I have had the opportunity to visit the Atacama twice over the past few years, and it is an area of South America that just keeps drawing me back. From the cascades and lush green south to the barren golden mountains at the base of the Andes, also known as the Atacama desert. This wonderland is great for any adventurer looking to get off the beaten track and explore one of South America’s lesser-visited regions.
Where is the Atacama Desert?
The Atacama Desert is situated in the North of Chile, bordering Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. Most visitors think of Patagonia when Chile is mentioned, but there is much more to see in one of the world’s most unique countries. The Atacama area is vast and has long been challenging to visit. However, as astro tourism grows and interest in adventurous overlanding becomes more mainstream, Chile has focused on bringing tourism to a very remote region of South America.
Where should I stay in Atacama?
San Pedro de Atacama is the best-known town in the Atacama and is the heart of tourism in the desert. Here you will find cute markets down small alleyways and a bustling centre serving the most authentic food in the region. You will also see this to be one of the best-connected places, and it is where most tours depart, making it ideal to base yourself here.
What to see in the Atacama Desert?
When we think of a desert, perhaps our mind thinks of endless sand dunes and the odd cactus. However, the Atacama is home to a very different type of landscape. The volcanoes that surround it have formed the land over hundreds of years, creating a nature lover's paradise. The main attractions in the Atacama are the clear night skies, the volcanic landscape and wildlife, as well as geysers, dunes, and abandoned mines. Some key places to visit are:
- San Pedro de Atacama
- Valley of the Moon
- Death Valley
- Los Flamencos National Park
- ALMA telescope
- Salar de Atacama
- Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache
- Tulor
- Laguna Cejar
- Meteorite Museum
As well as attractions, you will find a great deal of wildlife in this remote area, such as:
- Vicunas (relatives of the llama)
- Llamas
- Flamingos
- Foxes
- Condors
And if you are lucky, you may get a rare sighting of a puma.
How to prepare for a trip to the Atacama?
Time of year
If you are planning a trip to Atacama, it is essential to research the best time of year to visit. This can vary depending on what you want to see and do. I have generally visited between February and May, as this is the summer season when temperatures are warmer. Warmer temperatures make stargazing more enjoyable, but it does mean the heat of the day can be challenging when outdoors. So take a look at average temperatures and think about what weather suits your activities. It is generally dry most of the year with little rainfall, so you don’t have to worry about gloomy days.
Acclimatisation
Due to varying altitudes and desert temperatures, it is essential to consider altitude acclimatisation to avoid altitude sickness. Plan your journey so you can get used to the altitude in gradual stages. I made the mistake of going from sea level up to 4,000 meters in a day, and I became pretty sick. Altitude should be taken seriously, and a plan should be made with precaution.
Pack the right equipment
Making sure you are well-equipped is essential when visiting a region as harsh as the Atacama. Sun-protecting clothing, eco-friendly toiletries and water filtration systems are crucial when travelling to more arid areas. Lack of water in the Atacama means that every drop is precious, so make sure to be respectful when visiting by reducing your water consumption and using biodegradable products to help curb the waste you produce. It is also essential to consider the drop in temperatures at night when you reach higher altitudes. I was caught out when camping in -15 degrees C temperatures! Thin, multi-purpose layers are the way.
Top sustainable tours
Whether you are looking for an adventurous excursion or something that teaches you about the unique landscape, there will be something to suit your needs. Here are some of the top sustainable tours in the Atacama region and beyond.
This tour will show you all the Salt lakes in the region from Chile to Bolivia. If you are interested in learning about the formation of these naturally crystal white landscapes, then this is the tour for you.
Experience the desert first-hand in this cycling tour taking you from the Atacama to Argentina. Travelling by land is always the best way to experience a region, and cycling will undoubtedly be a rewarding experience.
Discover Chile from North to South
If you want to get a feel for Chile’s vast terrain, then this tour incorporates the dry north and the lush green south. This is ideal for someone who wants to get a taster of the Atacama Desert and understand the country on a larger scale.
Reasons to visit now
The Atacama is an ever-changing region, and as it becomes better known for tourism, it will change. It is at a point where you can still experience an authentic area of Chile while tourism develops. Tourism helps local communities generate an income, and by supporting sustainable tourism, you can help have a positive impact on people who need it most. Due to the collapse in the mining industry in the region and the country's historical challenges, tourism offers an opportunity for a better future. Many tourists visit the south, so why not get off the beaten track and visit the north?
