Tour Arqueológico - Aldea de Tulor y Pukara de Quitor in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile | Explore Ancient Cultures and Stunning Landscapes

5.0/5 Stars - Based on 5 Reviews

Discover the Ancient Wonders of Tulor Village and Pukara de Quitor in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Book Your Archaeological Tour Today!


Today we invite you to join us in this experience that brings us closer to and immerses us in the culture and way of life of the indigenous peoples of the Altiplano region. 

 

The Atacameño people were characterized by being ranchers, farmers, and warriors who defended their territories. Our visit begins at the “Pukara de Quitor”. A place where the people organized to fight and resist the imminent European invasion.

 

Despite their suffering defeats, they managed to resist for more than 20 years. We will then head to the Village of Tulor, a site discovered in 1958 by the Jesuit priest Gustavo Le Peige. It represents a typical dwelling of the Atacameños.

And we will finish at the Archaeological Museum of San Pedro.

 

The Archaeological Tour in San Pedro de Atacama will take us on a journey to the heart of history, where every stone tells a story waiting to be revealed.

 

We look forward to seeing you! Don't miss this opportunity!

4 Hrs.
Every day
Starting point: Pickup from hotels located in the city center Time: 8:30 a.m. Subject to reconfirmation.
Departure point: Return to hotels located in the city center Time: 12:30 PM. Subject to reconfirmation.

About this tour


Today we will embark on a fascinating journey through the traces of the past in the driest Heart of the Desert in the world to learn about the beginnings of the valuable Atacameño culture.

 

Our Archaeological Tour in San Pedro de Atacama will take us on an exciting tour of the ancient civilizations that once flourished in this enigmatic region.


We will begin our experience today by visiting the "Pukará de Quitor". This 2.5-hectare pre-Incan construction is located at an altitude of 2,440 meters and 3 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama. It is on the slopes of a small hill, giving the area a strategic position. The buildings were made of stone and adobe and show the strong social organization of the Atacameños' ancestors against the Spanish conquerors and date back to the 12th century. They are currently considered a National Monument.

 

We will have time to visit this historic site and then head to the Tulor Village, which is more than 2,800 years old. Archaeology is undoubtedly an important source for understanding the ancient dimensions of this Atacama oasis, ever since it was first occupied by humans.

 

Father Gustavo Le Paige was the one who, in 1958, identified the first remains of the Village of Tulor, located 6 kilometers south of San Pedro de Atacama. This unique tour is generally guided by the locals, who will take us back to the beginnings and the first inhabitants of San Pedro de Atacama. Tulor is a village built directly on the clay soil in the drainage area of the San Pedro River, which was eventually buried by the advancing desert.

 

It is characterized by its striking architecture composed of circular adobe houses, which blend harmoniously with the surrounding desert landscape. As you walk through its streets and squares, you'll feel the past come alive, immersing yourself in a culture that lived in harmony with nature and relied on its ingenuity to survive in one of the most challenging environments in the world.

 

Before ending our historical tour, we will visit the San Pedro "Father Gustavo Le Paige" Archaeological Museum located in San Pedro. It is named after a Jesuit priest who dedicated almost his entire life to the search, collection, and study of archaeological remains from the area and the town of Licanantay.

 

After this incredible cultural and historical experience, we will return to San Pedro to cherish everything we saw and learned today.

 

We are waiting for you, don't miss it!


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What's included

  • Breakfast/Transfer/Bilingual guide

Not included

  • Drinks or meals not specified/Tips or extras not specified/- Entrance fees to Pukará de Quitor and Tulor Village + Archaeological Museum.

Difficulty: Low/Height: 2,500 meters above sea level.

Minimum age 7 years/Passengers with special health conditions, such as hypertension or heart disease, must present a medical certificate indicating that they are under control/Not suitable for pregnant women

Comfortable Clothing/Gloves/Walking Shoes/Hat/Sunglasses/Sunscreen/Water

Snack: We will carry out a tasting of Atacameño products in the Atacameño indigenous community of Coyo, where we will try a snack with local flavors such as chañar, quinoa, and carob.

