial times.
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