Tilcara is the site of an important pre-Hispanic settlement and this is the restored hilltop fortress with magnificent panoramic views of the gorge. These pictures don't capture the spirit of the place which was truly palpable - we knew we were on a site of extraordinary beauty and ancient wisdom. In their humble adobe dwellings, they made food, jewellery, pots and ate the local hallucinogenic plants - can you imagine what a bad day it must've been when they saw the Spanish army approaching, brandishing crosses and swords?!
