Archaeological sites in Peru face damage from mining and unauthorized construction

The Decentralized Directorate of Culture (DDC) in Ica has reported that 88 points within the Nasca and Palpa archaeological polygons have been affected by various interventions. According to DDC Ica Director Luis Enrique Mendoza, these damages are linked to illegal mining, land invasions, and the presence of agro-exporting companies. In the Mollaque sector of Palpa, inspections revealed the installation of mine shafts and camps with vehicle access, posing a direct threat to the Nasca Lines and surrounding geoglyphs.

In a separate incident, the DDC in Áncash reported damage to the historic Camino Real de Maraycalle in the Fitzcarrald province. Unauthorized work to open a vehicle track caused direct damage to a secondary historical path and approached the main pre-Hispanic road network. Authorities have initiated administrative sanctioning procedures to determine responsibility for these interventions.