Chile’s Atacama Desert is the driest place on Earth, a travellers dream for stunning landscapes, wildlife, trekking, stargazing and moon-like experiences. The Atacama Desert receives less than 1mm of rain each year and as a result it is almost entirely without greenery, shade, cities or pollution. The humidity in the area is just 4% which contributes to a clear atmosphere with wonderful light and stunningly clear night skies.
The beauty of the Atacama is in the extreme surreal landscape of volcanoes, geysers, high altitude mineral lakes of deep blues and greens. Visit the Salar de Atacama, a vast 3,000 sq km salt flat, flamingos forage in the pools of salty water and eat the shrimp, giving them their bright pink hue colour and provide a startling contrast to the white flatlands. An early 4am start is required to see the El Tatio geysers at their best 14,173ft above sea level. As these are 55 miles from town, an early 4am start is required, whilst an afternoon tour is best to see sunset on the sculpted rock formations of the Valle de la Luna, Valle de la Muerte and Tres Marías.
And on any evening just sit back and stargaze the best natural planetarium on Earth with a glass of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc or Malbec. The crystal clean air and an absence of light pollution means the stars and planets of the southern sky are there for all to see. A startlingly bright and busy Milky Way, Saturn and Jupiter are routinely visible, and on a good night you will see the Magellanic clouds, two irregular distant dwarf galaxies visible in the southern hemisphere.
‘At-a-Glance’ Illustrative Itinerary
DAY 4: Flight to Calama, the gateway to the Atacama Desert, with stunning views of the Andes en route. Take an afternoon tour of Moon Valley, an otherworldly experience walking through canyons and over dunes, watching the sunset over the surreal landscape.
DAY 8: a day touring the ‘La Ruta del Vino’.
DAY 10: Explore Pucón, famous for its pristine scenery with snow-capped voclcanoes, crystal clear lakes and national parks, you can numerous activities locally – climb Volcan Villarica, rafting, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, trekking to name a few.
DAY 12: Drive further south to Puerto Varas located on Lake Llanquihue, near Petrohue Falls and Lago Todos Los Santos whose deep, clear emerald waters and crowned with snow peaks.