- Option for vegan, vegetarian, celiac food, informing in advance. - Passengers with food restrictions or allergies, inform in advance. - Regular service minimum 2 passengers/maximum 14. Spanish/English. - Modifiable schedules depending on the season of the year, weather conditions, park restrictions or others. - Entrance fees to tourist sites NOT included in the tour.

Location

Rates

From ARS 109,410

Archaeological Tour - Tulor Village And Pukara De Quitor, Private

From ARS 108,825

Includes: Breakfast/Transfer/Bilingual guide (Spanish and English)

Starts 08:30 4 hours Español, English
Operates: Every day
ACTIVIDAD
CANCELACION
General Terms
COSTO
Average
DIFICULTAD
Low

Frequently asked questions

During this fascinating archaeological excursion in San Pedro de Atacama, we will visit two of the region's most iconic sites: the Tulor Village and the Pukará de Quitor. The Tulor Village is an ancient settlement in the Atacama Desert, offering a unique insight into pre-Hispanic civilizations. Its ruins, dating back to around 800 BC, provide a window into the past through their circular adobe dwellings. At the Pukará de Quitor, we will explore a fortress more than 700 years old, which facilitated the defense of the Atacameños against invaders. An ideal excursion for lovers of Chilean history and culture.

The tour price includes round-trip transportation from San Pedro de Atacama, professional bilingual guides, entrance fees to archaeological sites, and an enriching cultural experience in the heart of the Atacama Desert. Comfortable, lightweight clothing suitable for desert climates and appropriate hiking footwear are recommended. Don't forget your sun protection: a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. Be sure to bring enough water to stay hydrated and, of course, a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and unique moments of the tour.

This fascinating excursion lasts approximately four hours and is designed to offer an intense and enriching experience of archaeological exploration in San Pedro de Atacama. The tour usually departs in the morning, around 9:00 a.m., when temperatures are more pleasant and the sun is not as strong, allowing us to better enjoy the visits to the archaeological sites. The itinerary is carefully planned to maximize your time exploring the Tulor Village and the Pukará de Quitor, and to return at noon with unforgettable memories.

Yes, this excursion is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. The hikes in Tulor Village and Pukará de Quitor are easy, and the route doesn't have significant elevation gains, allowing both children and seniors to enjoy it without major inconveniences. However, it's important to be prepared for desert weather conditions. Be sure to plan your visit according to your own endurance level and fitness, and don't hesitate to inform our guides of any special needs before the tour.

During your excursion to Tulor Village and Pukará de Quitor, you'll definitely have multiple opportunities to capture the beauty and history of these fascinating archaeological sites. Tulor's desert landscapes and detailed adobe structures offer unique backdrops for your photos. At Pukará de Quitor, you can take panoramic photos from the top of the fortress, offering spectacular views of the region. It's recommended to bring a good-quality camera or a phone with enough storage space to ensure you can capture all the wonders of this trip and relive the experience in the future.
5.0 5 reviews
5.0

O que fazer em Atacama

Se você estiver procurando o qué fazer em Atacama, você deve considerar o passeio Tour Arqueologico (Tulor, Quitor). Vair ser uma experiência inesquecivel!

Luiz
5.0

Things to do in Atacama

If you are looking for what to do in Atacama, you should consider booking the tour Archaeological Tour To Tulor And Quitor. It´ll be an experience you won´t forget!

Hellen
5.0

Lo mejor para hacer en Atacama

Lo mejor para hacer en Atacama es la excursión Tour Arqueologico (Tulor, Quitor). Si tienen tiempo para hacerla, no lo duden!

Joaquin
5.0

La meilleure chose à faire à Atacama

La meilleure chose à faire à Atacama est le Tour Arqueologico Tour (Tulor, Quitor). Si vous avez le temps de le faire, n'en doutez pas!

Joaquin
5.0

Das Beste, was man in Atacama machen kann

Das Beste, was man in Atacama machen kann, ist die Tour Arqueologico Tour (Tulor, Quitor). Wenn Sie Zeit haben, zweifeln Sie nicht daran!

Joaquin
From ARS 109,410

Price from, per person ARS 109,410.00

September 2026
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