At the beginning of the year, I embarked on an exhilarating journey to South America, where I explored four countries over the course of one and a half months. Among all the captivating sites in Chile, the most enchanting was the lesser-known Desert Hand. Officially named “Mano del Desierto” on the map, this striking sculpture is situated at the edge of the Atacama Desert, alongside Route 5 of the Pan-American Highway, about 1.
5 hours from the nearest city, Antofagasta. This monumental hand, crafted by a talented artist, has stood in the desert for over three decades. Its placement in such a desolate area makes it truly unique, and when I first saw it, it reminded me of the Five Finger Mountain.
Nestled in the Atacama Desert, often referred to as the “driest place on Earth”—a location that even Professor Do from “My Love from the Star” claimed to be his favorite on Earth—this area is so arid that it is virtually uninhabitable. The lack of clouds and minimal light pollution create an ideal setting for stargazing, making it a haven for astronomy enthusiasts.
🌟There is no public transportation available; you can only reach the site by car.
🌟Entry is free, but be sure to bring your own water and snacks, as there are no facilities nearby.
🌟The best time to visit is two hours before sunset. For stargazing, any night that is not a full moon is perfect. If you aim to capture the Milky Way, plan to stay until the late hours of the night.
🌟Despite its remote location, visitors continue to arrive from dusk until around 1 or 2 in the morning, drawn by the surreal atmosphere.
🌟If you’re not feeling particularly brave, it’s best not to go alone. My group of four spent the entire night, from 4 PM to 4 AM, taking photos and experienced some rather eerie moments.
🌟Please refrain from defacing the sculpture. The red patch beneath the palm is a result of too many uncivilized tourists leaving their marks, leading to the need for a fresh coat of paint.
@Captain Tuber @Life Tuber @City Light Travel
