The mysterious aura of Peru is expressed in a variety of manifestations, as if rising to the surface from the depths of its mysteries and secrets. This is not only a place that, according to scientists, was populated by a sensible civilization, one of the first on earth, but also a repository of amazing and incomprehensible objects, one of which is the Andean candelabrum
The Andean chandelier, also called the Candelabra of Paracas, is a giant geoglyph on the slope of a huge sandy mountain in the Pacific bay of the Paracas Peninsula, near the small Peruvian town of Pisco. The geoglyph traced on the surface of the sandy mountain stretched for 128 m in length and almost 100 m in width, the thickness of its lines is from 0, 5 to 4 m, and the depth is up to 2 m.
In form, the figure really looks like a huge candlestick with three candles, which is clearly visible not only from a bird's eye view, but also from the sea. In recent years Andean candelabrum has become one of the most popular sights of these places, also becoming the object of close attention of world historians, ethnographers and archeologists.
Andean candelabrum is declared a part of the Paracas National Reserve, but, unfortunately, is constantly being raided by treasure hunters and motocross lovers, which makes the question of its protection particularly relevant. The Andean candelabrum can be safely called one of the most fascinating riddles of the planet. A traveler who has arrived here and has seen a geoglyph with his own eyes is unlikely to forget the mystical and penetrating feeling that embraces a person standing on the edge of the unknown abyss.
Legends of the Andes chandelier
On the origin and purpose of the candelabra, there are many hypotheses that have not yet been confirmed. Some believe that the drawing carries a sacred character, as if this is a peculiar appeal to descendants, left by the Spanish monk Ramon Rojas. Others think that the geoglyph represents the "Tree of Life", which was a cult symbol of ancient cultures, an object of worship of the inhabitants of the Pisco-Paracas region.
At the same time, some experts are sure that the candelabra is connected with the Nazca plateau lines. Although there are tens of kilometers of desert and sea between them. In general, this is an old, as the world, Peruvian mystery.
Due to its proximity to the ocean, the Andean candelabrum has gained a lot of explanations related to water: according to one version it is a sign of filibusters who hid here after the commission of their sea atrocities; on the other, it is a kind of landmark warning seafarers and denoting an unsafe zone of strong winds. There are rumors that local fishermen are still grateful to receive the help of a giant sign, visible from the sea a few miles away, which helps them to return home faster.
Surprising is the fact that time was not powerful over the symbol engraved on the sandy slope, the date of origin of which is still unknown. But there is no doubt that the geoglyph has survived many centuries, and quite possibly - even millennia. Neither strong sea winds nor stormy sandstorms could erase the Andean candelabrum from the face of the earth.
How to get here
The best Andean candelabrum can be seen from the sea. There is a possibility to go on a boat from El Chaco to the islands of Balestas. By car you can drive from Lima to Pisco in 6 hours, and from there you can sail by boat for about 20 minutes.
| Andean Candelabrum |
| View of Andean Candelabrum |