Monumento Natural La Portada description and photos - Chile: Antofagasta (Topic)

Monumento Natural La Portada description and photos - Chile: Antofagasta. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Monumento Natural La Portada.

Photo and description

Natural gates - is one of fifteen protected natural monuments in Chile; located 18 km north of the city of Antofagasta.

The La Portada National Monument rises 42 meters above sea level. Its relief, formed as a result of abrasion of volcanic rocks, sedimentary layers of sandstone and layers of fossilized shells (from 35 to 2,000,000 years), covers an area of 31.27 hectares. This site, along with the stone statues of the Easter Island moai, is one of the most popular in Chile. Millions of tourists from all over the world come to the country to see this amazing sight.

For thousands of years, the erosion of sedimentary rocks by wind and sea water has formed carved caves, cliffs and the arch of La Portada. The natural gate is surrounded by coastal cliffs with a maximum height of 52 meters.

From a distance, the arch looks like a large island with fluttering seabirds - seagulls, pelicans and ducks. On its ledges sea lions and penguins rest, and in the sea you can observe shrimps, octopuses, colorful jellyfish, sea turtles, dolphins and sharks, which is why this place is not suitable for swimming.

In 1990 it was announced the inclusion of the arch of La Portada in the list of natural monuments of Chile. From 2003 to 2008, access to the view of this natural monument remained closed due to the collapse of a significant part of its rocks, which blocked access to the coast. Currently, you can admire this amazing spectacle by driving up to the upper terrace along the Antofagasta highway, where there is a parking lot, balconies, a restaurant and exhibition halls.

This sector has two hiking trails. The upper path is 70 m long along the upper terrace (50 m above sea level) with access for people with disabilities and takes 10 minutes walk. This road also leads to the Mirador Biology Museum. The second path is with a ladder that allows you to walk along the seashore. This road is not accessible for people with disabilities and has a duration of 40 minutes. But since August 2013 it has been closed due to the risk of rockfall.

We also recommend reading Koldinghus castle description and photos - Denmark: Kolding

Topic: Monumento Natural La Portada description and photos - Chile: Antofagasta.