Listed as a National Monument, Pukara de Copaquilla is an ancient pre-Hispanic fortress perched at 3,000 m altitude in northern Chili, just under 40 km from Putre. The site combines archaeological significance with panoramic views across the Andean precordillera, along the route between Arica and Lauca National Park.

Why visit Pukara de Copaquilla

Three reasons make this site essential when exploring the far north of Chili:

• A clearly visible pre-Hispanic fortress, with its parallel double defensive wall and circular enclosures still in place.
• A panoramic position on a rocky promontory overlooking a chasm, with views across valleys and abandoned agricultural terraces below.
• A logical stop on Route 11, the axis connecting the port of Arica to the altiplano and Lauca National Park, making it a brief but well-documented halt for acclimatizing to the altitude.

Site history

Pukara de Copaquilla dates from the pre-Columbian period, around the 12th century. This fortified construction served to protect the valley and its terraced crops, which sustained local communities. The parallel double defensive wall, combined with a natural escarpment, made the entire structure difficult to breach.

The site was identified by researchers in 1959, then mapped in the early 1970s. Some of the structures underwent restoration by archaeologists from the University of Tarapaca, based in Arica. Pukara de Copaquilla was inscribed in 1983 on the list of Chili's National Historical Monuments.

What you see on site

The fortress is built on a rocky promontory, overlooking a chasm. Originally, the entire complex comprised approximately 400 structures, with their dry-stone foundations still visible. The circular enclosures aligned along the precipice form the most recognizable element of the site.

Below, you can clearly distinguish the abandoned agricultural terraces that once fed the valley. Your gaze extends across the precordillera landscape, sometimes crossed by condors soaring over the canyon. Vegetation around the site is dominated by candelabra cacti, present from 1,700 m altitude along the access road.

The visit is brief: allow approximately 1 hour on site to tour the structures and enjoy the viewpoints. The site is not marked with a closed circuit trail; you must take care near the edge of the chasm.

Practical information

• Altitude: 3,000 m. Prior acclimatization in Putre (3,500 m) or a gradual ascent from Arica is recommended to limit the effects of acute mountain sickness.
• Gear: closed-toe shoes, warm clothes and windbreaker (frequent wind on the promontory), strong sun protection, adequate water supply.
• Site access: generally free, with no permanent entrance. Conditions may change; check with the Arica or Putre tourism office before departing.
• Duration of visit: 30 minutes to 1 hour, to be incorporated into a longer day trip on Route 11.

When to visit

The Chilean altiplano experiences two distinct seasons. From May to October, the dry season offers clear skies, cool temperatures and passable roads: this is the most favorable period for visiting. Nights remain cold, sometimes dropping below 0°C in Putre.

From January to March occurs the "Andean winter" (invierno altiplánico), a season of rain and high-altitude storms. Route 11 may be occasionally closed or rendered slippery, and visibility from the site diminishes. Avoid this period if Pukara is a central objective of your itinerary.

How to get there

The site is located at kilometer 100 on Route 11, the international highway connecting Arica to the Bolivian border via Putre.

• From Arica: approximately 100 km via Route 11, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours of steady uphill driving. This axis is paved and well-maintained.
• From Putre: 38 km heading back down Route 11 toward Arica, approximately 45 minutes' drive.
• Transportation: private vehicle, car rental from Arica, or organized excursion combining Pukara, geoglyphs and Lauca Park. Regular public transport is rare on this stretch.

What to combine in the region

Pukara de Copaquilla integrates easily into an altiplano itinerary departing from Arica:

• Lauca National Park, further up Route 11, featuring Lake Chungará and the Payachatas volcanoes.
• Azapa Valley, near Arica, for its archaeological museum and Chinchorro mummies.
• Putre itself, capital of Parinacota Province, a classic acclimatization stop before heading to Lauca.

Further south, in the Atacama Desert, you'll find other must-sees of northern Chili such as El Tatio geysers or Los Flamencos National Reserve.

Plan your itinerary

Pukara de Copaquilla makes greatest sense integrated into a wider circuit spanning the Atacama Desert, altiplano and Andean villages. To build a tailor-made route through northern Chili, explore our Chili travel ideas.