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Archaeological site · San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta
Aldea de Tulor
Village of circular adobe houses, occupied for more than two thousand years and found under the sand southwest of San Pedro. It has walkways and reconstructed houses.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Aldea de Tulor
The Aldea de Tulor is one of the oldest sedentary villages in northern Chile, about 8 km southwest of San Pedro de Atacama, between the Cordillera de la Sal and sand dunes. It was occupied for centuries before the Common Era and abandoned around the 5th century, probably due to advancing sand.
The remains were found in 1956 by the Jesuit priest Gustavo Le Paige, who saw mud walls emerging from the dunes. Excavations continued in the 1980s with archaeologist Ana María Barón. The complex has about 30 circular enclosures connected to each other, built in mud, with a shape that withstands earthquakes well.
Tulor was the first Chilean cultural heritage site to be placed under the management of an indigenous organization, the Comunidad Atacameña de Coyo. Wooden walkways allow you to see the structures from above without stepping on them.
Next to it, reconstructed houses show what life in the village would have been like, and a small interpretation area explains the culture of the first inhabitants.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to an hour.
Best time
The morning is cooler and less windy. In the afternoon the sand heats up and the sun beats down strongly on the walkways.
How to get there
It's about 8 km from San Pedro, via Ruta 23 and then the signed turnoff for Coyo. By car it's about 15 minutes; by bicycle, between 30 and 45 minutes along an almost flat road.
Tip
Do not touch or remove pieces of the walls. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen. You can combine this visit with Valle de la Luna, which is on the same side of the village.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Aldea de Tulor
Do you need a guide to visit the Aldea de Tulor?
It's not mandatory. The community that manages the site accepts independent visitors, and there are also guided tours.
How old is the Aldea de Tulor?
The village was occupied for centuries before the Christian era and was abandoned around the 5th century.
Can Tulor be combined with another tour?
Yes. Tulor is on the same side of the village as Valle de la Luna, and many people visit both in the same day.