With its lunar landscapes, sense of ethereal surprise, and no scarcity of out of doors excursions to be loved, Chile’s Atacama Desert is a really distinctive journey vacation spot – one that’s unmatched anyplace else on Earth.
This, the driest desert on the planet, is dwelling to historical rock formations thousands and thousands of years outdated, eternally clear evening skies, boutique lodges, and a stunning cultural heritage that merely should be explored throughout any tailored journey to Chile.
Regardless of your need, whether or not or not it’s exploring otherworldly canyons and clifftop viewpoints of Moon Valley, effortlessly floating in a high-Andean salt lake, or visiting small, conventional villages which have flourished within the desert for hundreds of years, you’ll discover it in Atacama. Right here, we spotlight simply 11 of the highest experiences that don’t even start to record all of the distinctive experiences accessible.
Stargaze into the world’s clearest evening sky
The Atacama Desert is likely one of the driest locations on this planet, with some components of it not having had rainfall for over 400 years. This lack of moisture within the air means recurrently clear skies, which completely mix with the realm’s excessive altitude and non-existent gentle air pollution to make Atacama top-of-the-line stargazing areas on earth. Being an astronomer’s paradise, among the world’s most necessary observatories (La Silla, Paranal, ALMA, the Llano de Chajnantor, and many others.) have chosen to settle on this space.
Vacationers ought to understand that from April by means of September Atacama boasts cloudless skies, making this a peak interval to understand our Milky Approach’s glittering assortment of stars, along with Jupiter and Saturn. You gained’t even want a telescope to see the breathtaking gentle present above.
You may as well select to go on a star gazing tour the place an professional information will lead you thru the cosmos, declaring constellations, planets, and galaxies with telescopes that reveal the wonders of the universe in astonishing element. You’ll both camp within the desert and admire the celebs all evening lengthy or go on an evening hike to a distant place the place you possibly can gaze on the heavens above.
Stargazing excursions can even go to some observatories corresponding to ALMA, the world’s largest observatory, which is open to the general public. There, you possibly can gaze into the celebs by means of high-powered telescopes and study from an astronomer about constellations and different evening sky options. No matter your strategy, you’re positive to see why the evening sky within the Atacama Desert is alleged to be the most effective on this planet.
Discover the distinctive lunar landscapes of Moon Valley
Valle de la Luna was fashioned by the buildup of sand, clay, and salt into mountains which had been destroyed by the earth’s actions however formed by wind and water over time.
Although dubbed Moon Valley for its otherworldly look, the majestic Valle de la Luna has been in comparison with the floor of Mars. Being so just like our neighboring planet, NASA has even examined devices designed for his or her Mars missions on this area.
A lot of the guided excursions to the Valley of the Moon begin with the Demise Valley lookout. Then it’s over to the breathtaking Stone of Coyote viewpoint; a enjoyable stroll by means of a salt cavern; and a take a look at the Amphitheatre and Tres Marias rock formations. The ultimate tour is as much as the sundown viewpoint. It’s at sundown when this a part of the desert actually shines. Because the solar dips beneath the horizon, the valley’s rocky formations solid lengthy shadows and the colours shift from heat oranges to deep purples and blues. It’s an ethereal expertise, the place you’re feeling such as you’ve left Earth for an additional planet.
Float effortlessly in ‘a desert filled with water’
A should for any journey to Atacama, the Moon Valley is a blinding place of beguiling geology and – you guessed it – lunar-like landscapes. The openness provides to its attract, permitting you to face and watch as the sunshine transforms rugged rocks right into a rainbow of shade, significantly at sundown; certainly the most effective time to go to Valle de la Luna.
The Atacama Desert bears no scarcity of our bodies of water. Oddly sufficient, it’s a desert filled with water! One of many swimming pools that could be a favourite of vacationers who want to take a dip is Laguna Cejar, a sinkhole lake within the Salar de Atacama, Chile’s largest salt flat. Because the lake’s focus of salt can attain as excessive as 28 p.c, this permits one to drift on it effortlessly. Plus, it’s the proper method to cool off from the extraordinary desert warmth. That is the magic of Atacama swimming pools like Laguna Cejar, a surreal salt lagoon that’s saltier than the Lifeless Sea.
Bathe in a desert oasis on the Puritama Sizzling Spring
Although located in the midst of the world’s driest desert, you possibly can benefit from the chic expertise of soaking within the thermal waters of the Puritama Sizzling Springs (Termas de Puritama). Right here, you’ll discover a muscle-relaxing go to to the Termas de Puritama Sizzling Spring a well-deserved pause after just a few days of exploring the desert.
