At the beginning of the year, I embarked on an exhilarating journey to South America, where I explored four countries in just one and a half months. Among all the stunning places in Chile, the one that captivated me the most was the lesser-known Desert Hand.
Officially known as the Hand of the Desert, this striking landmark is situated at the edge of the Atacama Desert, along Route 5 of the Pan-American Highway. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from the nearest city, Antofagasta. This colossal hand, a sculpture created by a visionary 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 laid eyes on it, I couldn’t help but think of the Five Finger Mountain.
The Atacama Desert, often referred to as the “driest place on Earth,” is a place of extraordinary beauty and stark contrasts. It’s the very spot that Professor Do from the popular drama “My Love from the Star” declared as his favorite on Earth. The extreme aridity, which makes it nearly uninhabitable, also means there are no clouds and minimal light pollution, creating an ideal setting for stargazing.
🌟There is no public transportation to reach this remote location; you must drive yourself.
🌟Entry is free, but be sure to bring your own water and snacks, as the area is barren.
🌟The optimal time to visit is two hours before sunset. For stargazing, any night except during a full moon is perfect. If capturing the Milky Way is your goal, you’ll need to wait until the latter part of the night.
🌟Despite its isolation, visitors continue to flock here from dusk until around 1 or 2 in the morning.
🌟If you’re not feeling particularly brave, it’s best not to venture out alone. Our group of four spent the entire evening, from 4 PM to 4 AM, taking photos and experienced some rather eerie moments.
🌟Please respect the sculpture and refrain from graffiti. The red patch beneath the palm is a result of too many uncivilized tourists leaving their mark, leading to a fresh coat of paint to cover the damage.
@Captain Tuber @Life Tuber @City Light Travel
