Settlement pattern
Their settlements were usually established in inland ravines and oases, on high ground beside freshwater springs and at altitudes of 1000–1200 meters. Their farm fields were located nearby. One of the most outstanding Pica sites identified to date is the village of San Lorenzo de Tarapacá, which contains a large number of enclosures built close together, with paths resembling roads running between them. This village was built at the peak of the Pica culture, and was probably the “headquarters” of this society. Caserones is another major site, also located in the Tarapacá ravine, that consists of numerous rectangular structures enclosed by a defensive wall.