5 Curiosities Of The Atacama Giant

The Atacama Giant is an incredible figure found on the slope of Cerro Unita in the Atacama Desert, Chile. More precisely, we can see it in the immense Pampa Iluga, about 15 kilometers from Huara, a small town to the east of this great geoglyph.

Have you already heard about the Atacama giant? Whether you have knowledge about him or not, you probably have some doubts… If you would like to know more and learn more about this curious figure, you will want to know some curiosities about her!

Curiosities of the Atacama giant

This ancient geoglyph exhibits a very neat and skillful artistic technique. The first questions you may ask yourself are: how did they do it? For what purpose or purpose? How was it maintained over time? What meaning does this great figure have? This and more, we will answer below.

1. The largest in the world

The first big data has to do with its size, since the Atacama giant – or also known as the «Tarapacá giant» – is the largest prehistoric anthropomorphic geoglyph in the world! With its 119 meters long, this pre-Columbian figure manages to stand out by positioning itself first in relation to its size.

2. Made by ancient American civilizations

The Atacama giant was made by ancient civilizations on American lands. It is not a surprise that our ancestors around the world have left their mark on us through incredible constructions or cave paintings, but what is striking is how they could achieve such artistic or architectural works.

Undoubtedly, they are relics that we inherit and that we can, thanks to them, continue to enjoy and amaze ourselves. It is incredible to think that a figure like that of the Atacama giant, which is 1,500 years old, is still as “alive” as in the past.

3. Who is the giant of Atacama?

The next question you are likely to ask yourself is: who is the Atacama giant? It is said that his representation alludes to a shaman or yatiri , who in some cultures is a man who makes predictions, invokes spirits, possesses healing powers and is a wise counselor and guide, which is why he is used.

On the other hand, another widely accepted version maintains that its representation corresponds to an Andean deity from Tunupa —also called Talapaca or Tuapaca—. The myth says that he was a civilizing hero who made a journey from Lake Titicaca to the Pacific Ocean, where he finally disappeared.

4. For what purpose was the Atacama giant created?

Linked to the previous data, you may wonder why this great figure was created. It is believed that, due to its position on the slope of Cerro Unita and its large size, it served as an astronomical guide.

He was represented from the front, with his gaze towards the Pacific Sea, with his arms spread upwards and with other elements positioned on his knees, hips and around him. In addition, a headdress with a toothed shape or lines that come out of his head stands out.

Other figures accompany it – although the purpose of many is a mystery – and it is thought that they served as orientation for the ancient llama caravans, so they were very useful for orientation during the journey. They may also have made reference to other deities, or even religious practices.

5. A large collection of geoglyphs

The area has the largest collection of geoglyphs after the Nazca lines, located in southern Peru. The geoglyphs in the Atacama desert are more than 5000; the oldest dates from around 800 AD, and the most recent dates from the 16th century.

These are found in hills, valleys and desert plains and have different geometric shapes. In addition to the giant and the geometric figures, there are also representations that correspond to people carrying out different activities – such as hunting – and to animals. Next to the Atacama giant, there is a spotted feline and other linear motifs.

An exceptional figure of great value

The Atacama giant is, in short, an exceptional figure of great value. Its creation by the hand of ancient civilizations, its large size, its significance, its location, among other reasons, make this figure unique.

Together with the other geoglyphs that accompany it, the Atacama giant composes an incredible landscape that astonishes those who visit the desert. Would you go to this place to meet this emblematic figure?