The Tambo of Quillota

Abstract

The existence since 1536 of a Camino Real that crossed through Quillota and which is associated with the tambo is supported by various sources. It has been repeatedly called the “tambo viejo." Its location has been probably traditional since 1561 because the building built by the Spaniards only has continued the occupation in the same space such as the tambo since the Inca period. It is possible that the sector has been densely populated by indigenous of Quillota, which could be also an ancient trace even before of the Hispanic and Inca periods. In 1577-80 a strong earthquake ruined the tambo and the road was transferred, and another tambo was built toward the center of the valley, crossing agricultural lands and existing residences, being almost abandoned both the old road as the original tambo.