Inspirations
Unveil the mysteries of the Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth. Discover its unique landscapes, rich history, and extraordinary climate that make this desert a truly unparalleled destination
by Andrew Zimmern
19-07-2024
That's not coincidental; the dirt here is very similar to Mars'. As one of the most popular destinations for stargazing, this desert consistently ranks among the world's driest. This is the perfect spot for anyone seeking awe-inspiring natural scenery. San Pedro de Atacama is one of the driest towns in Chile because of its elevation of about 8,000 feet above sea level. The other accessible desert regions reach an elevation of 17,000 feet, which is equivalent to the height of Mount Everest's base camp.
There are multiple reasons why this region of Chile is important. It dates back millions of years, and artifacts from that time period date back about 10,000. The absence of artificial light makes it an excellent location for stargazing. Important to scientific inquiry, this location is home to the most powerful telescope on the planet. Observing the night sky and planets from the desert is an unmatched experience. There is an abundance of natural and cultural attractions to explore, from salt flats and volcanoes to indigenous traditions and Incan history.
In our quest to establish an exhaustive guide to the Atacama Desert, we conferred with Alain Maury, an astronomer at San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations (SPACE), Jéssica Senna, a B2B manager at Pukarumi Travel Agency, and Jonathan Rojas, a marketing manager at Nayara Resorts.
Five Must-See
Among the many popular activities in the Atacama Desert, astronomical tours rank high. You may see the sky at any time by looking up, but if you want to know more, it's better to consult an astronomer or tour guide.
You will be returned to your hotel by 5 p.m. after this full-day tour, which departs at 6:30 a.m. "Piedros Rojas, Altiplanic Lagoons, and Laguna Chaxa will be on your itinerary," Senna informs. In the very center of the Salar de Atacama lies a flamingo reserve. Because you get to see so many unique locations, this tour is timeless and an absolute must.
"Three salt flats (Ruta de los Salares) and a caldera where volcanoes exploded millions of years ago," offers Senna as a tour guide. This area's salt flats are unique among the planet's.
The high salt content of these lagoons makes floating a breeze. There are seven lagoons visited on this tour, but only the first and last allow swimming due to environmental concerns. But the half-day tour is raved about.
Sandboarding is a fantastic choice for thrill seekers. Sandboard San Pedro de Atacama is one such company that offers group experiences suitable for riders of all abilities.
There is a wide variety of lodgings available to visitors to the Atacama Desert, which spans over forty thousand square miles. For accommodations, Maury lists "about 400 places," ranging from rustic campgrounds to trendy Airbnbs and five-star hotels.
You may relax in the spa, dine at the restaurant, and go on guided tours at the Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa—the first South American facility to run entirely on solar power. Because of its convenient location and upscale vibe, it is also among the desert's most visited resorts.
The hotel's private observatory makes it one of the greatest places on Earth to see the stars. As an all-inclusive adventure hotel, the nightly cost at Explora Atacama includes all meals and excursions.
Twelve individual apartments with thatched roofs and solariums are available at Awasi, each with an architectural motif reminiscent of pre-Inca ruins. Additionally, each guest is provided with a personal guide who can show them about the Atacama Desert and all its attractions.
Looking for something out of the ordinary? Elqui Domos offers seven geodesic domes that feature retractable ceilings, so you can sleep under the stars. Located at the desert's southernmost tip, the Elqui Valley is a major wine-producing region for carmenère and syrah.
In addition to 51 guest rooms, this boutique facility features a pool, fitness center, and common area. In addition to the things you may do in the desert, daily programming is based on the six pillars of art and culture, wellness, adventure, learning, food and drink, and music.
With fewer visitors, milder weather, and more chances to see the stars, the months of September through December are ideal for a trip to the Atacama Desert. The place is popular all year round, according to Rojas. "The skies are clearer in the winter, and there's more wildlife and vibrant sunsets in the summer.
"Keep in mind that the temperature range is fairly large" in deserts, warns Senna. Daytime highs of 86 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 50 degrees Fahrenheit are typical throughout the summer months (September through March). Lows of 50–59 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 32–23 degrees at night characterize the winter months of April–August.
January through March is when it's most likely to rain. All the parks in San Pedro de Atacama close when it rains, according to Senna.
The austral summer, which occurs in January and February, is sometimes called altiplanic winter and is noted for being cloudier than the rest of the year, as pointed out by Maury. You will be let down if astronomy is your main motivation for traveling if all you see are clouds.
The journey to the Atacama Desert is surprisingly easy. Santiago, the capital of Chile, is the airport most people use. With LATAM, you can reach Santiago (SCL) from New York (JFK) in less than 11 hours nonstop. Travel from Santiago to Calama (CJC) by plane, which should take about two hours. From the airport, San Pedro de Atacama is approximately a one-hour and fifteen-minute drive away. A hotel shuttle, a cab, or a bus will bring you there. It is also possible to rent a car and go on a road trip from Calama. To arrange for a ride to or from the airport, Senna suggests Transvip. It is easy to drive from the desert to Bolivia's salt flats, the largest in the world, from San Pedro de Atacama, which is on the border of Chile and Bolivia.
There are three primary ways to traverse the Atacama Desert, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. A rented car, a cab, or a guided trip are all viable options. In San Pedro de Atacama, "there is no public transport and no service or app like Uber," quips Senna. "Pedestrians and cyclists make short work of getting around the city."
One may find many rental vehicle agencies at the Calama airport, including Avis, Rent a vehicle, and Europcar. If you're interested in seeing more of the desert, this is a good choice. However, "Many touristic places, controlled by the local communities, tend to only admit people coming with a tour agency," as Maury says. "Please do not go to the hidden lagoons of Baltinache and El Tatio by car on your own," Senna warns, adding, "because some roads are very bad and there are often broken-down cars where there is no signal.
" Renting a car? Make sure it has off-road capability and adequate tires. Staying on the paved roads is a requirement of using a typical city automobile, which limits your access to many popular destinations. Senna elaborates by saying that a tour guide is still necessary, even if you want to drive yourself around the desert, to ensure that you have all the information you need. Learning about your environment is important, after all.
"Taxis exist, but they are not part of any formal system," Senna remarks. "So, save the numbers of local drivers and call them when you need a cab." Once you're ready to travel, just send a message to the driver and they'll come get you. This is typical in South America; I saw it myself on my way to Patagonia's San Carlos de Bariloche.
Typically, people will decide to purchase an organized tour, where the business takes care of all the transportation arrangements. Several operators, such as Pukarumi Travel Agency, are located in this neighborhood. Tours can be scheduled either through the hotel or independently through the travel agency. Instead of having to do your own research, not only is this a more convenient option, but you also get to know the sites better.
