Hidden Overgrown Runways: Mysterious Structures in the Amazon Rainforest

Abandoned Landing Strips in the Jungle

Deep in the Amazon Rainforest, satellite imagery reveals rectangular patches of lower vegetation, remnants of what appear to be overgrown landing strips. These mysterious structures, scattered across the region, hint at a history of human activity in one of the world’s most remote and inaccessible areas.

Theories About Their Origins

These hidden runways have sparked speculation about their purpose, with theories ranging from legitimate uses to more illicit activities:

• Gold Extraction Sites (Garimpos): Many of these landing strips were likely used to support garimpos, or illegal gold mining operations. Once the resources were depleted, the sites were abandoned, allowing the rainforest to reclaim the land.
• Cartel Operations: Some suggest the runways may have been used by drug cartels for smuggling operations, given the Amazon’s vast, hard-to-police terrain.

A Fascinating Digital Discovery

Dozens of these former landing strips can be found in the region, all overgrown but still visible through satellite imagery. Their rectangular shapes stand out against the dense canopy, offering a glimpse into the Amazon’s hidden history of resource exploitation and shadowy operations.