Giant of Atacama

The Gigante de Tarapaca is laid out on the western slope of Cerro Unita, an isolated hill in otherwise flat desert, and at 86 to 119 metres from head to feet, depending on the measurement, it is the largest pre-Columbian anthropomorphic geoglyph known anywhere in the world. It is a rectangular figure with a rayed headdress, made between roughly 1000 and 1400 by arranging stones and clearing surface, and it is usually read as a deity or a shaman figure - the twelve rays around the head have been interpreted as a calendrical device tracking the moon against the hill, though that reading is one hypothesis rather than an established fact. Vehicle tracks damaged the site badly in the past.

What to look for

• A figure up to 119 metres tall - the largest pre-Columbian figure of its kind anywhere.
• A rayed headdress - twelve rays, variously interpreted.
• Made between about 1000 and 1400 - by clearing and arranging stone.
• A hill alone in flat desert - the reason it is visible at all.

When to go

Year round, early or late for the relief. Two hours.

Things to know

Driving onto the hill has caused permanent damage in the past and is prohibited - the site is viewed from the base. There is no shade, no water and no facilities. The track in is rough. It reads flatter than photographs suggest.

Nearby

Pintados is south along route 5; Iquique is west on the coast.

Key facts