Pucará de Tilcara
Tilcara, Jujuy
Perched on a hilltop just outside the village of Tilcara in Jujuy province, the Pucará de Tilcara is a pre-Inca fortification that affords views over the Humahuaca Ravine (Quebrada de Humahuaca). A National Monument and the only publicly accessible archaeological site within the Humahuaca Ravine, it’s estimated to date back to the 10th century AD.
The basics
The Pucará was built initially by the Omaguaca tribe, who occupied the town for several centuries until it was conquered by the Incas in the late 15th century and finally taken over by the Spanish in the late 16th century. The site was rediscovered in 1908 and reconstructed in the 1950s. Today, visitors can explore the ruins on the hill as part of a guided walking tour and see the reconstructed living quarters, corrals for keeping livestock, and sites for religious ceremonies.
Things to know before you go
It’s possible to visit the Pucará on a day trip from Salta or San Salvador de Jujuy, and most tours include multiple stops throughout the Humahuaca Gorge.
There is an admission fee to visit the ruins, and it includes a guided walking tour and entrance to the Archaeological Museum of Tilcara.
The village of Tilcara has several options for accommodation, restaurants, and shopping.
The Humahuaca Ravine is set at about 11,500 feet (3,505 meters). If flying in from Buenos Aires, it may take a day or two to acclimatize.
How to get there
Pucará de Tilcara is located just south of the village of Tilcara and can be reached on foot—about a 20-minute uphill walk. Tilcara is 53 miles (86 kilometers) north of San Salvador de Jujuy, or about a 1.5-hour drive. Alternatively, it’s about a 3.5-hour drive from Salta.
When to get there
The Pucará is an open-air site, so pick a day with mild weather and stay out of the midday sun if possible. Opening times vary throughout the year, so it’s worth checking ahead or visiting as part of a tour to avoid disappointment.
Exploring the Humahuaca Ravine
Part of the Humahuaca Ravine UNESCO World Heritage site, visits to the Pucará de Tilcara are typically accompanied by a visit to other areas of the gorge. Highlights include the magnificent Hill of Seven Colors, with its vibrant multi-colored cliffs; the bustling handicrafts market at Purmamarca; the old adobe church of Uquia; and the Monument of Independence in Humahuaca. Keep your eyes on the road as you drive through the gorge, too—the dramatic cliffs and desert valleys make for some extraordinary panoramas.
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