History of the place

The Atacameños, Atacamas or Licanantay, which in their language means "the inhabitants of the territory", are descendants of the San Pedro archaeological culture, whose antecedents can be traced back at least 1,500 years. At the beginning of the 15th century, the Inca ruler Túpac Yupanqui conquered the Atacameños' territories, reorganizing them socially and politically, imposing, at the same time, a new religion - the cult of the sun - and changing some rites such as, for example, the ceremonial consumption of hallucinogenic substances for that of coca leaves.

The sections of the Inca road network that connected the Atacama salt flat with the highlands and the current Argentine northwest correspond to this period. The arrival of the Spanish conquerors to the Atacameños oasis around 1536 was resisted during the first decades by the indigenous population and only in 1556 the area was definitively pacified through the peace treaty of Suipacha. At the end of the 16th century, the colonial period began in the area with its subsequent grants of land, encomiendas and evangelization, reaching the town of San Pedro to reach macro-regional geopolitical relevance. During the 17th century, the Atacameños suffered strong cultural and technological changes, such as the introduction of mule cattle, and a progressive depopulation of the area also began. In the 18th century, in the face of the crisis and transformations that the Andean indigenous world was experiencing, the messianic uprisings of Túpac Amaru and Tomás Catari germinated, extending to Atacama under the leadership of Tomás Paniri, a native of the area.

After becoming independent from Spain in 1824, ending the colonial period, Atacama became part of the Republic of Bolivia, developing greatly thanks to an active mercantilism in which it was involved. At the end of the War of the Pacific in 1883, the region was annexed to Chile. Under Chilean rule, the region's economy was first focused on saltpeter exploitation and later on copper, leading to migration, the proletarianization of the indigenous population and the usurpation of the territory's water resources for industrial needs. Currently, 21,015 people identify themselves as Atacameños or Licanantai, representing 3.04% of the Chilean indigenous population.

The arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century marked the beginning of a new era for the people of San Pedro de Atacama. The region was incorporated into the Spanish Empire, and the Atacameños, like many other indigenous peoples, were subjected to a system of domination that profoundly altered their way of life.

The process of conquest was long and often violent, with numerous battles between the Spanish and the indigenous communities. However, the Atacameños were eventually subjugated and forced to accept Spanish authority. The imposition of the Catholic religion was one of the most powerful tools of control. Missionaries came to the region to evangelize the indigenous people, building churches and establishing parishes in the main settlements.

Churches built during the colonial era, such as the Church of San Pedro de Atacama, are examples of religious architecture that combines European influences with local elements. These structures, made of adobe and roofed with cactus wood, are a symbol of the fusion of cultures that occurred during colonization. Although Catholicism was imposed, many aspects of the indigenous worldview survived, being syncretically integrated into religious practices.

During the colonial period, the Atacameños were subjected to the encomienda system, in which they were forced to work for Spanish encomenderos in exchange for protection and Christian teaching. This system, although theoretically intended to protect the indigenous people, resulted in the exploitation and decline of the indigenous population due to the harsh working conditions and diseases brought by the Europeans.

The 19th century was an era of rediscovery for San Pedro de Atacama, as explorers, scientists, and archaeologists began systematically exploring the region. These explorers were fascinated by the ruins and artifacts they found, leading to important archaeological discoveries that revealed the sophistication of pre-Columbian civilizations.

One of the most important discoveries in the region was that of the mummies of the Atacameños. These mummies, many of which are in an exceptional state of preservation thanks to the dry desert climate, offer a unique insight into the funerary customs and daily life of the ancient inhabitants. The mummies were buried with offerings, including food, tools, and ceramic objects, suggesting beliefs in an afterlife.

The R.P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum, founded in 1963, has become one of the leading centers for research and conservation of Atacameño history. This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including textiles, tools, and ceramics, that showcase the artistic and technical skill of the Atacameños. In addition, the museum conducts ongoing research and archaeological excavations in the region, which has allowed for a greater understanding of pre-Hispanic cultures.

Scientific expeditions also revealed the extraordinary geological richness of the Atacama Desert. Known for its Martian landscape, the desert is a natural laboratory for the study of geological processes, and has attracted geologists and astronomers from around the world. The extreme dryness and clear sky have made the desert an ideal place for astronomical observation, and today, it houses some of the most advanced telescopes on the planet.

In recent decades, San Pedro de Atacama has experienced a boom in tourism, becoming one of the most popular destinations in Chile and South America. This growth has transformed the local economy, but has also posed significant challenges in terms of sustainability and cultural preservation.

Tourism in San Pedro de Atacama began to develop in earnest in the 1980s, when the first foreign backpackers and adventurers began to discover the unique desert landscapes. As San Pedro's fame grew, so did the tourist infrastructure, with the construction of hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies offering excursions to the Valley of the Moon, the Tatio Geysers, and other sites of interest.

However, the rapid growth in tourism has also had negative effects. The influx of tourists has put pressure on the region's water resources, which are already scarce due to the extremely dry climate. In addition, increased traffic and construction has affected the integrity of the landscape and put archaeological and cultural sites at risk. In response, local authorities and indigenous communities have implemented measures to control the impact of tourism, promoting sustainable practices and educating visitors about the importance of preserving the environment.