Incaguasi, ''donde dormían las carretas''. arqueología de un lugar de paso en el valle del Alto Loa, desierto de Atacama

Abstract

This paper aims to make a contribution to the study of the human circulation in internodal spaces by studying passing places in arid and semi-arid zones. Research focuses in a specific locality: Incaguasi (Antofagasta Region, Chile), a currently uninhabited landscape in the upper ravine of the Loa river, a crossing point to travellers from at least AD 1200. Archaeological and historical records have permitted us to unveil the occupational history of Incaguasi as a transito staging post, the activities carried on this place over eight centuries, and changes and continuities over the Late Intermediate, Late or Inka, Colonial, Bolivian and Chilean periods.