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Aldea de Tulor

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Historical site
—°6
Aldea de Tulor (Chile)

Weather…

Aldea de Tulor is one of the most significant archaeological sites in northern Chile, located in the Atacama Desert near San Pedro de Atacama. This ancient settlement consists of interconnected circular mud-brick structures that have been remarkably preserved by the encroaching desert sands. The origins of the village date back to approximately 800 BC, and it remained inhabited until around 1200 AD. It served as a crucial hub for trade and agriculture within the Tulor ayllu, thriving due to its historical proximity to the San Pedro River. The architectural style is unique, with round rooms designed to provide natural insulation against the extreme temperature swings and high winds of the Andean plateau. Excavations in the 1950s and 1980s revealed ceramics, tools, and textiles that demonstrate the advanced social organization of the Atacameño culture. With much of the village still buried beneath the sand, the site retains a mystical and untouched quality. Today, it is managed by the Lickanantay indigenous community, who work to preserve this fragile cultural heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C1717161411991012141617
Rain mm784120100114

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Aldea de Tulor is an archaeological site with circular adobe houses buried in the sand. Visitors can walk along a designated path and view the excavated structures.
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Typical hours
The site is typically open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, exact hours may vary seasonally. It is advisable to check current opening times at the San Pedro de Atacama tourist office before visiting.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, but without flash inside the fragile adobe structures. The circular shapes and contrast with desert sand offer unique shots.
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Time needed
Allow about 30 minutes to one hour for the walk, as the site is relatively small. For a more in-depth visit with explanations, you can plan up to 1.5 hours.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with exploring San Pedro de Atacama, just a few kilometers away. Other nearby attractions include Valle de la Luna and Laguna Cejar.
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Getting there
Aldea de Tulor is about 10 km southwest of San Pedro de Atacama. You can reach the site by bicycle, taxi, or as part of a guided tour.
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Insider tip
Bring water and a hat as the desert is hot and dry. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Geography

Coordinates
-22.95560, -68.24330

Facts

  • The settlement was established around 800 BC and occupied until 1200 AD.
  • The architecture features circular mud-brick rooms linked by common walls.
  • Scientific discovery was made in 1956 by Jesuit priest Gustavo Le Paige.
  • Only about 10% of the original village has been excavated to date.
  • Desert sand has naturally preserved the structures for over 2,000 years.
  • The site is located approximately 6 kilometers south of San Pedro de Atacama.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pukará de QuitorPukará de Quitor4 km · NEExplore →
Valle de la LunaValle de la Luna5 km · SEExplore →
Los Flamencos National ReserveLos Flamencos National Reserve11 km · NWExplore →
Salar de Atacama Lithium PlantSalar de Atacama Lithium Plant30 km · WExplore →
El Tatio GeysersEl Tatio Geysers37 km · NEExplore →
LicancaburLicancabur41 km · NExplore →
Laguna BlancaLaguna Blanca49 km · NExplore →
Pukará de LasanaPukará de Lasana51 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Aldea de Tulor (6)

Telescopes📍 landmark

An astronomical observation site equipped with high-powered lenses for stargazing into the exceptionally clear skies of the Atacama Desert.

Crupo Astronómico📍 landmark

A dedicated stargazing facility that takes full advantage of the Atacama's zero light pollution and extreme high-altitude aridity.

Cuevas de Chulacao📍 landmark

A series of natural desert caves carved by ancient geological forces into the arid, rocky landscape near the Aldea de Tulor.

Piedra del Coyote🌿 nature

This iconic rocky precipice jutting out over the desert canyon is widely renowned as the ultimate sunset photography spot.

Cari Viewpoint & Path🌿 nature

A scenic desert hiking trail and rocky lookout gazing deep into the winding, salt-crusted ravines of the Cordillera de la Sal.

Duna Mayor I🌿 nature

The crest of a massive, sweeping sand dune that provides elevated viewing points over the surreal, lunar-like landscape of the valley.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How old is the village of Tulor?
It dates back to between 800 BC and 1200 AD.
Why are the houses circular?
This is a typical feature of early Atacameño architecture.
Is the site buried in sand?
A large part of the original settlement is still buried under sand for protection.
How far is it from San Pedro?
About 10 km southwest of San Pedro de Atacama.
Is there shade there?
There is very little shade; a sun hat and water are essential.
Aldea de Tulor: where is it located?
Aldea de Tulor is located in Chile.
Aldea de Tulor: what is there to see?
Highlights include Telescopes, Crupo Astronómico, Cuevas de Chulacao.
Aldea de Tulor: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Aldea de Tulor: why is it worth visiting?
Aldea de Tulor is one of the most significant archaeological sites in northern Chile, located in the Atacama Desert near San Pedro de Atacama.
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Nearby cities

Antofagasta — Aldea de Tulor (Chile)
Antofagasta
A port city in northern Chile heavily influenced by mining.

History & landmarks

Valle de la Luna — Aldea de Tulor (Chile)
Valle de la Luna
A moon-like desert landscape with bizarre rock and sand formations near San Pedro de Atacama.
El Tatio Geysers — Aldea de Tulor (Chile)
El Tatio Geysers
The third-highest geyser field in the world, located in the Andes at over 4,000 meters altitude.
La Portada — Aldea de Tulor (Chile)
La Portada
An impressive natural stone arch on the coast near Antofagasta.

Nature

Atacama Desert — Aldea de Tulor (Chile)
Atacama Desert
The driest desert in the world with fascinating salt lakes, geysers, and clear starry skies.

More places

Pukará de Quitor — Aldea de Tulor (Chile)
Pukará de Quitor
A pre-Columbian stone fortress in northern Chile built by the Atacameño people to protect their oasis.
Los Flamencos National Reserve — Aldea de Tulor (Chile)
Los Flamencos National Reserve
A nature reserve in the Atacama salt basin protecting the fragile breeding grounds for three different flamingo species.
Salar de Atacama Lithium Plant — Aldea de Tulor (Chile)
Salar de Atacama Lithium Plant
A massive lithium extraction facility operating in the Atacama salt flat.
Pukará de Lasana — Aldea de Tulor (Chile)
Pukará de Lasana
A pre-Hispanic stone fortress in the Atacama Desert strategically built on a hill to control the valley.
Radomiro Tomic Mine — Aldea de Tulor (Chile)
Radomiro Tomic Mine
A significant open-pit copper mine located close to Chuquicamata.
Chuquicamata Mine — Aldea de Tulor (Chile)
Chuquicamata Mine
One of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world, operated by Codelco.
Escondida Mine — Aldea de Tulor (Chile)
Escondida Mine
The highest-producing copper mine in the world, located in the Atacama Desert.
🗺️
Spence Mine
A significant open-pit copper mine operated by BHP in the Antofagasta Region.