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Alero de Taira, some 75 kilometres north-east of the city of Calama, is a world-famous archaeological site in northern Chile, renowned for its exceptional rock art. It is regarded as one of the most important centres of pre-Columbian art in South America. The main feature consists of intricate engravings and paintings estimated to be between 2,000 and 2,800 years old. These are highly detailed depictions of llamas, often accompanied by herders. – The striking, pointed snow-capped peak on the far left in the background is Volcán San Pedro (6,145 m). Right next to it (to the right of it in the picture) is its twin volcano, Volcán San Pablo (6,092 m). These two majestic volcanoes form an unmistakable twin-peaked massif in the Atacama region. – Chile – 1976

The Taira Valley in the upper reaches of the Río Loa in northern Chile. The waters of the Río Loa flow through the deeply incised canyon, creating a narrow, green oasis of vegetation amidst the otherwise extremely inhospitable, arid desert landscape. Striking volcanoes, such as the nearby San Pedro, rise up in the background. The canyon is world-famous for its archaeological site, in particular the Taira rock shelter (Alero). It is home to some of the most complex rock paintings and petroglyphs in South America. The fine lines mainly depict llamas and served as a ritual plea to the gods by indigenous herders of the Atacameño culture for the fertility of their herds. – Chile – 1976

Rock paintings at Taira on the Río Loa in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile. These engraved and painted depictions of llamas are attributed to the Neolithic Atacameños. - Book: Picture 41 - Chile - 1976