Putre
Arica y Parinacota
Putre serves as the capital of Parinacota Province in the Arica y Parinacota Region of Chile. Nestled in the Andes, it is a small town with a strong cultural identity rooted in its indigenous and colonial past. The town is notable for the Iglesia de San Ildefonso, a Catholic church built in the late 19th century in the Andean Baroque style with a neoclassical façade. The church features stone foundations, adobe walls, and a wooden roof covered with zinc sheets. Inside, it houses a two-tiered stone altarpiece constructed between 1893 and 1897. Putre is an administrative center overseeing the province, which is sparsely populated and known for its dramatic highland landscapes. The town reflects a blend of historical influences and offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional architecture and cultural heritage of northern Chile's altiplano region.
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Consejo: The best time to visit Putre is during the dry season, typically from May to October, when weather conditions are favorable for exploring the highlands. Visitors are encouraged to arrange accommodations and tours in advance due to the town's remote location. While entrance to the Iglesia de San Ildefonso is generally free, guided visits may enhance understanding of its history and architecture. Travelers should prepare for high altitude conditions and consider acclimatization to avoid discomfort.
Datos interesantes
- •Putre is the capital of one of Chile's least populated provinces, Parinacota, with a population density of just 0.4 inhabitants per square kilometer.
- •The Iglesia de San Ildefonso's stone altarpiece was built over a four-year period from 1893 to 1897.
- •The province of Parinacota was created in 2007 by dividing the former Tarapacá Region, reflecting administrative changes in northern Chile.
Historia
Putre's historical significance is closely tied to its role as the capital of Parinacota Province, established as part of the Arica y Parinacota Region in 2007 when the former Tarapacá Region was divided.
The Iglesia de San Ildefonso, first mentioned in 1618, was reconstructed in its current form at the end of the 19th century, with its stone altarpiece completed between 1893 and 1897.
The province itself is named after the nearby Parinacota Volcano, highlighting the area's volcanic and Andean heritage.
Over time, Putre has maintained its cultural traditions while serving as a governmental and cultural hub in this remote Andean region.
Guía del lugar
Iglesia de San Ildefonsolate 19th century
This late 19th-century Catholic church is a prime example of Andean Baroque architecture with a neoclassical façade. It features stone foundations, adobe walls, and a wooden roof covered with zinc sheets. Inside, visitors can admire a two-tiered stone altarpiece created between 1893 and 1897. The church's bell tower stands separately from the main building, adding to its architectural uniqueness.