Cariquima, Indigenous community in Colchane, Chile
Cariquima is an indigenous community in Chile's highlands, situated on the slopes of the Nevado Cariquima mountain. The settlement features traditional Aymara houses clustered around a central square with a church at its heart.
The settlement developed as an Aymara community in the Andes over many generations. In 2003, the Chilean Air Force built an airport here, improving connections with other regions.
The community practices a blend of religious traditions, with residents following either Pentecostal faith or Catholic and Aymara customs in their daily lives. This religious diversity shapes how people celebrate and gather together.
The settlement has a medical clinic, a school, and electrical power available mainly in the afternoons. Access by small aircraft from regional centers is the most practical option for visitors coming from outside.
Every November, the community holds a special ceremony honoring San Juan that blends indigenous practices with Catholic traditions. This annual gathering reveals how local culture has woven together different spiritual influences over time.
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