Events in Chile

Please select a Date first.

Search for a company in Chile

Desert Hand

Attractions Archaeological Tours Sightseeing Tours Nature & Adventure Tours Culture & History Tours Off the beaten track
This remarkable sculpture by Mario Irarrázabal is located in the Atacama Desert, next to the Pan-American Highway, 75 kilometers south of the city of Antofagasta. It was inaugurated on March 28, 1992, and consists of an eleven-meter reinforced concrete sculpture, which represents a left hand. It was funded by the Pro Antofagasta Corporation, which is also responsible for the maintenance of the work, because given its location, 1,100 meters above sea level, it is exposed to high temperatures during the day and the contrasting cold at night, also of being spray scratched by some of its visitors. It is considered a tourist icon of the Antofagasta region.


 
Its author has made variations of this work in different parts of the world, such as Playa Brava in Punta del Este (Uruguay), Juan Carlos I Park in Madrid (Spain), and the Italian river city of Venice. For Mario Irarrázabal, this sculpture embodies a primitive and magical force, which seeks to move from the reflection on life and death. Born in Santiago in 1940, he trained in philosophy and theology at various universities and seminars in Rome, Paris, and California. He taught at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. During the military dictatorship, he was taken prisoner in London 38, a clandestine torture detention center. After being released he devoted himself to an artistic career where great humanist concerns have always been present. Winner of a dozen awards and global awards, the Hand of the Desert is perhaps one of his best-known works.
 

Contact Desert Hand

Directions

Desert Hand, Atacama Desert

View Larger Map

Budget

  • Free

Best For Whom

  • Expats
  • Mature Travellers
  • For Her
  • Couples
  • For Him
  • Families With Teenagers
  • Backpackers
  • All Ages
  • Students
  • Families With Children
  • Groups

Best For What

  • Cultural Experience
  • Lively Atmosphere
  • Nature
  • Off The Beaten Path
  • Wildlife
  • The Local Experience
  • Outdoor Area
  • A View To Die For

Gallery

My Lists

Create New Guide

OR

Mini Guides
Arrow

Login to create your guides for Chile.

Add to My Guide

Create New Guide

Cancel

Cancel

Recommended Experiences in Chile

Create & Share your own Guide to Chile with friends and family!

Add your recommended places to visit by browsing the website and pressing the icon.

Create your own guide of favourite 'must see' places

Earn your Local Expert badge by Sharing your guides with others

Get your guide seen by submitting it to the Mini Guides section

Lists

Mini Guides

We Are Part of the My Guide Network!

My Guide Chile is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides.

We are now in 120+ Destinations and Growing. If you are interested in becoming a local travel partner and would like to find out more then click for more info about our Website Business Opportunity.

Nearby Destinations