About
The Quilmes Ruins, also known as the Ruinas de Quilmes or Pucará de Quilmes, are a pre-Columbian archaeological site set in the Santa María area of Tucumán province, in northwestern Argentina. The facts available describe them as the ruins of the largest pre-Hispanic settlement in Argentina, built by the Quilmes people between 850 and 1667 AD.
The site is an attraction for anyone interested in the region's deep past. Its stone remains spread across the hillside give a sense of how large and organised the settlement once was, and the long span of years it covers makes the visit a reflection on continuity as well as ruin.
What to expect
- A heritage site of the pre-Hispanic period, suited to visitors who enjoy archaeology and history.
- A quiet, open-air setting that rewards slow walking and close looking.
- A location on Ruta Provincial 357, in the Santa María area of Tucumán.
Planning your visit
For current details before you travel, you can call the site on +54 3892 421-075. Because the ruins are outdoors and spread over a considerable area, it is sensible to bring water, sun protection and sturdy footwear. The Santa María area also offers a base for exploring the wider region around the ruins.
If you are drawn to the ancient history of northwestern Argentina, the Quilmes Ruins make a focused and memorable stop.