Across remote highways in the Andes Mountains, small handmade shrines known locally as animitas are built to honor individuals who died in accidents at those precise locations. These shrines are often made from adobe, brick, or concrete and typically contain a cross, personal offerings, dried flowers, and candles. They serve as both spiritual memorials and cultural expressions. Locals believe these sites hold the lingering presence of the deceased’s soul, and some people stop to leave gifts or prayers. Unlike formal cemeteries, animitas are placed directly at the scene of death, often carved into hillsides or resting beside mountain roads. They reflect a deep-rooted blend of Catholic tradition and Indigenous belief in spirits and the afterlife.