La Portada ("The Gateway") is a large natural arch formation on the coast of Chile about 12 miles (20 kilometers) north of Antofagasta, the principal city of northern Chile. It is a protected Natural Monument of Chile. The opening is approximately 100 feet high. On shore is a triple arch shown below. The opening closest to the sea has a span of 20 feet and a height of 14 feet. The middle opening has a span of 17 feet and a height of 20 feet. The smallest opening has a span of 3 feet and a height of 8 feet.

Triple Arch NABSQNO 19K 354439 -7400081 Chile

If you look through the middle opening of the triple arch you can see another arch that on the face of it does not look too remarkable. It isn't until you get closer that you find that it frames the spectacular La Portada perfectly, as shown below. The span is 32 feet and the height is 30 feet.

La Portada View Arch NABSQNO 19K 354432 -7399943 Chile

Alongside La Portada View Arch is another arch which is not as spectacular. The arch has a span of about 20 feet and a height of about 25 feet. A photo is below. All Photos by Ray Millar (www.ArchesUK.com).

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