Explore the Ancient Wonders of Pukará de Quitor
Discover the ancient fortress of Pukará de Quitor, a UNESCO World Heritage site that reveals the rich history of Chile's Atacama Desert.
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama, Pukará de Quitor is an ancient fortress that offers a glimpse into Chile's rich history and stunning natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage site is perfect for adventurers and history buffs alike, with its archaeological remains and panoramic views of the surrounding desert.
A brief summary to Pukará de Quitor
- San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, CL
- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light and cooler temperatures.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities on-site.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the terrain can be rocky and uneven.
- Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the site.
Getting There
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Car
If you're traveling by car from Valle de la Luna, start by heading south on Route 23 toward San Pedro de Atacama. After about 10 minutes, you will reach the junction with Route 27. Take a left here and continue for approximately 5 kilometers. Look for signs directing you to Pukará de Quitor. The site will be on your left, and there is a parking area available.
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Public Transportation
To reach Pukará de Quitor via public transport, start at the main plaza in San Pedro de Atacama. Look for a minibus or colectivo (shared taxi) that is headed toward Pukará de Quitor. These typically depart when full, so be prepared for a short wait. The fare is usually around CLP 1,000-2,000. Inform the driver of your destination. The journey will take about 15-20 minutes, and you will be dropped off near the entrance to the site.
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Walking
If you prefer to walk from Valle de la Luna, note that it's about a 3.5 km trek. Begin by following the main road back toward San Pedro de Atacama. After about 30 minutes of walking, you will reach the junction with Route 27. From there, you can either walk along the roadside for another 1.5 km or wait for a passing colectivo to take you the rest of the way to Pukará de Quitor.
Discover more about Pukará de Quitor
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa
0.4 km
Discover unparalleled luxury and breathtaking beauty at Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa, your oasis in the Atacama Desert.
Altiplanico San Pedro de Atacama
1.7 km
Experience the tranquility of Altiplanico San Pedro de Atacama, where comfort meets the breathtaking beauty of the Atacama Desert.
San Pedro De Atacama
2.1 km
Discover the enchanting San Pedro de Atacama, where the stunning landscapes of the Atacama Desert meet rich cultural heritage.
Una Noche Con Las Estrellas
2.5 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Atacama Desert's night sky at Una Noche Con Las Estrellas, an unforgettable stargazing experience.
Atacama Rock and Tours
2.5 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama with Atacama Rock and Tours, the ultimate adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers.
Feria Artesanal San Pedro de Atacama
2.5 km
Experience the vibrant culture and artistry at Feria Artesanal San Pedro de Atacama, a lively marketplace showcasing local crafts and traditions.
Backpackers San Pedro Hostel & Excursions
2.6 km
Discover the heart of San Pedro de Atacama at Backpackers San Pedro Hostel, where adventure awaits amidst breathtaking landscapes.
La Picada Del Indio
2.6 km
Discover authentic Chilean flavors at La Picada Del Indio, a culinary gem in San Pedro de Atacama, where every dish tells a story of local tradition.
Andes Travel - San Pedro de Atacama
2.6 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of San Pedro de Atacama with Andes Travel, your go-to agency for unforgettable outdoor adventures and cultural tours.
Tour Astronomico San Pedro de Atacama
2.6 km
Discover the beauty of the universe at Tour Astronomico San Pedro de Atacama, where the night sky comes alive with celestial wonders.
Terrantai Lodge Hotel
2.6 km
Experience the beauty of the Atacama Desert at Terrantai Lodge, a boutique hotel offering comfort, culture, and stunning landscapes.
Alabalti Atacama
2.6 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Atacama Desert with Alabalti Atacama's exceptional guided tours.
Adobe
2.6 km
Experience the essence of Chilean cuisine at Adobe in San Pedro de Atacama, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Atacama Tours
2.6 km
Discover the beauty of the Atacama Desert with Atacama Tours, your guide to unforgettable adventures in San Pedro de Atacama.
Atacama Magic
2.7 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Puerta del Sol - Mirador Valle de la Muerte
0.4 km
Experience the stunning landscapes of Valle de la Muerte at Puerta del Sol, a breathtaking viewpoint in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.
