Pucará de Tilcara, Tilcara Travel Guide

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Explore the Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-Inca fortress in Jujuy, offering a glimpse into ancient Andean life and stunning views of the Quebrada de Humahuaca.

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Pucará de Tilcara

The Pucará de Tilcara is a pre-Inca fortification located just outside the town of Tilcara in Argentina's Jujuy Province. Perched on a hill, this strategic site offers insight into the lives of the Omaguaca people who built it around the 12th century. Partially rebuilt, it stands as the only publicly accessible archaeological site in the Quebrada de Humahuaca.

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 good walking shoes as the climb to the top can be tiring.
Bring water and snacks, as facilities on-site are limited.
Dress in layers as temperatures can change significantly throughout the day.
Check the weather forecast before visiting; the site is closed in case of rain.

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Explore Pucará de Tilcara on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

From the center of Tilcara, the Pucará is approximately a 20-30 minute walk. Head north from the main square, Plaza San Martín, following the signs towards the Pucará. The route is roughly 2 kilometers and involves a gradual uphill climb. There are no costs associated with walking to the site.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Tilcara, particularly near the bus terminal and Plaza San Martín. A taxi ride to the entrance of Pucará de Tilcara takes about 3 minutes. Expect to pay between ARS 300 and ARS 500 for a one-way trip. Taxi Ya Jujuy is one of the taxi services available in Tilcara.

Discover more about Pucará de Tilcara

Pucará de Tilcara, meaning 'fortress' in Quechua, is one of the most significant pre-Hispanic settlements in the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Occupied from around 1000 AD until the arrival of the Spanish, the site spans approximately 18 hectares. The Omaguaca tribe, skilled in agriculture, weaving, and pottery, constructed the fortified town. They were also known as warriors, using the pucará as a vital administrative and military center.At its peak in the 14th century, the pucará housed over 2,000 inhabitants within its small, square stone buildings. These structures, built without mortar, featured narrow doorways and no windows to conserve heat in the high-altitude desert. Besides living quarters, the pucará included corrals, ceremonial sites, and burial grounds. The Incas conquered the Quebrada tribes in the late 15th century, utilizing the pucará as a military outpost to secure resources.Rediscovered in 1908 by Juan Bautista Ambrosetti, the site was reconstructed by archaeologists from the University of Buenos Aires between 1911 and 1948. Today, visitors can explore the rebuilt structures, agricultural terraces, and defensive walls. The site also features an archaeological museum and a botanical garden showcasing the region's biodiversity. Over 100,000 tourists visit the Pucará de Tilcara annually.