Pukara de Lasana National Monument

Lasana Pukara, declared a National Monument, is a pre-Columbian fortress that was built on top of a cliff next to the Loa River. It is located next to the town of the same name. Built around the 12th century as a town-fortress, it currently preserves its old architecture of narrow streets, rectangular and circular buildings made of stone whose roofs were thought to be made of wood and mud.

Location

Region of Antofagasta, 258 km (161.25 mi) northwest. Calama is 45 km (28 mi) to the south. Map

When to go

Year-round

Attractions

Archeological sites, urban culture, picturesque route.

How to get there

Santiago-Calama: by airplane, by land. To arrive to Lasana departing from Calama you can opt to go directly to Pukara or pass through Chiu-Chiu first. In both cases you should leave Calama by taking the international route to Bolivia via Ollague (to the northeast), after 29 km take the left detour that leads to El Abra mine, and you will arrive to Pukara after 41 km on this paved route. If you decide not to opt for this detour, the route continues straight to Chiu-Chiu (paved road). Fom this point continue northwards on a gravel road, and you will come to a fork. Take the road to the left and just a little further down you will arrive in Lasana. See Transport

Activities

Cultural journey, photography. Activities Index

Services

No services available.

Surroundings

Chiu-Chiu, Pukara de Turi, baņos de Turi (thermal baths)