Valle de Catarpe Ticket Office
0.7 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Atacama Desert from the Valle de Catarpe Ticket Office, your gateway to adventure and beauty.
Cruz Papal
1.2 km
Experience the stunning vistas of Cruz Papal, an observation deck in San Pedro de Atacama, offering breathtaking views of Death Valley and the Atacama Desert.
Mars Valley / Death Valley
1.3 km
Explore Mars Valley in Death Valley for an unforgettable adventure amidst stunning red rock formations and breathtaking desert landscapes.
Valle de Marte Ticket Office
1.3 km
Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Valle de Marte, a must-visit natural wonder near San Pedro de Atacama, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Mirador San Pedro
1.5 km
Discover the stunning vistas of Mirador San Pedro, an iconic viewpoint in the Atacama Desert, perfect for breathtaking photography and tranquil moments.
Machuca
2.2 km
Explore Machuca, a charming village in San Pedro de Atacama, where stunning landscapes meet rich culture and authentic local cuisine.
Meteorite Museum
2.3 km
Discover the universe's mysteries at the Meteorite Museum in San Pedro de Atacama, showcasing a unique collection of meteorites and interactive exhibits.
Valle Escondida
2.4 km
Explore the hidden beauty of Valle Escondida in the Atacama Desert, a serene escape into nature's artistic landscape filled with vibrant colors and stunning geological formations.
Museo R. P. Gustavo Le Paige, zona de recinto transitorio
2.5 km
Uncover the ancient secrets of the Atacama Desert at Museo R. P. Gustavo Le Paige, a premier archaeological museum in San Pedro de Atacama.
San Pedro de Atacama Chile
2.5 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich culture of San Pedro de Atacama, a must-see tourist attraction in the heart of the Atacama Desert, Chile.
Iglesia San Pedro
2.6 km
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Geiser de Huaitiquina
2.6 km
Explore the breathtaking Geiser de Huaitiquina, a stunning natural wonder in the Atacama Desert, showcasing Earth's geothermal beauty.
Calle Caracoles
2.6 km
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Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama
2.6 km
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Essential places to dine
Restaurant Ckausama
1.8 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Restaurant Ckausama in San Pedro de Atacama - where every dish tells a story.
San Antonio
2.0 km
Experience authentic Chilean flavors at San Antonio in San Pedro de Atacama – a must-visit culinary destination for every traveler.
Mal de Puna
2.4 km
Discover authentic Chilean cuisine at Mal de Puna in San Pedro de Atacama - where tradition meets taste in a cozy setting.
La Parada del Desierto
2.4 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at La Parada del Desierto in San Pedro de Atacama, where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
Barros Restaurante
2.4 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Barros Restaurante in San Pedro de Atacama – a culinary delight amidst breathtaking desert landscapes.
Las Delicias de Carmen
2.5 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Las Delicias de Carmen in San Pedro de Atacama - where tradition meets flavor.
Tican Don Pedrito
2.5 km
Discover Tican Don Pedrito: A family-friendly restaurant in San Pedro de Atacama serving delicious local cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.
Los Gor2
2.5 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Los Gor2 in San Pedro de Atacama - where every dish tells a story.
Paso Turistico
2.5 km
Experience authentic Chilean flavors at Paso Turistico in San Pedro de Atacama—where tradition meets breathtaking desert views.
Restaurant Tara
2.5 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine in San Pedro de Atacama at Restaurant Tara, where local flavors meet a warm ambiance.
LA PICÁ DEL PERRÓN
2.5 km
Experience authentic Chilean flavors at La Picá del Perrón in San Pedro de Atacama – where every dish tells a story.
Paso Del Inca
2.5 km
Discover authentic Chilean cuisine at Paso Del Inca, nestled in San Pedro de Atacama's stunning desert landscape.
El Huerto
2.5 km
Experience authentic Chilean flavors at El Huerto, a charming restaurant nestled in San Pedro de Atacama's scenic landscape.
