In Chile’s Atacama Desert, archaeologists have discovered some of the world’s oldest naturally preserved mummies—older even than Egypt’s. The desert’s extreme dryness, mineral-rich soil, and harsh climate have kept bodies intact for thousands of years, protecting skin, hair, and even clothing. The secret lies in a combination of environmental factors that create one of the most effective natural preservation systems on Earth.
The Atacama is one of the driest places in the world, receiving almost no rainfall. The air is so dry that bacteria responsible for decomposition cannot survive. When a body is buried in this environment, the lack of moisture stops microbial activity almost immediately.
Next comes the soil. Much of the Atacama contains natural salts and nitrates. These minerals draw moisture out of organic materials, a process similar to drying fruit. As the body loses water, tissues shrink and harden, becoming resistant to decay.
Cold desert nights also play a role. Temperatures drop rapidly after sunset, slowing chemical reactions that normally break down tissues. Over long periods, this cycle of heat, extreme dryness, and chilly nights effectively mummifies bodies without human intervention.
The ancient Chinchorro people, who lived along the coast, enhanced this natural process. They buried their dead in shallow graves close to salty ground, where the desert’s climate helped preserve them. Some mummies are over 7,000 years old, yet still remarkably intact.
The Atacama’s unique combination of minerals, dryness, and temperature changes acts like a natural preservation chamber, keeping history frozen in time.