Tilcara Archaeological Site
Jujuy
The Tilcara Archaeological Site, known locally as Pucará de Tilcara, is a remarkable pre-Inca fortification situated on a hill near the town of Tilcara in Argentina's Jujuy province. Originally constructed by the Omaguaca tribe around the 12th century, it served as a strategic defensive and administrative center. The site covers about 15 acres and once housed over 2,000 inhabitants living in small stone buildings. It includes residential areas, animal corrals, religious sites, and burial grounds. In the late 15th century, the Incas conquered the region and used the pucará as a military outpost to secure valuable mineral resources. Rediscovered in 1908 by ethnographer Juan Bautista Ambrosetti and Salvador Debenedetti, the site has been partially restored and opened as an archaeological museum with seven permanent exhibition rooms showcasing over 5,000 artifacts from various indigenous cultures. Adjacent to the site is a botanical garden featuring native cacti. The pucará offers visitors panoramic views over the Quebrada de Humahuaca valley and remains an important symbol of pre-Columbian culture in Argentina.
Planifiez votre voyage en Argentine avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. Purchase tickets in advance during high season to ensure entry. The museum offers discounts for students and seniors. Allocate time to explore both the archaeological site and the nearby botanical garden. Guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate the historical and cultural significance.
Faits intéressants
- •The pucará covers approximately 15 acres and housed over 2,000 inhabitants in its peak period.
- •It is the only publicly accessible archaeological site in the Quebrada de Humahuaca valley.
- •The site was rediscovered in 1908 and more than 3,000 artifacts were catalogued in the first three years of excavation.
- •A mummified body from the Atacama Desert was once displayed in the museum but is no longer exhibited.
- •The botanical garden adjacent to the site features native cactus species and highlights regional flora.
Histoire
The site was originally built by the Omaguaca tribe around the 12th century as a fortified town and administrative center.
It was later conquered by the Incas in the late 15th century, who used it as a military outpost.
The Incan control lasted about fifty years until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, who founded the modern town of Tilcara in 1586.
Rediscovered in 1908 by Juan Bautista Ambrosetti and Salvador Debenedetti, the site underwent excavation and partial reconstruction starting in 1911.
The archaeological museum was officially opened in 1966 under the supervision of Eduardo Casanova and the University of Buenos Aires.
Guide du lieu
Fortified Hilltop12th century
The main archaeological site is located on an 80-meter high hill, strategically chosen for defense and panoramic views over the Quebrada de Humahuaca and surrounding valleys. Visitors can explore reconstructed stone buildings, walls, and corrals that illustrate the Omaguaca lifestyle.
Archaeological Museum Dr. Eduardo Casanova1966
The museum contains seven permanent exhibition rooms displaying over 5,000 artifacts from indigenous cultures of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and the Quebrada de Humahuaca region. Exhibits include ceramics, textiles, tools, and religious objects spanning pre-Inca to colonial times.
Botanical Garden
Located next to the pucará, this garden showcases native cactus species and other high-altitude plants typical of the region, providing insight into the local ecosystem and traditional uses of plants.
Contact
Téléphone: 0388 422-1325
