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The freedom to explore the outdoors by driving does not always align with the responsibility to protect nature. Off-road enthusiasts across the Americas have frequently contributed to environmental damage, often compounding the issue when they become stranded. This troubling behavior has persisted in the highlands of Chile, where off-roading has inflicted “irreversible” harm on ancient artworks carved into the desert over thousands of years.
Recent reports from The New York Times have shed light on the detrimental effects of off-roaders on Chilean geoglyphs in the Atacama Desert. These massive earthworks, created as long as 3,000 years ago, have largely remained intact thanks to the Atacama’s distinctive climate. Anyone familiar with BBC’s Top Gear episode featuring the desert may recall the remark, “it has never rained.” This absence of precipitation has preserved the land’s features for approximately 25 million years, which benefits those who created the monumental carvings. Unfortunately, this preservation also poses challenges for those who wish to protect them from off-road vehicles.
The Fundación Desierto de Atacama, as reported by NYT, has been raising concerns over the treatment of these ancient sites for years, as off-roaders frequently use them for recreational purposes. Despite clear signage prohibiting vehicles in these areas, various vehicles, from rental bikes to personal SUVs, industrial trucks, and rally cars, continue to traverse this historic art. A recent drone survey of one impact area revealed the extent to which some of these symbols have been nearly erased.
“Seeing the drone footage was unbelievable,” Dr. Pimentel told NYT. “The damage is irreversible. […] Vehicle tracks, like the geoglyphs, will remain there.”
Luis Pérez Reyes from the Regional Museum of Iquique described the situation as “a tragedy,” calling the damage a “museum of ‘never again.’”
According to the Fundación Desierto de Atacama, Chilean authorities have fallen short in safeguarding these cultural heritage sites, allowing events like the Atacama Rally to proceed without proper oversight of the course. While race organizers assert that no routes traverse the geoglyphs, regional officials report that organizers have not provided GPS data to substantiate their claims. Local residents are also concerned that this damage may jeopardize the archaeological tourism industry. However, taking legal action against reckless individuals is rare, largely due to challenges in proving which specific vehicle caused the destruction.
Although not all glyph sites have suffered equal damage—some merely showing signs of wear while others have been nearly obliterated—the potential for worsening conditions remains high as long as off-road enthusiasts neglect their role in this issue. While it may be unjust to hold responsible individuals accountable for the actions of a few, a pervasive disrespect for natural spaces can be observed among all drivers. Regardless of their affiliation with established enthusiast groups, the risk of harming these treasured sites threatens the enjoyment and preservation of such environments for everyone.
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