In the Atacama Desert of northern Chile can be found another cluster of Pre-Columbian Geoglyphs. 

They were discovered in 1961 by James Kieghlev, while performing an aerial survey of the region,  Some of the geoglyphs are as large as 300 ft/100 meters.  A later survey by geologist Robert Hamilton and engineer Emil de Bruyne resulted in the realization that the region was, at one point, populated by large agriculturally based culture with large settlements and ceremonial centers.

The largest of the geoglyphs is "EL GIGANTE" (the "Giant"), which is almost 400 ft long (120 meters).

To date, on the hill-sides of Atacama, have been found representations of: humans, animals, and geometric designs.  The appears to use similar techniques to those found on the Nazca Plateau of Peru.  Unfortunately, access to these geoglyphs is restricted by lack of roads, making a walking trek necessary to view them.

Peru & The Nazca Plateau Website Menu:

click photosto enlarge -- external link -- internal link  »

Chile's Atacama Desert

The Atacama Is An Unrelenting Desert With Almost No Rainfall In The Mountain Shadow Of The Andes

Alternating Sand And Salt Desert

There are over 5,000 prehistoric geoglyphs in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, and like the Nazca lines of Peru, they are mysterious, beautiful and awe-inspiring.

Although we can't know the entire reason they were built, researcher Luis Briones believes they are part sign post and part story-telling along a transportation network connecting the South American civilizations in combined commercial and religious travel led by caravans of llamas.

The Atacama geoglyphs can be found alone or in groups some as many as 65 geoglyphs. The smallest figure is about 1 meter tall and the largest the Atacama Giant 115 meters high. They are found near major trade routes in the area and like many geoglyphs can be best seen from the air. Dating these geoglyphs is very difficult as newer ones have been overlaid, there is some evidence that they may be at least 2500 years old.

The Atacama (Cerro Unitas) "Giant"

The Atacama "Giant" Geoglyph

Note What Appears To Be A Small Animal
Hanging From The Giant's Left Hand (image right)

Chiza Geoglyphs

These geoglyphs use both the voiding process of clearing/removing the desert pavement and enhancing with piling stones and gravel

Geoglyphs or ancient agriculture?

Chug Chug Geoglyphs

There Are Numerous Geoglyphs But They Are Far
Between And Access Is Very Difficult!

Designs with llamas is a constant recurring theme.

Cerro Sagrada • Azapa Valley Geoglyphs

Note the "aircraft" shape in the upper left.  Of course,
it is most likely just a human!