Tastil Ruins

About

High up in the Atacama Desert, the Tastil Ruins mark what was once a thriving Atacameño settlement. At its peak in the 15th century, the settlement spanned 400 households and over 2,000 inhabitants before an Inca siege brought about its downfall. The buildings here were built from sandstone, without the use of mortar, spiraling out from a central square built around a wanka (a sacred stone). While just the stacked stone foundations remain, the settlement’s organic layout makes it feel like you’re walking through a sprawling sculpture more than anything. So be sure to pay a visit to the small museum nearby to see the unearthed artifacts and get a better understanding of the people who lived here.