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The Desert Speaks

Tracking Trade into the Chilean Andes

Host David Yetman takes viewers on unforgettable, bold explorations of desert landscapes. Through intriguing storytelling and stunning photography, viewers find out about the people, plants, animals and archaeology of arid regions throughout the New World. "The Desert Speaks" was produced for 19 seasons, and continues to air today.

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Tracking Trade into the Chilean Andes

Season 18 Episode 9 | 26m 20s | CC

In this episode, host David Yetman, historian Bill Beezley and Archeologist María José Figuerero trace the Atacama Desert Trade route from the Pacific coast to the Chilean Andes from sea level to 15,000 feet elevation. Though a modern paved road has replaced the ancient llama caravan trail, the road still connects the goods from the Andes with the marine resources from the coast.

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