El Enladrillado is a remarkable basaltic plateau perched high in the Chilean Andes, approximately 800 meters in diameter and composed of an estimated 233 massive volcanic blocks. Each stone is believed to weigh upwards of ten tons, creating a naturally formed yet seemingly arranged circular formation that sits at extreme altitude in the remote Maule region. The site's name translates to "the brick-paved place," reflecting its distinctive appearance of large, roughly rectangular stone blocks that appear almost deliberately laid out across the mountain plateau. Its remote location makes it accessible only by horseback or on foot after an arduous journey through challenging Andean terrain.
Believed period of pre-Columbian indigenous activity in the Maule region, though specific cultural association remains uncertain
Site gains attention from researchers and explorers investigating unusual stone formations in the Chilean Andes
Featured on Ancient Aliens, bringing international attention to the mysterious plateau formation
“Also on the ground are gigantic stone plates, really gigantic, and it might very well be that Enladrillado was something like a space port of the extraterrestrials.”
“This megalithic platform was constructed from 233 volcanic blocks, each weighing upwards of ten tons. HIDALGO: Now, the Enladrillado is a plateau about 800 meters in diameter.”
Traditional archaeological investigation of El Enladrillado has been severely limited by its extreme remoteness and challenging accessibility. The site sits at high altitude in the Chilean Andes, requiring multi-day expeditions on horseback just to reach the location, making systematic excavation and study extremely difficult and costly.
Geological analysis suggests that the formation is primarily natural, created by volcanic activity that fractured basaltic rock into large, roughly rectangular blocks. However, some researchers have noted that certain stones appear to have been moved or repositioned, though the extent of human modification remains debated. The lack of comprehensive archaeological surveys means that questions about potential pre-Columbian use or modification of the site remain largely unanswered.
The scientific consensus leans toward El Enladrillado being a natural geological formation with possible minor human modification, but the absence of detailed study leaves significant questions open. No artifacts, structures, or clear evidence of extensive human activity have been documented, though the site's remoteness means thorough archaeological investigation has yet to be conducted.
What remains genuinely unknown is the full extent of any human involvement in the site's current appearance, the specific indigenous groups that may have used or modified it, and whether the apparent organization of some stone blocks is entirely natural or partially intentional. The site represents one of many remote Andean locations where limited accessibility has prevented comprehensive archaeological analysis.
The site's extreme altitude and remoteness mean that even experienced mountaineers require several days to reach it
El Enladrillado translates to "the brick-paved place" in Spanish, referring to its distinctive appearance
The basaltic blocks are estimated to weigh between 10 and 15 tons each, making human transportation extremely challenging
The plateau formation sits in one of Chile's most seismically active regions, yet the stone arrangement has remained largely intact
Visiting El Enladrillado requires significant planning and preparation, as the site is accessible only through multi-day horseback expeditions or challenging hiking routes through remote Andean terrain. Visitors should expect extreme weather conditions and must be prepared for high-altitude camping and potentially dangerous mountain conditions.
Linares, approximately 100 kilometers away by road and trail
The austral summer months from December to March offer the most favorable conditions for attempting to reach the site, though weather in the high Andes can be unpredictable year-round.
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