Cerro Pulpera is a single component Early Pacajes site located on the southern boundary of the modern community of Chiripa, though portions of the sherd scatter do extend into the Tiwanaku Valley community of Chivo. It should be noted that although the site was recorded in the Taraco Peninsula archaeological survey, it is in fact located on the edge of the Tiwanaku Valley. It should really be considered as part of the Lower Tiwanaku Valley settlement system (see [Albarracín-Jordan 1992,Albarracín-Jordan 1996a]).
The scatter covers 3.23 ha, and is located on the upper slopes of a low cerro, and in an adjacent saddle to the east. No ceramics seem to be located on the peak of the cerro itself. Whether this reflects more intense erosion on the summit, more wind exposure, or some other factor is unknown.
Cerro Pulpera is unusual in that it is the only example of a pukara on the Taraco Peninsula. The cobble foundations of a double-faced wall are still evident cutting across the ridge sloping down from the hilltop to the north. Some cobbles are scattered on the surface nearby, suggesting that there were a few more stone course overlying the visible foundations. The remainder of the wall was most likely of adobe, as were almost all structures on the Taraco Peninsula in all prehistoric and historic period. The wall delimits the northern edge of the ceramic scatter, and blocks access to the site from the northern ridge. This is most definitely the point of easiest access, and it was for this reason that it was fortified.
Though the wall described above does qualify the site as a pukara, there is no evidence of other fortifications. It is only a weakly-fortified settlement. The southern approaches to the site are very steep and require no further fortifications. However, approaches from the east and west are relatively easy - though not so easy as the fortified north ridge - and show no evidence of defensive features.
Certain areas of the site, especially the saddle to the east of the hilltop, have a high surface ceramic density, indicating substantial habitation. Also, the site in general has a higher than usual frequency of decorated serving bowls, suggesting that it was the residence of a local leader of some kind, and a locus of ritual hospitality. With a population index value of 170, it is the second-largest Early Pacajes site recorded on the peninsula. There is no standing architecture.