Atacama Desert, Chile

Chile overview | Santiago | Valle Nevado | Patagonia | Easter Island

ONE OF THE DRIEST DESERTS IN THE WORLD

The Atacama Desert is one of the driest deserts in the world. To the north of Santiago, the life of the people has been adapted to this harsh yet incredibly beautiful area. 

Lunar landscapes and harsh barren plains create a beauty that has to be witnessed. With so little rain the local people built houses out of mud which under the hot sun are baked into hard structures.

Unlike many peoples around the world the advent of rain does not bring celebration as it usually meant many days afterward rebuilding their house which literally melts in the rain.

The main settlement is San Pedro de Atacama, a simple town of dusty streets and old crumbling houses. It is the main starting point for those who want to visit the desert.

Due to its isolation and clean air the nights are a sensory overload with the feeling of a lunar landscape. Nearby are the El Tatio geysers at which swimming pools have been created to offer a great place to refresh.

Close to San Pedro is the Salar de Atacama the third largest salt lake in the world. Flamingos and other birds, depending on the season, can be found nesting around the lake.b