How to see La Mano del Desierto

Edited January 2024

We are cutting across the desert of Atacama on Route 5, tottering to the sounds of Latin rhythm, when suddenly a gigantic human hand rises from the sandy ground.

This enormous hand, designed and constructed by a Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal, cries for attention. Not only because of its size, but mainly because of the ‘words’ it speaks. This modern sculpture is actually a poetic and emotional way of honouring the victims of injustice during the military regime in Chile.

Vulnerability and helplessness of humanity are hidden messages behind the hand, that seemingly tries to reach out for help. The hand reminds of torture and lack of human rights that paralized many people in the past and the importance of remembering it.

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Favourite travel resources:

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money.

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How to get to La Mano del Desierto

Most likely your starting point is going to be Antofagasta or Calama if you are flying from other parts of Chile. If your trip has already started and you are after visiting San Pedro de Atacama, the journey is going to be longer, but still doable.

I’ve been to La Mano del Desierto several times since I used to live in coastal Antofagasta and I’d recommend starting from there as it is the perfect a gateway to the Atacama Desert. The city itself offers a unique blend of urban charm and historical significance, so have at least one day there. I am not sure if longer can really satisfy you.

There are really just two ways to get to the Hand:

- By Car: Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The drive to La Mano del Desierto takes approximately an hour from Antofagasta, offering breathtaking desert views along the way. I usually search and book cars through Discover Cars as they have options of local providers, which sometimes is cheaper. It is really cool to drive there by yourself and have as much time as you’d like to walk around and take photos.
- Guided Tours: But if hiring a car and driving is not your cup of tea, consider joining a guided tour for a hassle-free experience. Knowledgeable guides can share insights about the region and enhance your overall journey.

Where else to see a giant hand sculpture?

Mario Irarrázabal created other hand sculptures of different sizes all over the world, but the most iconic you can find, beside La Mano del Desierto, in Urugway and Madrid.

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