Situated in a canyon, this oasis consists of eight giant swimming pools which might be warmed by geothermal springs fueled by the encircling volcanic Andes. The nice and cozy, mineral-rich waters have lengthy been treasured for his or her therapeutic properties which might be sworn to alleviate rheumatism and arthritis because of the excessive focus of sodium sulfate. In any case, they’re positive to supply rest to weary vacationers.
This was the proper method to rehydrate your physique whereas having a enjoyable and stress-free time within the water. Most will agree that the morning offers the proper distinction of cool breezes by means of the canyon and the nice and cozy waters of the swimming pools. Plus, an early morning soak will permit you to expertise the swimming pools with smaller crowds of individuals. Nonetheless, at any time of the day, you’ll discover the clear water is as clear as glass and immediately inviting!
Sand surf down one of many world’s highest dunes
Sandboarding down the endless dunes in Atacama is a superb thrill and bodily problem, good for journey vacationers. Simply outdoors of Atacama’s oasis city of San Pedro, you possibly can board down huge, sandy, 100-yard stretches within the desert’s El Valle de los Muertos (Demise Valley) or El Valle de Martes (Mars Valley) and revel in adrenaline-filled enjoyable within the solar!
Boards will be rented within the city of San Pedro, or you possibly can simply come to the valley to look at the locals slicing it up and down the dunes.
A very good bit farther afield is Atacama’s Cerro Medanoso dune. Looming 1 / 4 of a mile above the desert plain, it’s the tallest in Chile and is taken into account the second-highest dune on this planet. It’s not solely nice sand boarding however a vacation spot in itself and a singular photographic alternative. Right here, you’ll uncover a stark panorama of eroded lava and sandstone formations nestled amongst this and different easy dunes of the Mar de Dunas (Sea of Dunes) that stretch for miles, making this the perfect space for thrill seekers.
House to 80 lively geysers, El Tatio is the world’s third largest geyser subject, and — at greater than 14,000 ft above sea stage — it’s the world’s highest geyser subject. At this geothermal subject, fumaroles create a surreal picture as they spurt clouds of steam as much as 35 ft into the sky.
Expertise the superior Tatio Geysers
The most effective time to witness this superior sight is dawn, which is when the low morning temperatures additionally act to forestall the steam from the geysers from evaporating. The angle of the morning gentle casts an ethereal glow on these clouds of steam. This creates an immensely magical spectacle over the stark panorama, bathing the billowing clouds in a golden gentle and portray an otherworldly image.
Within the azure readability of this high-altitude desert, the visible affect of the geysers, thermal wells, and steaming fumaroles at daybreak is unforgettable. All this requires a really early begin, however little question it’s nicely price braving chilly temperatures and the early pre-dawn begin.
Discover internal peace amid the stark Atacama Salt Flats
The attention-popping Atacama Salt Flat sprawls throughout a 1,200-square-mile space and is a surprise to behold. Splayed out beneath a cornflower-blue sky, this area is the star of many a guidebook cowl due to the salt flat’s putting distinction of colours and its periodic mirror-like qualities.
This reflective high quality seems when there’s the rarest of rain within the Atacama Desert. The salt flat fills with water and turns right into a salt lake, although completely different from any lake you’ve seen earlier than. The soil doesn’t soak up the rainwater rapidly, so when flash flooding happens, a skinny layer of water varieties, creating a large mirror thus reflecting the encircling mountains; an actual deal with for any photographer!
Take numerous footage and play with the optical illusions of this place. Be ready to {photograph} different wildlife species corresponding to vicuñas, Culpeo foxes, Puna guinea pigs, Andean seagulls, golden plovers, pigeon geese, and plenty of others. As a enjoyable truth, the salt flat is dwelling to 40% of the world’s lithium reserves.
Seize beautiful desert wildlife on movie
Within the Atacama Desert, you possibly can view otherworldly landscapes, sight stars like in no different a part of the world, interact in journey sports activities, and calm down in its salty waters, however that’s not all. You may as well spot unbelievable Chilean wildlife and take dwelling photographs for household, buddies, and envious coworkers.
Although the Atacama Desert is the driest desert on Earth, the realm makes for an unexpectedly diversified habitat that includes salt lakes and greener areas fed by sea mists or mountain meltwater. Subsequently, most crops and mammals of the area cling to the perimeters of restricted sources of water. These animals embody llamas and llama-like vicunas and alpacas, in addition to huemel deer, gray fox, viscacha (the most important member of the chinchilla household), and even penguins(!) alongside the coast.
However what about flamingos? We wouldn’t blame you for those who’ve by no means thought to search for these tropical birds within the desert, however the stunning truth is that there are literally three flamingo species which you could see within the Atacama area. The excessive salinity and alkalinity of Atacama’s salt lakes don’t faze the evolutionarily ready flamingos for the reason that increased salinity means extra of their favourite meals: blue-green algae that these birds filter from the mud with their specialised down-curved payments. All of this makes for some beautiful sights and photographs.
