When flying over the desert of the Altiplano plateau in western Bolivia, a fascinating sight awaits. Thousands of impeccably straight paths are etched into the ground of the Andean landscape, forming an intricate network of geoglyphs known as the Sajama Lines. They’ve even been described as the largest work of art in the world.
These enigmatic markings can be found within the confines of Sajama National Park—protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and were painstakingly created over a span of 3,000 years by the indigenous people residing near the majestic extinct Sajama volcano. Experts remain puzzled by the origins and purpose of the Sajama geoglyphs, while their scale and precision continue to challenge our understanding of the technology and knowledge of ancient civilizations.
The Andean desert landscape at Sajama National Park, home to the mysterious Sajama Lines. ( Florian / Adobe Stock)
Exploring the Magnitude and Purpose of the Sajama Lines
The Sajama Lines, stretching across a vast area of approximately 22,525 square kilometers (8,700 sq mi), form an intricate web of perfectly straight paths amidst the awe-inspiring landscape of Bolivia’s Altiplano plateau. This expansive region is characterized by majestic snow-capped peaks, high-altitude plains and the resilient queñoa trees that dot the terrain. Ground-level exploration offers only a glimpse of the Sajama Lines’ scale, but satellite imagery reveals the true magnitude of this ancient geoglyphic network.
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