The Desert Speaks

Coastal Civilizations of Ancient Peru

South American archaeological expert Axel Nielsen guides host David Yetman through the Royal Tombs of Sipán, which house some of the richest gold artifacts in the world. They trek to Huaca del Sol and Huaca del Luna, immense pyramids that emphasize the duality and symbolism of the pre-Incan societies. The last archeological stop is Chan Chan, an area known for its walls of design and decoration.

Coastal Civilizations of Ancient Peru

26m 20s

  • Baja Boojums: Bizarre Plants: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Baja Boojums: Bizarre Plants

    S13 E13 - 26m 14s

    Turning inland, the intrepid travelers begin a thorough investigation into the weird, wild plants of Baja California. They quickly encounter the mystical, mythical Boojum tree. One of the oddest plants imaginable, the Boojum tree is leafless for most of the year and looks a bit like an upturned turnip. Along the continuing journey to the Pacific side, the wonders of Baja unfold.

  • Baja People: Oases/Mountains: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Baja People: Oases/Mountains

    S13 E12 - 26m 14s

    Adorning the walls in a dry cave are the musing and memories of the ancient people who eked out a living in this inhospitable land. These pictographs are world famous for their depiction of the lives and legends of the ancient, vanished Cochimi Indians. Halfway across the peninsula, our group visits the top of the Sierra del San Francisco Mountains.

  • Baja Journeys: Volcanoes/Oceans: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Baja Journeys: Volcanoes/Oceans

    S13 E11 - 26m 14s

    The journey through Baja California begins on the twice-weekly ferry from the Mexican mainland port of Guaymas. After disembarking from the ferry, the exploration begins around the coastal town of Santa Rosalia. This area provides some of the best cultural, historical and natural history treasure found on the Gulf side of Baja California.

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