Senast uppdaterad i januari 30, 2024

Iquique, en pulserande kuststad i norra Chile,is home to a unique attraction that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

Känd som Dragon Hill eller Dragon Hill, denna kolossala sanddyn sträcker sig i ungefär 4 kilometer i staden, skapar ett naturligt skådespel som lämnar ett bestående intryck.

Med en yta på 337.53 hektar, Cerro Dragón står högt som ett emblem för Iquiques identitet och charm.

Det ligger längs den litorala zonen av Tarapacaöknen, vilket gör den till den största urbana sanddynen i världen, endast överträffas av de mäktiga sanddynerna i Sahara.

Reser sig från en smal klippavsats som föregår en 500 meter hög klippa, denna imponerande naturliga formation har en utmärkande plats i Iquiques landskap.

Sandbräda på Cerro Dragon
Sandboard på Cerro Dragon, Iquique, Chile. Foto med tillstånd av Cristian Calcagno

Med aktiviteter som sandboard och motorcykelturer, Cerro Dragón erbjuder också en unik och spännande upplevelse för resenärer som vill ge lite krydda till sin resplan.

Origin and Characteristics

The Dragon dune originated approximately 20,000 years ago due to the action of coastal winds. It spans approximately 4 kilometers in length and covers an area of 337.53 hektar.

The dune is situated on a narrow, klippig, low marine terrace that precedes a 500-meter high cliff facing the city of Iquique on the coast of the Tarapacá desert.

The Cerro Dragón dune is believed to have formed during the last glaciation period, when the sea level was 100 meters further inland, exposing the coastal edge to erosion and sedimentation by wind.

I dag, the dune is no longer fed by coastal winds and is therefore considered a relic.


Impact of Urbanization

The growth of Iquique has impacted the dune. Before it was declared a nature sanctuary, construction permits were granted on its western slope, leading to the removal of large volumes of sand to create space for construction.

I dag, Cerro Dragón is managed by the Municipality of Iquique and serves as a venue for various recreational and sports activities.

Its unique location between the urban settlement of Iquique on the low marine terrace and the growing urbanization of Alto Hospicio on the pampa, along with its open, imposing, and original landscape, gives Iquique a unique identity.

In recognition of its unique characteristics, Cerro Dragón has become a symbol for the Iquique community, forming an integral part of their territorial identity. Its geomorphological features and stunning natural beauty have also made it an important tourist attraction and a focus of scientific studies.

On April 18, 2005, Cerro Dragón was declared a National Monument in the category of Nature Sanctuary, reflecting its heritage value and its scientific, cultural, natural, and tourist importance.

The Legend of the Dragon Dune

I folklorens rike, Dragon Hill har en spännande legend. Enligt folktron, en kolossal drake som fördrivits från Kina för länge sedan hittade sin viloplats vid Iquiques stränder. Den försökte inta landet och sätta skräck i den närliggande Changos-stammen.

Berättelser berättar om drakens extrema dominans, vilket till och med ledde till kidnappningen av stamhövdingens dotter.

Drakens lya sägs bo i utkanten av Cerro Dragón, höljt i mystik och fängslande fantasin hos både lokalbefolkningen och besökare.


Cerro Dragón is not just a geographical marvel, but also a hotspot for adventure sports, particularly sandboarding.

The dune’s vast expanse and varying slopes make it an ideal location for both beginners and experienced sandboarders.

There are several sandboarding schools in Iquique, such as Munay Sandboard and Sandboard Iquique, offering lessons and expeditions to Cerro Dragón.

These schools provide all necessary equipment, including boards and helmets, and professional instruction to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

A Unique Sandboarding Experience in Iquique

The sandboarding experience at Cerro Dragón is unlike anywhere else. The adventure begins with a brief instruction session to familiarize participants with the correct use of the boards on the sand.

Following this, participants can slide down stretches ranging from 20 till 30 meters under the supervision of an instructor.

As they gain confidence, they can try longer stretches and experience the adrenaline rush that this sport offers.

Sandboarding at Cerro Dragón has significantly contributed to Iquique’s tourism.

The thrilling rides, coupled with the stunning views of Iquique city, attract adventure enthusiasts from around the world.

The dune’s status as the largest urban sand dune in the world further adds to its appeal.

Rekommenderade turer

Vi får en avgift när du får en offert från Världens nomader med hjälp av denna länk. Vi representerar inte Världens nomader. Detta är inte en rekommendation att köpa reseförsäkring. Aktiviteter som omfattas kan ändras beroende på din destination och ditt hemland.


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