The Complete Guide to Atacama Desert Chile Tours
Exploring the best atacama desert chile tours is a journey into another world. This vast, high-altitude desert offers landscapes you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Consequently, planning your trip is key to making the most of this unique destination. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know for an unforgettable adventure.
Why Visit the Atacama Desert?
The Atacama Desert is a place of stark beauty and incredible contrasts. It is the driest non-polar desert on the planet, which creates truly unique conditions. For example, some weather stations here have never recorded rain.
Moreover, its high altitude and lack of light pollution make it one of the best places in the world for stargazing. The skies are so clear that major international observatories are built here. Therefore, a trip to the Atacama is a chance to see the cosmos like never before.
Must-See Destinations on Atacama Desert Chile Tours
Most tours start from the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. From there, you can explore several breathtaking locations. Here are the absolute must-sees.
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
As its name suggests, Moon Valley looks like the lunar surface. It features incredible stone and sand formations shaped by wind and water over millennia. Most tours visit in the late afternoon to catch the spectacular sunset, which paints the landscape in vibrant colors.
El Tatio Geysers
El Tatio is the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere. To see the geysers at their most active, you must visit at sunrise. The sight of steam columns rising against the cold morning air is truly magical. In addition, many tours include a chance to swim in a thermal pool.
Altiplanic Lagoons (Miscanti & Miñiques)
These high-altitude lakes offer stunning scenery. The deep blue waters of the lagoons contrast sharply with the white salt-encrusted shores and the surrounding volcanoes. It’s a fantastic spot for photography and spotting wildlife, such as vicuñas and flamingos.
Top Activities to Experience in the Atacama
Beyond sightseeing, the Atacama offers many thrilling activities. You should definitely add some of these to your itinerary.
- Stargazing Tours: An absolute must. Expert guides use powerful telescopes to show you planets, nebulae, and distant galaxies. It’s an educational and awe-inspiring experience.
- Sandboarding in Death Valley: For adventure seekers, sliding down giant sand dunes is an exhilarating thrill. It’s similar to snowboarding but on sand, and no experience is necessary.
- Floating in Laguna Cejar: This salt lagoon has a salt concentration so high that you can float effortlessly. It’s a fun and relaxing experience, similar to the Dead Sea.
Essential Tips for Your Atacama Adventure
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, keep these tips in mind. The desert environment requires some preparation.
- Acclimatize to the Altitude: San Pedro de Atacama is at 2,400 meters (7,900 feet). Take it easy on your first day. Drink plenty of water and coca tea to help prevent altitude sickness.
- Pack Layers: The desert has extreme temperature swings. You will need light clothes for the hot days and warm layers, including a hat and gloves, for the cold nights and early mornings.
- Stay Hydrated and Use Sunscreen: The sun is incredibly strong at this altitude, and the air is very dry. Drink more water than you think you need, and apply high-SPF sunscreen regularly.
- Book Tours in Advance: During the high season (December to February), popular tours can fill up quickly. It’s wise to book your preferred atacama desert chile tours ahead of time.
