A top archaeologist fears that the upcoming Dakar Rally – relocated to Argentina and Chile because of security fears – could damage important archaeological sites.

“It will be an avalanche of metal, smoke and roar of motors,” said Norma Ratto, head of the Argentine Association of Archaeologists.

The rally, which this year will feature more than 500 vehicles, was transferred from Africa because of terrorism concerns and will be held in South America from Jan. 3-18.

Ratto said the rally will speed through burial sites and other sacred areas in Patagonia, and in the northern province of Catamarca past “Palo Blanco,” an archaeological site that contains remains from 2,000-year-old villages.

“All of Argentina is a great archaeological reserve, dating from 10,000 years ago through to the expressions of the conquest of the Incas 500 years ago,” Ratto said.

However, Leonardo Alvarez, an official with the Argentine Tourism Secretariat, said “the last thing we would do is pass through protected or archaeological areas.”

“The company that's organising the rally, Amaury Sports Organisation, presented an environmental study that included archaeological risk and was approved by all the state governments,” said Alvarez, head of the Dakar Secretariat, created to help coordinate the rally.

But Ratto was skeptical.

“I don't believe what they say,” she said. “If they have reports, they should make them public.”

Five hundred and thirty teams will participate in the rally, with 82 trucks, 188 cars, 30 4×4s and 230 motorcycles will race along the 9,000 kilometres and cross over the Andes mountain range separating Argentina and Chile.

Sapa-AP

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