Saywas y Geografía Sagrada en el Qhapaq Ñan del Despoblado de Atacama

Research on the Qhapaq Ñan, an Andean road system in the Atacama Desert, reveals significant astronomical alignments at two saywas (ceremonial structures) within the Salar de Punta Negra. The study finds that Tocomar and Vaquillas are aligned with the sunrise during the winter solstice and equinox, respectively, suggesting a deliberate integration of celestial events into the ancient road system's design. This interdisciplinary investigation combines ethnohistoric, archaeological, and astronomical data to explore the symbolic significance and spatial organization of these sites, contributing new insights into the cultural and environmental context of the Qhapaq Ñan in this arid region.

Sanhueza, C., Berenguer, J., González, C., González, C., Cortés, J., Martín, S., & Cruz, J. (2020). SAYWAS Y GEOGRAFÍA SAGRADA EN EL QHAPAQ ÑAN DEL DESPOBLADO DE ATACAMA. Chungará (Arica), (ahead), 0. https://doi.org/10.4067/s0717-73562020005001801