
Aldea de Tulor San Pedro de Atacama
Discover one of Chile's oldest settlements, Aldea de Tulor, with preserved circular homes and ancient ruins.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Local insights enrich the experience

Aldea de Tulor San Pedro de Atacama
Best Time
Local insights enrich the experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover one of Chile's oldest settlements, Aldea de Tulor, with preserved circular homes and ancient ruins.
"A quick, insightful stop for history buffs interested in ancient Atacama civilization."

🚗 Avoid Google Maps
Road signs are more reliable than GPS near the site. Be cautious of navigation errors!
🚶♀️ Hire a Local Guide
Guides share fascinating stories and historical context, making the visit more engaging.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Reconstructed Dwellings
Main site
See how ancient inhabitants lived in these well-preserved replicas of circular homes.

Excavated Ruins
Dig site area
Explore the actual archaeological remains, offering a glimpse into a civilization thousands of years old.

Informative Posters
Visitor center area
Learn about the history and culture of the ancient people who inhabited this settlement.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to Aldea de Tulor
Time Commitment & Interest
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
San Pedro de Atacama 4-5 day Itinerary
🚗 Avoid Google Maps
Road signs are more reliable than GPS near the site. Be cautious of navigation errors!
🚶♀️ Hire a Local Guide
Guides share fascinating stories and historical context, making the visit more engaging.
Atacama Desert, Chile
My experience in San Pedro de Atacama - ups and downs
⏱️ Quick Visit
Plan for about 30-45 minutes; it's a compact site.
🚲 Accessible by Bike
Easily reachable by car or a longer bike ride from San Pedro. :athletic_shoe:
Best way to get around San Pedro de Atacama?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Avoid Google Maps
Road signs are more reliable than GPS near the site. Be cautious of navigation errors!
🚶♀️ Hire a Local Guide
Guides share fascinating stories and historical context, making the visit more engaging.
⏱️ Quick Visit
Plan for about 30-45 minutes; it's a compact site.
🚲 Accessible by Bike
Easily reachable by car or a longer bike ride from San Pedro. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Entrance Fee
Expect a small entrance fee of around 3000 CLP. :ticket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Aldea de Tulor is appreciated for its historical significance and the insights it offers into ancient Atacama culture, particularly by history enthusiasts. However, some visitors find the site small and suggest it's best for a quick visit, especially if not accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.
"Not so many things to see( 2 houses reconstruction and the undiscovered site) but the posters showed are great if you take your time to read them to learn about the past civilization which was leaving here and also take the Spanish speaking local guide present onsite when you arrive for a tip.
Be careful of Google map which did not know about the dirt road going there and navigate you to the wrong place. Just be careful to the road indications near the end and do not follow google maps navigator.
I learn a lot there... Highly recommended"
Francis Clement
"A guide told an interesting story about the settlement. We saw the old dishes that they found here. We saw replicas of the houses. Here you can spend a maximum of 10-15 minutes. This place will be interesting for museum fans. From the old houses remained only ground and they are not clearly visible. We were bored, there are much more interesting places in San Pedro. And the price of entrance is 3000 clp 😬"
Kay Marchuk
"This is a very cool part of the Atacama history. The reconstructed dwellings are great to see, but the dig site is where it's at. This won't take you long to cover, completely doable in 30 minutes. I only wish they were exploring more of the ruins."
Jeffrey Moseley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aldea de Tulor is a short drive from San Pedro de Atacama. While Google Maps can be unreliable, look for road signs as you get closer. Many visitors access it by car, and it's also a feasible, though longer, bike ride. Some tours from San Pedro may include this site.
Public transport directly to Aldea de Tulor is limited. Renting a car or joining a guided tour are the most common and convenient ways to reach the site from San Pedro de Atacama.
It's highly recommended to pay attention to local road signs rather than solely relying on GPS navigation, as Google Maps has been known to direct visitors incorrectly.
While possible, walking to Aldea de Tulor from San Pedro de Atacama is a significant distance and not typically recommended. Biking is a more practical option for those who prefer non-motorized transport.
Yes, there are parking facilities available at Aldea de Tulor for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Aldea de Tulor is approximately 3000 CLP per person. It's advisable to confirm the current price upon arrival.
Tickets can typically be purchased on-site upon arrival. Advance booking is generally not required unless you are part of a pre-arranged tour.
Opening hours can vary, but the site is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to check locally or with your tour operator for the most up-to-date information.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket counter if you believe you may qualify for any concessions.
It's advisable to carry some cash (Chilean Pesos) as payment methods can vary. Some sites may not accept credit cards.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend between 30 to 45 minutes exploring Aldea de Tulor. It's a relatively small site, perfect for a quick historical stop.
You can see reconstructed circular dwellings, the actual excavated ruins of the ancient settlement, and informative posters detailing the history of the Atacama people.
While local guides are often available and highly recommended for their insights, English-speaking guides may not always be present. It's best to inquire upon arrival.
Children interested in history and archaeology might find it engaging, especially with a guide to explain the context. However, it's a site focused on ruins and reconstructions, so very young children might find it less stimulating than other attractions.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be on uneven ground. Given the desert climate, light clothing, a hat, and sunscreen are essential. :athletic_shoe:
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Aldea de Tulor. Capture the unique circular architecture and the ancient ruins. :camerawithflash:
The reconstructed circular houses offer great framing opportunities. The excavated areas also provide a sense of history. Look for the interplay of light and shadow on the ancient structures.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the ruins. Avoid midday sun for softer, more even lighting. :sunrise:
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the site management or local authorities before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
While general photography is permitted, be respectful of the archaeological nature of the site. Avoid touching any structures or artifacts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
🚗 Independent Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Aldea de Tulor
The excavation and study of Aldea de Tulor have been crucial in understanding the pre-Columbian history of the Atacama region. Researchers have uncovered pottery, tools, and human remains, providing a tangible connection to the past. The site's layout suggests a community that was well-adapted to the harsh desert environment, utilizing available resources for survival and development. Visiting Aldea de Tulor allows travelers to step back in time and appreciate the ingenuity of early human settlements in one of the world's driest regions.
Visiting Aldea de Tulor: What to Expect
The excavated area allows visitors to see the original foundations and remnants of the ancient structures. While these may appear less dramatic than the reconstructions, they are the authentic remnants of a bygone era. Informative posters are strategically placed around the site, offering detailed explanations about the history, culture, and archaeological significance of Aldea de Tulor. Many visitors highly recommend engaging with a local guide, who can bring the history to life with engaging stories and context that might otherwise be missed.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit