Greetings Lykkers! Are you ready to visit the driest Desert in the World? If you're an adrenaline seeker looking for an unforgettable adventure, the Atacama Desert in Chile is an absolute must-visit destination.
This extraordinary landscape offers not only stunning natural beauty but also a plethora of exhilarating activities for those craving an active and adventurous holiday.
How to Get There
Reaching the Atacama Desert typically involves flying into Calama, the nearest major city with an airport. From Calama, you can arrange transportation to various towns and lodges in the desert, such as San Pedro de Atacama, which serves as the main hub for tourists exploring the region.
Must-do Activities
1. Salar de Atacama:
The Salar de Atacama is an expansive salt deposit located southwest of San Pedro de Atacama. The saline's eerie beauty and stark contrast against the surrounding volcanic peaks make it a photographer's paradise and a must-see for nature enthusiasts.
The best time to visit is during the dry season (April to October) when the weather is clear and the flats are at their most photogenic.
Area: Located southwest of San Pedro de Atacama
Altitude: Around 2,300 meters (7,546 feet)
2. El Tatio:
El Tatio Geysers, situated in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of over 4,300 meters (14,000 feet), is one of the highest geyser fields in the world and a natural marvel of the Atacama Desert. Fed by geothermal activity beneath the earth's surface, these geysers erupt with scalding steam and boiling water, creating a dramatic spectacle against the cold Andean backdrop.
The best time to visit is at sunrise when the contrast between the rising sun and the billowing steam is most dramatic.
Altitude: Over 4,300 meters (14,000 feet)
Tours: Tours to El Tatio Geysers depart early morning (around 4-5 AM) from San Pedro de Atacama to witness sunrise over the geysers. Prices vary, generally ranging from $50 to $100 USD per person depending on the tour package.
3. Stargazing in the Incredibly Clear Night Sky:
The Atacama Desert is renowned for having some of the clearest night skies on Earth, making it a premier destination for stargazing enthusiasts.
Away from light pollution and situated at high altitudes, Atacama offers unparalleled views of the Milky Way, planets, and distant galaxies.
Stargazing tours typically take place in designated dark sky areas near San Pedro de Atacama, where professional guides provide telescopes and insights into the cosmos.
Prepare to be awe-struck by the sheer number of stars visible and the clarity with which they shine.
Tours & best time: The best time for stargazing in the Atacama Desert is during the new moon phase when the sky is darkest, enhancing the visibility of stars and celestial objects. Stargazing tours usually start around 9-10 PM and last for a few hours.
Explore the Atacama Desert with an adventurous spirit and prepare for an experience unlike any other. From surreal landscapes to celestial wonders, this journey promises memories that will last a lifetime.
