Atacama Desert

If you are looking for surprising destinations that make you feel as if you were on another planet, you should head to the Atacama Desert in Chile. It is the driest non-polar desert on Earth, although it also has oases that are sources of life.

When traveling to the Atacama Desert, you must have some organization and logistics. For this reason, below, you will find a small guide with what you have to know about your adventure to this beautiful Chilean place.

San Pedro de Atacama

It is the gateway to the Atacama Desert and the place that many travelers choose as their base of operations. It is located 1.700 kilometers from Santiago de Chile and in recent decades it has become a very important tourist focus because in its surroundings there are places as interesting as the Valley of the Moon, the Patio geysers or the National Reserve of the Flamingos. Despite this, he has not asked for an iota of charm.

In this town there is a wide variety in terms of accommodation. Whether it's backpacker hostels or luxury hotels to eco-friendly accommodations or mid-priced options.

But, despite this, San Pedro de Atacama continues to preserve something that makes it special. Walking through its streets built with adobe and typical materials of the area, in the middle of the morning, when most tourists are on an excursion, is something that we are sure, you will not forget. And, in case you don't have enough, wait for the sun to go down and the sky to tint. Look up and marvel at one of the most incredible skies in the world.

What is the best time to visit it?

You can travel to this area of ​​the country throughout the year but during the summer (December-March) the temperatures are high and in winter (June-September) they are cold.

My advice is to visit the Atacama Desert during the spring (April-May) or the southern fall (October-November). In this way, the temperatures will be more balanced and you will not be as hot or cold.

How to get around the Atacama Desert?

Fortunately there are several options available to visitors:

• Hire an excursion: in San Pedro de Atacama there are many agencies settled so that you will surely be able to find the one that best suits your budget and expectations.
• You rent a car: Compared to the previous option, renting a car allows you to visit the Atacama Desert with greater freedom and stay in each place for as long as you want.
• Rent a bicycle: This option is the most recommended for adventurers, those who prefer to travel through the Atacama Desert while exercising.

What to see in the Atacama Desert?

Valle de la Luna

13 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama is the Valley of the Moon, a desert landscape reminiscent of the lunar surface. Here you can see very striking natural formations such as the amphitheater, the 3 marías and the major dune.

The natural phenomenon that occurs in the Valley of the Moon is due to the encounter of the Atacama desert with the Andes mountain range. In this place you can attend a geological spectacle of great beauty, especially at dawn and dusk. From the largest dune it is possible to appreciate the beautiful surroundings of this area.

death Valley

Also known as the Valley of Mars, the Valley of Death is located in the middle of the Cordillera de la Sal, just 2 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama.

It receives this name because no type of plant grows here nor does any animal live. Anyone who has tried to cross the valley has perished in the attempt. That is why it is considered the most inhospitable place on Earth.

However, El Valle de la Muerte is highly appreciated by those who love to sandboard, trek or go horseback riding given its proximity to San Pedro de Atacama.

It is advisable to take your camera with you to photograph the rocky natural sculptures and sand dunes.

Céjar Lagoon

It is a lagoon with a very high concentration of salt similar to the Dead Sea, which allows you to take a bath with the feeling of not just sinking into the water. The Céjar lagoon is located just 16 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama, in the middle of a beautiful landscape of turquoise colors and volcanoes.

The sunset from this corner of the Atacama Desert, with its ocher tones and strong colors, offers a spectacle without equal to our eyes.

Salar de Atacama

The Salar de Atacama is one of the most important tourist attractions of the Los Flamencos National Reserve. With its 3.000 km2 it is the largest salt deposit in Chile and the third in the world.

In its lagoons live a large number of Andean birds such as the pink flamingos in the high mountains.

Lascar volcano

If you like to practice hiking and contemplate one of the best views of the Atacama Desert, you have to take an excursion to the crater of the Lascar volcano.

To do this, you have to go to Talebre, the town that is located at the foot of the volcano and enter the path that leads to the Legía lagoon. Here the landscape is also worthy of being photographed.

Tatio Geysers

The Tatio Geysers are a set of 80 geysers and smokers located at 4.200 meters above sea level in the Andes Mountains., thus being the third largest group on the planet and representing 8% of geysers worldwide.

These geysers are located 89 kilometers from San Pedro and in the early hours of the morning they present a great activity of steam fumaroles produced by the high temperatures of their watery craters. It is surrounded by hills that reach 5.900 meters in height.

In the vicinity there are thermal pools where it is possible to bathe, so tourists who wish to do so can dare to take a bath.

Astronomical tour of Atacama

Due to its characteristics, the Atacama Desert is one of the best places on Earth to observe the sky. For this reason, during the visit it is possible to hire an astronomical tour in one of the many observatories that exist here.

An astronomical tour in the Atacama Desert consists of several parts. For example, a preliminary talk about the main constellations and stars for beginners followed by observing the sky through telescopes and finally a discussion with astronomers accompanied by a hot chocolate.

Without a doubt, one of the best plans that can be done during a trip to the Atacama Desert.