GEOGLYPHES

Climb the hill on which this 12th century fortress stands and try to do it just before nightfall for idyllic light. You will first pass by a small Inca temple facing some burial mounds. The first group of geoglyphs encountered is that of the cerro Sagrado (the sacred mount). It corresponds to the time of the Inca regional developments (1000-1400) and represents human and animal figures, such as camels, snakes and lizards. The second group, that of Atoca, represents the typical caravan of llamas preceded by two dancing figures. Behind them you will see the group of geoglyphs Canchas de Golf. Finally, before arriving at the last group, you will pass by the ancient Aldea of Cerro Sombrero, a hamlet that must have had some 500 inhabitants. It also dates back to the period 1000-1400, when the region was highly developed. Its occupants were farmers who maintained strong trade relations with the stockbreeding peoples of the Andes. The caravans of llamas brought meat, quinoa, wool and left loaded with aji, corn, fish and molluscs. Finally, you will arrive at the geoglyphs of Cerro Sombrero (to locate them more precisely, ask for a map at the Archaeological Museum; it is quite well done). If you have a car, you will return to Arica on the Panamerican Highway, passing by the Agricultural Terminal, where a fresh fruit can reward your efforts.