“11 Enchanting Wonders of Chile’s Atacama Desert”
Chile · Regions · South America
11 magical highlights of Chile’s Atacama Desert
Chile’s Atacama Desert is a one-of-a-kind adventure destination with its moon-like landscapes, endless outdoor activities, and a sense of wonder that’s hard to find anywhere else. Known as the driest desert on Earth, it boasts ancient rock formations, clear night skies, boutique hotels, and a rich cultural heritage that’s worth exploring.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the unique canyons and viewpoints of Moon Valley, floating in a high-altitude salt lake, or visiting traditional villages that have thrived in the desert for centuries, Atacama has something for everyone. Here are 11 top experiences you shouldn’t miss.
Stargaze into the world’s clearest night sky
The Atacama Desert’s dry air and high altitude make it one of the best places in the world for stargazing. With no light pollution, the night skies are incredibly clear, making it an astronomer’s paradise. Major observatories like La Silla, Paranal, and ALMA are located here. From April to September, the skies are especially clear, perfect for viewing the Milky Way, Jupiter, and Saturn. You can join a stargazing tour with an expert guide, camp in the desert, or visit observatories like ALMA to see the stars through powerful telescopes.
Explore the unique lunar landscapes of Moon Valley
Moon Valley, or Valle de la Luna, is famous for its otherworldly landscapes, resembling the surface of Mars. NASA has even tested Mars mission instruments here. Guided tours often start with the Death Valley lookout, followed by the Stone of Coyote viewpoint, a walk through a salt cavern, and visits to the Amphitheatre and Tres Marias rock formations. The best time to visit is at sunset when the valley’s colors shift from warm oranges to deep purples and blues.
Float effortlessly in ‘a desert full of water’
Despite being a desert, Atacama has several bodies of water. Laguna Cejar, a sinkhole lake in the Salar de Atacama, is a favorite spot for floating due to its high salt concentration, which makes floating effortless. It’s a great way to cool off from the desert heat and experience the surreal feeling of floating in a salt lagoon saltier than the Dead Sea.
Bathe in a desert oasis at the Puritama Hot Spring
In the middle of the desert, you can relax in the thermal waters of the Puritama Hot Springs. Located in a canyon, this oasis has eight large pools warmed by geothermal springs. The mineral-rich waters are known for their therapeutic properties, making it a perfect spot to relax after exploring the desert. The best time to visit is in the morning when the cool breezes contrast with the warm waters.
Sand surf down one of the world’s highest dunes
Sandboarding in Atacama is a thrilling adventure. Near San Pedro, you can board down the dunes in Death Valley or Mars Valley. For a bigger challenge, head to Cerro Medanoso, the tallest dune in Chile and the second-highest in the world. It’s a great spot for sandboarding and photography, with its stark landscape of eroded lava and sandstone formations.
Experience the awesome Tatio Geysers
El Tatio is the world’s third-largest geyser field and the highest, located over 14,000 feet above sea level. The best time to visit is at sunrise when the low temperatures prevent the steam from evaporating, creating a magical spectacle as the morning light casts a golden glow on the steam clouds.
Find inner peace amid the stark Atacama Salt Flats
The Atacama Salt Flat spans 1,200 square miles and is known for its striking contrast of colors and mirror-like qualities after rare rains. The salt flat turns into a reflective lake, creating stunning photographic opportunities. It’s also home to various wildlife, including vicuñas, foxes, and flamingos.
Capture stunning desert wildlife on film
The Atacama Desert is home to a surprising variety of wildlife, including llamas, alpacas, huemel deer, grey foxes, and even penguins along the coast. The high salinity of the salt lakes attracts flamingos, which feed on blue-green algae. This makes for some incredible wildlife photography opportunities.
Indulge in all the amenities of a boutique desert lodge
San Pedro de Atacama offers some of the most unique and luxurious hotels in South America. These lodges blend with the natural landscape and offer excellent service, original cuisine, and adventure spas. Notable lodges include Tierra Atacama, Awasi Atacama, Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa, and Explora Atacama.
Be amazed on daily desert excursions
Luxury lodges in Atacama offer a range of activities, from guided tours to Altiplano lagoons, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and exploring archaeological ruins. These excursions can be tailored to your preferences, allowing you to discover the natural gems of the Atacama Desert.
Discover the intricacies of living Inca history and culture
The Atacama Desert is rich in history and culture, with small towns that have preserved their customs for centuries. Visit the Pucará de Quitor, a pre-Incan fort, or the ancient village of Tulor. San Pedro de Atacama, a travelers’ hotspot, was once a sacred place for the Inca Empire. Today, it’s known for its crafts, including pottery, wood engravings, and weaving, as well as its unique Andean fusion cuisine.
Atacama beckons
No matter how you choose to spend your time in the Atacama Desert, it will be a memorable experience. The desert’s natural beauty and tranquility offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The clear night skies, vast landscapes, and rich cultural heritage make Atacama a truly magical destination.