Nov 16 - Archeology and Flamingos

In the morning we had an archaeological tour.

First we visited a 3000 year old pre-Columbian village. We saw lots of artifacts that have been dug up (like us in Lake County, the only thing they know is based on trash piles and remnants left behind). Based on the various cultures reflected in their artifacts, they believe they were on a major road which allowed for much trading with other peoples.

 Oldest excavated ruins. Note circles in background.

 We could see the placement of the homes based on the ground - about  one or two feet of the walls were sticking above the sand. The houses were interconnected circles. Then we found out we were seeing the top of the homes. The homes have been buried over the years by blowing sand. 

Licancabur from re-creation doorway

They also had a re-creation of two houses. The doors of the homes faced the largest mountain, Licancabur, or "Mountain of the People". It was a special mountain to the early people, because it fed them.  

You see, this whole area is in the Atacama Desert. San Pedro, where we are staying is an oasis in the desert (never thought I'd stay at an oasis!), as is the area where the horses are built. It only rains 3-4 times a year. The oasis is watered by melting snow from the area mountains. So, in essence, Licancabur, being the largest mountain, fed the early people.

Next we visited Pukara de Quitor, a fortress from the 12th C. It was built on the side of the mountain, and the only entrance was at the top, so they could clearly see anybody trying to invade and protect themselves. It saved them from the Incan invasion, but, unfortunately, not the Spanish invasion in the 16th C.

There were artifacts at this site too. It's amazing to me how many things were similar to our natives. I liked the large cactus needles they used as knitting needles.

In the afternoon, we passed by ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter Array), the largest viewer of the sky, picking up space objects 100 times faster than before. It is operated by multiple countriesI. This is a perfect site for it because i'd the high altitude and lack of clouds (like rain, there is seldom a cloud in sky). 

We stopped at Eglesia San Pedro. Thre front door is made it of a unique cactus here. The holes used to tie the bark  together is natural. It is from the quills on the cactus. The cactus has a bark-like covering over a hard interior (more like trees than traditional cacti). 

The afternoon was spent enjoying flamingos, followed by another beautiful sunset and snacks with wine. We had hoped to see a predator hunting the flamingos, but no luck.

Bonus pictures: 

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