Take pleasure in all of the facilities of a boutique desert lodge
Situated in northern Chile’s beautiful Atacama Desert – between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, on the sting of the tiny oasis village of San Pedro de Atacama, you’ll discover a scattering of among the most original, environmentally pleasant, comfy, and well-designed luxurious lodges in South America.
Inside a stone’s throw of snow-capped volcanoes, shimmering salt pans, and the Andes, these lodges replicate the magical temper of the world’s driest desert. Most of those lodges are pueblo or adobe type and mix in with the pure panorama. They provide superb service, authentic delicacies, and heat décor. Their spas will be described as “journey spas,” with the concept being that company can expertise the outside actively and adventurously, later returning to the lodge for pampering on the spa (or rest on the lodges’ grounds).
The most important and most comfy luxurious lodges within the space have names like Tierra Atacama, Awasi Atacama, Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa, and Explora Atacama. Although every has its personal distinctive character, all of them function a mixture of Atacameño historical structure blended with fashionable type for an elegant up to date ambiance.
Along with spacious and well-appointed visitor rooms, every lodge can boast of its personal 5-star restaurant the place meals is ready by incorporating desert fauna and flavors, making the gastronomy an expertise in and of itself.
Be amazed on every day desert excursions
Luxurious lodges in Atacama supply any variety of actions to maintain you busy throughout the day and evening.
Full-service luxurious Atacama lodges supply actions for exploration within the surrounding desert. Visitors can go on every day excursions with skilled guides or can simply relax beside terrace hearth pits and lounge subsequent to a pool with among the most interesting desert views and the beautiful sight of the Licancabur Volcano within the distance.
These luxurious lodges focus on tailored experiences in small teams in addition to extra non-public excursions with guides for every visitor. This permits for privateness, serenity, and deep rest.
These outings vary from driving excursions to Altiplano lagoons, horseback driving, mountain climbing by means of beautiful surroundings, visiting scorching springs, mountain biking, and exploring archaeological ruins. These excursions vary from half-a-day to full-day, and these include every part from simple hikes to more difficult climbs, with quite a lot of every day choices from which you – the visitor – can select. With over 40 explorations provided on foot, bike, or horseback, you’re sure to find the pure gems of the Atacama Desert.
Uncover the intricacies of dwelling Inca historical past and tradition
Removed from being inert stretches of rock and sand, the Atacama Desert is an space ample in power due to its welcoming ancestral cultures and the oases which might be a supply of life within the driest desert on this planet.
Climb the greater than 4,000 meters excessive of the Andean plateau to find small cities that maintain their customs intact amid excessive eventualities which might be price photographing. Uncover the Pucará de Quitor, a Twelfth-century pre-Incan fort that adheres to a steep slope or the area’s oldest village of Tulor, estimated to have been constructed round 800 B.C.
And naturally there’s San Pedro de Atacama. A vacationers’ hotspot, San Pedro was the cradle of the Atacama individuals, the creators of the San Pedro Tradition, which developed within the space greater than 11,000 years in the past. Up to now, it was a sacred place for the Inca Empire because the Incas would perform non secular ceremonies to worship the solar throughout the zenith of their energy. Nonetheless at present, the city is a middle of assorted crafts created in line with the individuals’s conventional religion. Handed down from technology to technology, the locals have expertise in making pottery, wooden engravings, basketry, musical devices, clothes, ornaments, and weaving are among the most lovely artifacts you’ll ever discover.
Even the meals scene is artisan-crafted, with cooks and homeowners creating meals from native crops grown solely within the desert to create Andean fusion dishes. From quinoa salads, artisan pizzas, and selfmade empanadas with distinctive components, to contemporary juices and smoothies produced from issues like kiwi and coca leaves, you’ll be pleasantly shocked at each meal.
Atacama beckons
Nonetheless you select to spend your time whereas within the Atacama Desert, will probably be each momentous and memorable all on the identical time. The pure energy of the weather makes Atacama a great place for meditation. The putting silence and the nice and cozy desert breezes supply mystical solutions to your deepest questions. Added to that is the huge vacancy that enables your thoughts to re-order its ideas and produce peace to an in any other case overly intense life. The extremely clear evening skies permit you to comprehend your tiny a part of the immense universe. Pondering infinity is humbling and good for the soul. Sense the isolation, surprise and magic that fill the air whereas in these high-Andean plains, one thing which might solely be skilled first-hand!
Alfonso Tandazo
Alfonso Tandazo is President and CEO at Surtrek Tour Operator. Surtrek Tour Operator is a well-established agency, specializing in custom-designed luxurious excursions in Ecuador, the Galapagos and all through the remainder of South America. If you want to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog in an effort to elevate your profile, please contact us.
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