Yareta (Azorella compacta)

This enormous and partially dying specimen is growing by one of many incredibly beautiful rock outcrops here called Valle de las Rocas, or Rock Valley.

Even in this photo an artistic face with a huge eye appears.

The living Yareta only adds to the wonder as its shape and age seems to blend in with the inanimate rocks or equally strange shapes.

It’s a bit sad to see such large portions dying, but hopefully it’s a natural process and not because of all the visitors that perhaps climb, touch or even urinate on it.

Altitude: 4113 metres.

Native range is Peru to Argentina.

-21.535,-67.579722

Recently updated on 23 March 2023