"ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOUR (HALF DAY)" Tour

"ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOUR (HALF DAY)" Tour

ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOUR – San Pedro de Atacama. Discover the ancestral heart of the Atacama Desert on an enriching Archaeological Tour that reveals thousands of years of human history in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. This experience is designed for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the cultures that inhabited the desert long before modern times, blending archaeology, history, and spectacular landscapes. The tour explores key archaeological sites around San Pedro de Atacama, where ancient pre-Columbian civilizations—particularly the Atacameño (Lickanantay) culture—developed sophisticated ways of life adapted to the desert. Along the route, you will visit areas with petroglyphs, ancient settlements, ceremonial sites, and burial grounds, each offering insight into the social organization, spiritual beliefs, trade routes, and daily life of these early communities.

Expert local guides provide detailed explanations of the archaeological findings, the symbolism behind rock art and artifacts, and the influence of Andean cosmology on these cultures. You will learn how the Atacameños mastered agriculture through irrigation systems, engaged in long-distance trade across the Andes, and maintained strong cultural ties that still resonate in the region today. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Atacama Desert—volcanoes, salt flats, and rugged mountain ranges—this tour offers a perfect balance between cultural discovery and natural beauty. Ideal for history enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and anyone curious about ancient civilizations, the Archaeological Tour in San Pedro de Atacama is a meaningful journey into the origins, traditions, and enduring legacy of one of South America’s most fascinating cultures.

Itinerary

• Pick-up from the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama at approximately 9:00 AM to begin a cultural journey into the region’s ancient past. Our first stop is the Village of Tulor, one of the earliest known settlements in the Atacama Desert, partially buried by sand and considered an important archaeological site of the Salar basin. This ancestral village preserves circular dwellings built with mud, some reaching up to two meters in height, offering a unique glimpse into early Atacameño architecture and community life.
• Continuing the route, we visit the Pukará de Quitor, an impressive pre-Hispanic fortress strategically located on the edge of a cliff overlooking the San Pedro River gorge. This site provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of the Atacameño people, from their first settlements around 900 BC, the development of agriculture, and the influence of the Inca Empire, to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. In addition to its historical significance, the viewpoint offers spectacular panoramic views of the San Pedro oasis, the river valley, and the Andes Mountains.
• The excursion concludes with the return to the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, after an enriching experience exploring the archaeological and cultural heritage of the region.

Includes

• Guide service in Spanish and English.
• Entrance fees.
• Pick-up from your accommodation,
• Snack.
• Water.

Does not include

• Tips and gratuities.
• Professional guide in French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. If you would like a guide in these languages, please request one in advance and pay an extra fee, subject to availability.
• Other services not described in the program.

Notes:

• Altitude of 2400 meters above sea level.
• Level of difficulty: Low difficulty.
• Minimum age required for the tour: 3 years old.
• Excursion days and schedules may vary depending on the season, weather conditions, and the groups forming.
• The final itinerary will be confirmed upon your arrival in San Pedro and may even change during your stay.