Information
Landmark: Monjes de la SelvaCity: Arica
Country: Chile
Continent: South America
Monjes de la Selva, Arica, Chile, South America
Overview
In Arica, Chile, the Monjes de la Selva-Monks of the Jungle-rise like weathered stone sentinels, a rare rock formation few travelers have ever heard of.It’s easy to mistake these dramatic rock formations for ancient ruins or carved statues-their shapes look like monks in hooded robes, standing silent in stone.The Monjes de la Selva rise as tall, weathered pillars, their rough surfaces carved over millennia by the steady scrape of wind and the slow wash of rain.Mostly made of volcanic rock and layers of sediment, they’ve been carved by wind and rain into strange shapes that rise like silent monks from the earth.Though it’s called “selva,” or jungle, this formation sits in the dry, sun-bleached coastal desert of northern Chile, just outside Arica.These rock formations have carried stories for generations, woven into local myths and whispered legends-like the tale of a spirit said to appear at dusk.Some say they’re ancient guardians, spiritual figures standing watch over the land, like silent sentinels in the mist.No confirmed archaeological finds tie them to any known pre-Columbian culture, yet their striking shapes still draw locals and travelers who see them as a place of quiet mystery.Tourism and Accessibility Location: Perched near Arica’s rugged coastal cliffs, the Monjes de la Selva treat visitors to sweeping ocean views and the crash of waves below.This place is perfect for hiking, taking in the views, and snapping photos, especially at sunrise or sunset when golden light pours over the jagged rocks.Getting there’s easy-drive yourself or join a guided tour leaving from Arica, where the ocean breeze greets you before the journey begins.The trail’s rocky slopes make it wise to pack solid hiking boots and gear before you go.In northern Chile, the Monjes de la Selva rise from the earth like silent sentinels, their rugged stone faces steeped in local folklore and rich geological beauty.With their quiet, monk-like presence and far-off perch in Arica’s wild terrain, they draw nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and photographers eager to capture the wind-whipped ridges.
