- Address: Antofagasta, Región de Antofagasta, Chile;
- Area: 31,2 hectares;
- Dimensions: height - 43 m, width - 23 m, length - 70 m.
Some natural monuments surprise with their unusual and beautiful. They include the arch of La Portada, which is located 18 km from the Chilean city of Antofagasta . The object is a tourist value, which tourists from all countries aspire to see.
Arch of La Portada - description
Arch of La Portada refers to one of the most popular places in Chile , which are most often visited by tourists. In accordance with the hypotheses put forward by scientists, its age is more than 2 million years. It was formed as a result of the influence of wind and sea water on sedimentary rocks, caves of bizarre forms were formed. In appearance, the object resembles a gate that is surrounded by coastal rocks, with a height of up to 52 m. The arch has quite impressive dimensions: height - 43 m, width - 23 m, length - 70 m, covers an area of 31.27 hectares.
Since 1990, La Portada has been awarded the title of a natural monument of Chile. In a certain period, the integrity of the object was seriously threatened: some rocks began to collapse and access to the shore was blocked. Therefore, from 2003 to 2008, access to the archway for tourists was closed.
What to see for tourists?
Tourists caught in these notable places can make an excursion along two specially designed trails:
- the upper is located at an altitude of 50 m above sea level, its length is 70 m, the route can be traversed in 10 minutes. Going along this road, along the way you can visit the Biology Museum of Mirador. People can also take advantage of the road with disabilities;
- the second road is more complicated, it contains a ladder that is close to the sea shore, the journey time will take 40 minutes. Currently the route does not function. Since 2013, it was closed due to the risk of rockfalls.
The area around the arch is characterized by a very rich fauna, it is inhabited by penguins, sea lions, ducks, motley gull, Peruvian gannet and guanai cormorant. Numerous jellyfish, octopus, dolphins, sea turtles and sharks swim in the sea.
How to get to the arch?
To reach the arch of La Portada you can take the Antofagasta road, the path should be kept to the upper road. Nearby are convenient parking, exhibition halls and a restaurant.