TILCARA PUCARÁ

The Pucara of Tilcara, located at 1 kilometer from the village, about half an hour of walk (street padilla, to cross the bridge, the site is well indicated) and a little in height, owes its restoration to the archaeologist Ambrosseti. The pyramid that you can see from the road is not the Pucara, but a monument to the work done by the archaeologists. The site and its scientific exploitation depend on the University of Buenos Aires. This restored fortress is a labyrinth of dwellings, but the uncertainty of its exact location remains. Some lean towards the hill opposite. In fact, the region is full of such sites, but the one in Tilcara has been restored to make it understandable to the eye devoid of archaeological knowledge, and it is one of the most complete archaeological sites in the region. The advanced organization of the fortress is surprising and demonstrates the high level of civilization of the Indians of the region. The visit unfolds like a journey through time to know the life of the Indians before the arrival of the Incas. Besides, some houses more in square are typical of the Inca culture, while those of the Tilcara Indians present a more circular form. The Inca Empire imposed its organization, its language Quechua, and its culture (for example, the dead were buried in the houses and not in cemeteries). The Indians lived by bartering. And as each village was located at a specific altitude, producing the corresponding cereal crop, bartering was organized from east to west all along the Quebrada. The Spaniards cleaned up the area, as in the case of Tilcara, which at the time of their arrival was populated by 5,000 inhabitants, practically the same as today. As much to say that the colonization was a massacre and a succession of bad treatments. The Pucara is invaded by cardones (cactus). One theory among many others: the Indians consumed the fruit of the cactus in abundance; on accumulated excrement the cactus took root. It should be remembered that cardones grow one centimeter per year. When archaeologists do their research, they begin by orienting themselves towards sites where there is a large concentration of cacti, deducing a better probability of finding traces of civilization there. Don't do like them to keep the eye on the ground, we enjoy a beautiful view on the hills and the Quebrada from the site! Some stands of souvenirs in front of the Pucara but much less interesting than the artisanal market.