Introduction

Aldea de Tulor is located in the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos in the village of Coyo within the commune of San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta. The national reserve was created on 17th October 1990 by Supreme Decree N°50 by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The route offers visitors the chance to see what remains of the very first settlements in the Atacama which date from 500BC to 800AD. This area is also protected as it is still the site of various archaeological excavations which have over the years given us a better insight into the lives of the first inhabitants of the sector: their traditions, social and domestic order, etc.

This reserve has also introduced a unique participation scheme in which Coyo’s indigenous community have, along with Conaf Antofagasta, established an association to implement ecotourism projects in the reserve.

Appropriate season

This part of the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos is open all year round, so you can visit this trail all year round.

Access

This part of the reserve can be reach via private transport, by bike, or as part of a tour organised in the village of San Pedro de Atacama. If you choose to visit as part of a tour, each company will give you an itinerary of what services are on offer. It costs approx. CLP$24,000 (USD$35) per person and often includes visits to other areas.

Private Transport

From the village of San Pedro de Atacama, some 98km to the southeast of Calama, follow route CH-23 head west for approx. 1km until you reach a turning leading south and which is signposted to the Aldea de Tulor See photo 1. This is a dirt road in good condition so can be transited by any type of vehicle. Continue along this road for approx. 3.6km until you come to a fork where you should take the road to the left (southwest) towards the village of Coyo. Continue for another approx. 1.7km until you come to another fork where you should this time turn right (southwest) See photo 2. Follow the road for another 1.5km, and you will see signs of the right hand side indicating the way to Aldea de Tulor. After this last turning, follow the route for approx. 1.2km until you reach the entrance point See photo 3. It should take around 30min from San Pedro de Atacama to this point.

Permits / Prices

The entry fees to the park are as follows: Chilean/foreign adults CLP$3000 (approx. US$6), senior citizens and students CLP$2500 (approx. USD$5).

Accommodation / Facilities

This area of the Reserva Nacional Los Flamecos has a car park beside the entrance as well as toilets.

Recommendations

• Pets are not allowed in the reserve.
• The entrance fee also gives you a guided tour given by members of the Coyo community, who can tell you more about the ruins. 
• Camping is prohibited within the reserve.
• Take drinking water with you as there is no source of water nearby.
• You can reach the Aldea de Tulor on foot if you wish to walk from San Pedro de Atacama. It takes 2h-3h one way. 

Gear

• Trekking boots or trainers
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Sun-glasses
• Sun protection

Schedule

1. San Pedro de Atacama – Aldea de Tulor – San Pedro de Atacama