Pucará de Tilcara Travel Guide

Free Guide: Discover the ancient Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-Inca fortress offering panoramic views and a journey into Argentina's indigenous past.

A brief summary of Pucará de Tilcara

Discover the ancient Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-Inca fortress offering panoramic views and a journey into Argentina's indigenous past.

Explore the Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-Inca fortress offering a glimpse into the lives of the Omaguaca people. Perched on a hill overlooking the Quebrada de Humahuaca, this partially reconstructed archaeological site reveals ancient dwellings, ceremonial grounds, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

4.7 Excellent · 14,901 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • MonClosed
  • Tue9 am–6:30 pm
  • Wed9 am–6:30 pm
  • Thu9 am–6:30 pm
  • Fri9 am–6:30 pm
  • Sat9 am–6:30 pm
  • Sun9 am–6:30 pm

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
Y4624 Tilcara, Jujuy Province
Phone

Getting there

Walking

From the center of Tilcara, the Pucará is approximately a 15-minute walk. Head north from the main square, following the signs. The route is uphill and can be strenuous, so wear appropriate footwear.

Taxi

Taxis are available in Tilcara, though not readily available. A short taxi ride from the town center to the base of the Pucará should cost around AR$300-500. Negotiate the fare beforehand.

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Overview

The Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-Inca fortification, sits strategically on a hill near the town of Tilcara in Jujuy, Argentina. The Quechua word 'Pucará' means fortress. Originally built by the Omaguaca tribe in the 12th century, it served as an administrative and military center. The Incas later used it as a military outpost in the 15th century.At its peak, the Pucará covered 15 acres and housed over 2,000 inhabitants. The structures, made of stone without mortar, include small square buildings with narrow doorways and no windows. Visitors can explore reconstructed living quarters, corrals, ceremonial sites, and burial grounds.Rediscovered in 1908, the site was partially rebuilt to prepare it for tourism. Today, the Pucará de Tilcara is a National Monument and a key attraction within the Quebrada de Humahuaca World Heritage Site. It offers a unique window into pre-Hispanic Andean life.

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