Pucará de Tilcara, Purmamarca Travel Guide

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Explore the ancient pre-Inca fortress of Pucará de Tilcara in Jujuy, offering a glimpse into the fascinating history and culture of the Quebrada de Humahuaca.

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Pucará de Tilcara

Explore the Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-Inca fortress (pucará) located just outside the town of Tilcara in Jujuy Province, Argentina. Strategically built on a hill, it offers stunning views of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Partially rebuilt, it provides insights into the lives of the Omaguaca people who constructed it around the 12th century.

A brief summary to Pucará de Tilcara

Tilcara, Jujuy Province, AR
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Tuesday 9 am-6:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-6:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-6:30 pm
Friday 9 am-6:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-6:30 pm
Sunday 9 am-6:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pucará de Tilcara.

Visit during the cooler months (April to September) for more comfortable temperatures.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the uneven terrain.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Stay hydrated, as the altitude can affect you.
Check out the Archaeological Museum of Tilcara included in the entrance fee for a deeper understanding of the site's history.

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Getting There

Walking

From the main square in Tilcara, the Pucará de Tilcara is about a 15-20 minute walk. Head south from the main square. The route is well-marked and easy to follow. The walk is uphill and can be tiring due to the altitude.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Tilcara and can take you to the entrance of Pucará de Tilcara. A taxi ride from the center of Tilcara to Pucará de Tilcara takes approximately 3 minutes. The estimated cost is ARS $90-110. Taxi Ya Jujuy is one of the taxi services available.

Discover more about Pucará de Tilcara

The Pucará de Tilcara is one of the most important pre-Hispanic settlements in the Quebrada de Humahuaca. The term 'Pucará' means 'Fortress' in the Quechua language. This site was strategically positioned where the main creek meets the Huasamayo and Huichaira creeks, allowing domination of the four access points to the Puna and Valles regions.Originally built by the Omaguaca tribe around the 12th century, the pucará served as a vital administrative and military center. At its peak, it covered approximately 15 acres and housed over 2,000 inhabitants. The settlement consisted of small, square stone buildings with low doorways and no windows. It also included corrals for animals, ceremonial sites, and burial grounds. The Omaguaca were experts in agriculture, weaving, and pottery, and were also known as fierce warriors. In the late 15th century, the Inca Empire conquered the tribes of the Quebrada, using the pucará as a military outpost. The Spanish arrived in 1536, founding the modern town of Tilcara in 1586.Rediscovered in 1908 by Juan Bautista Ambrosetti, the site was rebuilt by archaeologists from the University of Buenos Aires between 1911 and 1948. Today, the Pucará de Tilcara is a National Monument and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the reconstructed residential quarters, ceremonial spaces, and agricultural terraces. The site also features an Archaeological Museum displaying artifacts that offer a deeper understanding of the Tilcara culture.