Chinguetti was founded to serve the caravans crossing the Sahara and became a focal point of Islamic culture.
The first houses in Chinguetti were built at the end of the 13th century. Stone and brown dried-mud (banco) were used. Palm-tree trunks and branches were used for roofing.
The place which used to have 20,000 inhabitants only has over 1,500 nowadays. who make a living out of tourism and deep wells (for agricultural purpose).

Typically, houses with patios crowd along narrow streets around a mosque with a square minaret. They illustrate a traditional way of life centred on the nomadic culture of the people of the western Sahara.
Chinguetti once was really venerated as one of the most holy cities in Islam (ranked, even today, as number 7).

Sleeping and eating is not easy in Chinguetti. Rooms are to be found, but there are not many of them, and the choice range is limited. Tent is not a bad idea, but beware where you put it, dunes are moving ...
When it comes to eating, some families hospitality could be your best bet. But an extreme lack of diversity in raw materials around here makes even a feast ordinary. But, who would travel all this way and expect four course meals?

Land Rover connections with Atar, 1 hour, US$5 one way. Connections to the even more remote Ouadane, are difficult and expensive, and have to be arranged in Chinguetti.