Ckunna
2.5 km
Savor authentic Chilean cuisine at Ckunna in San Pedro de Atacama - a culinary delight amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Restaurante Bar Agua Loca
2.5 km
Savor authentic Chilean flavors at Restaurante Bar Agua Loca in San Pedro de Atacama - where tradition meets culinary excellence.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Mini Market / Bakery
1.8 km
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Valimport Supermarket
2.4 km
Discover Valimport Supermarket in San Pedro de Atacama for a local shopping experience rich in variety and convenience.
Martinez
2.4 km
Explore the vibrant culture of San Pedro de Atacama at Martinez, your go-to general store for local crafts and travel essentials.
Valle de la luna
2.5 km
Explore Valle de la Luna: A mesmerizing desert landscape of unique rock formations and breathtaking sunsets in the Atacama Desert.
Chañar - Taller de artesanos
2.5 km
Explore the vibrant artisan culture at Chañar - Taller de Artesanos in San Pedro de Atacama, where every handmade piece tells a story.
siempre GIRLS
2.5 km
Discover chic women's fashion at Siempre GIRLS in San Pedro de Atacama, celebrating local culture and style with every unique piece.
Emporio Tanti
2.5 km
Discover Emporio Tanti, the go-to grocery store in San Pedro de Atacama for local snacks, beverages, and travel essentials.
Almacén INKA
2.5 km
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Atacama Craft
2.5 km
Discover the essence of Atacama culture at Atacama Craft, where every handcrafted piece tells a unique story.
Atacama Store
2.5 km
Explore Atacama Store in San Pedro de Atacama: Your one-stop shop for local goods and essential supplies in the heart of the desert.
Galeria Kunza
2.5 km
Explore Galeria Kunza in San Pedro de Atacama for unique crafts, local art, and a taste of Chilean culture in a vibrant shopping atmosphere.
Piedras Australes
2.6 km
Explore exquisite handcrafted jewelry that captures the essence of Atacama's culture at Piedras Australes in San Pedro de Atacama.
Chile Infinito
2.6 km
Explore the finest selection of Chilean wines at Chile Infinito in San Pedro de Atacama, a must-visit destination for wine lovers.
Secondhand Outdoor Clothes
2.6 km
Shop sustainably at Secondhand Outdoor Clothes in San Pedro de Atacama for stylish, eco-friendly apparel that enhances your travel adventures.
EL TELAR
2.6 km
Discover unique handcrafted souvenirs in San Pedro de Atacama at El Telar, where local artistry meets warm hospitality.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Botilleria Nueva Atacama
2.4 km
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Perrock
2.5 km
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REDSTONS food-cocktails-pizzas italianas
2.6 km
Experience the best of Italian gastronomy in San Pedro de Atacama at REDSTONS, where every pizza is a masterpiece.
RestoBar Nativo
2.6 km
Experience the authentic flavors of San Pedro de Atacama at RestoBar Nativo, where local cuisine meets a welcoming atmosphere.
ChelaCabur
2.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of San Pedro de Atacama at ChelaCabur, a lively bar with an extensive beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere.
Roots Cafe Pizza
2.8 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Roots Cafe Pizza in San Pedro de Atacama, where local ingredients meet culinary creativity in a cozy atmosphere.
Cervecería St. Peter
2.8 km
Discover the essence of Atacama at Cervecería St. Peter, a brewpub offering unique craft beers and delightful local cuisine in San Pedro.
Restobar Amigos San Pedro de Atacama
3.2 km
Experience the vibrant culture and flavors of Chile at Restobar Amigos in San Pedro de Atacama, where every meal is a celebration.
Restaurant Kunza
3.5 km
Experience the flavors of San Pedro de Atacama at Restaurant Kunza, where local ingredients meet stunning desert views for an unforgettable dining experience.
Tres Higeras
39.4 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Tres Higeras, a charming bar in San Pedro de Atacama, perfect for relaxing and enjoying local drinks amidst stunning desert views.
Paulina Coctelería
86.5 km
Discover the vibrant cocktail scene at Paulina Coctelería, where innovative drinks meet a lively atmosphere in the heart of Calama.
