Salar de Punta Negra

Salar de Punta Negra, located in Chile's Antofagasta Region, is a significant archaeological site characterized by its saltpan environment and evidence of early human activities. The site is of particular interest due to the presence of projectile points and other artifacts that indicate the exploitation of historic wetlands during wetter phases in the region's past. The presence of archeological sites, including furnaces and roads, suggests that the area was part of a broader cultural network, possibly linked to the Inca civilization through existing roads such as a major highway built in the late 15th century CE. The site's history reflects a dynamic environmental past influenced by climatic shifts and human adaptations, making it a valuable location for understanding prehistoric human settlements and activities in the Andean region.