An unusual sculpture is located in northern Chile, in one of the world’s driest Atacama Desert, washed by the Pacific Ocean from the west.
The location of the monument is quite symbolic… the Atacama Desert is one of the hottest and most difficult deserts in the world to explore.
The Monument “Hand of the Desert” (Mano del desierto), 11 meters high, was erected by the Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrázabal in 1992.
The opening of the sculpture took place in 1992 with the support of the Corporación Pro Antofagasta Foundation. The monument made of reinforced concrete is in perfect harmony with the surrounding desert landscapes, despite the complex location, tourists visit the sculpture literally every day.
Access : Coordinates: -24.158336, -70.156544 / The monumental “Hand of the Desert” is located 75 km south of the city of Antofagasta, near the legendary Pan-American Highway. At the city exit, take Route 26 or Route 28 to the intersection with Route 5, which is part of the Pan-American Highway. The sculpture is located a couple of hundred meters from the road.
Highlights :
- The significance of the monument is very symbolic, it is intended to remind people that they were and remain powerless in front of the natural elements.
- A smaller copy of the hand is located on the central beach of Punta del Este.a popular resort town in Uruguay..Often a surreal object is involved in video filming of advertisements and clips.
- According to the author himself, he was inspired by the Stonehenge dolmens and archaic moai on Easter Island
Activities : Scenic Driving- Auto Touring / Adventuring / photo opportunities / trekking.
Go next : The nearest settlement, with which the sculpture is separated by about 75 km, is the city of Antofagast / 77 km – Arch of La Portada.
