Pukara de Quitor | Interesting Pre-Inca Fortress in the Desert
The Pukara de Quitor is an interesting pre-Inca fortress found in the arid and dusty Atacama Desert. This ancient hillside city is located a little over a mile from the adorable oasis hamlet of San Pedro de Atacama.
Here’s why the fortress is worth a stop when visiting San Pedro de Atacama.
Table of Contents
- Logistics of the Pukara de Quitor
- Things to See at the Quitor Fortress Archaeological Site
- Itinerary Add-On: The Awesome Bike Route of Catarpe Valley
- Pukara de Quitor | Interesting Pre-Inca Fortress in the Desert
Logistics of the Pukara de Quitor
The Quitor fortress makes an excellent point of interest to explore from the adorable village of San Pedro de Atacama. The fortress lies directly across from the San Pedro River and from the entrance of the lovely Catarpe Valley, which boasts a few sections of oasis along the river and some worthwhile highlights in the valley itself.
Travel Guide | Things to Do in San Pedro de Atacama & Wild Day Trip Excursions
There are two sections of the Quitor Archaeological Park, the actual hillside fortress, and the Plaza de Quitor. The plaza is quite small, but has an interesting head sculpture chiseled into the jagged cliffs and one attached to an old arched gate. Both of the archaeological sites are included as part of the admission ticket.
Upon purchase of a ticket, you’ll receive a detailed brochure (available in English) that gives a brief history about the fortress. Along the walking route, there are also signage boards in English that provide more interesting information.
Logistics of Quitor Archaeological Park | Hours: Daily 8:30 – 17:00 | Cost: $3,000 CLP ($4 USD)
Things to See at the Quitor Fortress Archaeological Site
The archaeological site has the fortress, incredible viewpoints of nearby landmarks, and two well-preserved head sculptures.
The Fortress Itself
It is believed that the Pukara de Quitor was built sometime around the 12th century by a pre-Inca civilization. Eventually, it was overtaken by the Inca dynasty and ultimately conquered by the Spanish. What’s especially fascinating about this fortress is that it took the Spanish over 20 years to conquer and obtain the hillside city.
In the fortress there are still around 200 structures still standing. Sadly, it’s not possible to walk inside the actual ancient city. Rather, follow along with a well marked path that offers great views of Quitor.
Mirador Pukara Quitor
One of the most epic parts of the site is the views from Mirador Pukara Quitor. Here, it’s possible to savor some views from above of the nearby Death Valley. What’s great is that you can score the views of this peculiar landscape without paying for the entrance fee! Also, there are also some stunning vistas of the mountains in the backdrop and the nearby oasis valley.
Plaza de Quitor
The Plaza de Quitor is just a few minutes walk from the main entrance of the fortress. You must show the gatekeeper your admission ticket before entering. The plaza is small with a few benches and a large tree, but the real highlight here are the two carved heads. One is carved into the side of the cliff, while the other is hanging on a stone arched gate.
This section of the archaeological park only takes a few minutes to walk through, but it is quite interesting. Make sure to not miss it!
Itinerary Add-On: The Awesome Bike Route of Catarpe Valley
Catarpe Valley 
San Isidro Chapel 
Entrance to the Devil’s Throat
The Quitor Fortress is located across the river from the popular Catarpe Valley, so it’s easy to combine Pukará de Quitor and Catarpe San Pedro de Atacama into a fun biking day trip!
First, hop on a bike and and explore the fortress, since it opens early and to avoid the crowds. There are bike racks conveniently located right outside the ticket office. After exploring the fortress, take the 5 minute bike ride to the main entrance gate of the Catarpe Valley. In the valley, discover the highlights like a “modern” tunnel, the rugged landscapes of the Devil’s Chakra, and the picturesque tiny chapel of San Isidro.
Combing both these sites is a budget friendly and epic day trip from San Pedro de Atacama. To save even more money, stay at a hostel like the nearby, Rey Lagarto Hostel, which includes free bike rentals!
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Pukara de Quitor | Interesting Pre-Inca Fortress in the Desert
In short, the Pukara de Quitor is a worthwhile stop while visiting the adorable hamlet of San Pedro de Atacama. This hillside fortress has an interesting history, epic viewpoints, and some peculiar head sculptures. To make the day even more special, add on the stunning Catarpe Valley, which is located right across the river.
Have you visited the Quitor Fortress while in San Pedro de Atacama? What did you think of it? Did you rent a bike and add-on the worthwhile Catarpe Valley? Did you love it?! Let me know in the comments below!
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