This paper presents the archaeological record for five late  pre-Hispanic sites located in Caspana, in order to discuss Inca expansion in the upper river Loa basin (Atacama  Desert). A first categorization of these sites enables to establish a distinction between: a) locals settlements with low presence of inca features –the case of Aldea Talikuna and Estancia Mulorojte; b) pure inca settlements, which include  Cerro Verde, Incahuasi Inca and Vega Salada –mineral, agricultural and/or cattle sites, and c) shared settlements where both identities are displayed in a symbolically laden context –like Los Abuelos cemetery. Our analysis of the material culture associated to these sites suggests a set of significant differences and similarities that would be the result of a direct and planned ruling strategy deployed by the Inca State through elaborately complex symbolical means.