Description of the attraction
Natural Gates - is one of fifteen protected natural monuments in Chile; located 18 km north of the city of Antofagasta.
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 moai of Easter Island, 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 created carved caves, rocks 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. Sea lions and penguins rest on its ledges, and in the sea you can see shrimps, octopuses, colorful jellyfish, sea turtles, dolphins and sharks, which makes this place not suitable for swimming.
In 1990, it was announced that the Arch of La Portada was listed as a natural monument in 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 parking, balconies, a restaurant and exhibition halls are located.
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 lasts 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.
