Monjes de la Selva | Arica

Information

Landmark: Monjes de la Selva
City: Arica
Country: Chile
Continent: South America

Monjes de la Selva, Arica, Chile, South America

Monjes de la Selva is a geological formation located in the Atacama Desert, approximately 10 kilometers north of Arica, Chile.

Visual Characteristics

This site features a series of large, weathered rock pillars, commonly referred to as "hoodoos." The rocks are composed of sedimentary material, primarily sandstone and conglomerate, exhibiting shades of ochre, brown, and grey. The formations vary in height, with some reaching up to 15 meters. The surrounding desert landscape is arid, with sparse vegetation.

Location & Access Logistics

Access is via the Pan-American Highway (Ruta 5 Norte). The turnoff is marked and located approximately 10 kilometers north of Arica's city center. A gravel road extends from the highway for about 1 kilometer to a designated parking area. No public transport directly serves the site; private vehicles are required. The parking area is unpaved.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The formations are the result of differential erosion. Wind and infrequent rainfall have sculpted the softer rock layers, leaving the harder, more resistant caprock to form the distinctive pillar shapes. This process has occurred over millennia in the hyper-arid conditions of the Atacama Desert.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation of the rock formations is the primary activity. Visitors can walk among the pillars. Photography is common, particularly during sunrise and sunset. No specific trails are marked; exploration is informal.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no permanent facilities at Monjes de la Selva. No restrooms, shade structures, or food vendors are present. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is intermittent to non-existent at the site itself, though it may be available on the highway.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, the hours around sunrise and sunset provide optimal lighting conditions due to the low angle of the sun. The climate is arid year-round; however, daytime temperatures can exceed 30°C in summer (December-February). Winter (June-August) offers milder daytime temperatures.

Facts & Legends

Local folklore suggests the formations are petrified monks, hence the name "Monjes de la Selva" (Monks of the Jungle), a misnomer given the desert environment. Geologically, they are a product of aeolian and pluvial erosion.