This Is the Driest Desert in the World — With Stunning Salt Flats, Epic Stargazing, and Hiking Trails

Chile’s Atacama Desert, often heralded as the driest desert on Earth, presents an otherworldly landscape that stretches across the northern regions of Chile.

Its unique geographical location, nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Chilean Coast Range, creates a natural barrier that blocks moisture from both the Pacific Ocean and the Amazon Basin. This results in an arid wonderland, where some areas have not seen rainfall for centuries.

The Atacama’s extreme dryness and stark beauty make it a compelling subject for scientific research and a breathtaking destination for travelers. Scientists are drawn to its Mars-like terrain, using it as a testing ground for space missions, while studying its ancient soils to unlock secrets about life in extreme environments.

Meanwhile, tourists are captivated by its vast salt flats, vibrant flamingo populations, and the clearest night skies on Earth, ideal for astronomical observations.

Best Things To Do

Exploring the Atacama Desert offers a variety of unique and mesmerizing experiences. Here are some of the best things to do:

1. Visit the Lagunas Miscanti and Miñique

Lagunas Miscanti and Miñique, set in the Andes Mountains, are a breathtaking sight in the Atacama Desert. More than 4,000 meters above sea level, these lakes boast vibrant blue waters contrasting against the backdrop of the mountains.

Their remote location, south of San Pedro de Atacama, makes them a serene getaway, ideal for nature lovers and photographers. The journey there is an adventure in itself, often requiring a rental car or joining a tour group​​.

2. Enjoy Authentic Chilean Cuisine

Sampling the Chilean ‘menu del dia’ in San Pedro de Atacama is a cultural treat. This daily menu typically includes a soup, a main course of pork, chicken, or vicuna, and a sweet treat, offering a genuine taste of Chilean culinary traditions.

These meals are budget-friendly and can be found in small local eateries, especially behind the artisanal market. Don’t miss the chance to try vicuna, a unique local delicacy​​.

3. Explore Valle Arcoiris (Rainbow Valley)

Valle Arcoiris, or Rainbow Valley, is known for its stunning array of colors, created by various minerals and clays in the rocks. This less-visited gem in the Atacama Desert is especially mesmerizing at dawn and dusk when the colors are most vibrant.

It’s a fantastic spot for hiking and camping, offering a unique experience away from the more frequented tourist paths. Be mindful of the strong winds that can arise in this area​​.

4. Stargazing

The Atacama Desert’s clear skies make it an unparalleled destination for stargazing. Far from light pollution, the night sky reveals a breathtaking view of the stars.

For a more educational experience, visit the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), the world’s largest terrestrial telescope. ALMA offers public tours on weekends, providing insights into astronomical research and the operations of this significant observatory​​.

5. Spot Vicunas

While exploring the Atacama, keep an eye out for vicunas, the wild cousins of llamas. These elegant animals roam the rugged desert landscape and are a unique sight for wildlife enthusiasts.

In addition to spotting them in their natural habitat, visitors can taste vicuna meat in local dishes at San Pedro de Atacama, offering a unique gastronomic experience​​.

6. Sandboarding in Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley)

Sandboarding in Death Valley is an exhilarating experience for adventure seekers. This activity is similar to snowboarding but on the desert’s sand dunes.

Tour operators in the area offer packages that include a few hours of sandboarding, necessary gear like boots and helmets, and transportation to and from the sandboarding site.

7. Discover the Salar de Atacama

The Salar de Atacama, one of the largest salt flats on Earth, presents a mesmerizing landscape. Its vast, white salt crust creates an otherworldly terrain, offering visitors a unique and surreal experience.

This natural wonder, with its striking beauty, is a photographer’s dream and a highlight of the Atacama Desert.

Where To Stay

Here are the five recommended places to stay in the Atacama Desert:

1. Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa

Nestled in the heart of the Atacama Desert, Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa offers a luxurious oasis amid the arid landscape. This boutique hotel features comfortable rooms with stunning views of the desert, and it’s renowned for its excellent cuisine and spa facilities.

Guests can indulge in stargazing sessions and guided desert excursions, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

2. Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa

Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa is a secluded retreat that seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings. Located near San Pedro de Atacama, the lodge offers eco-friendly accommodations with captivating desert views.

It boasts a spa, multiple pools, and a wide range of guided activities, including desert hikes and cultural experiences.

3. Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama

Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama is a luxury resort that captures the essence of the desert while providing top-notch comfort.

With its adobe-style architecture and serene atmosphere, the resort offers a peaceful escape. Guests can relax in spacious rooms, savor gourmet cuisine, and unwind in the spa. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a refined desert experience.

4. Explora Atacama

Explora Atacama is a renowned wilderness lodge designed for adventurers. Located in a remote valley, it offers comfortable rooms with breathtaking desert views.

The lodge provides a variety of guided excursions, allowing guests to explore the desert’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. With its all-inclusive package, it’s perfect for active travelers seeking an immersive desert experience.

5. Awasi Atacama

Awasi Atacama is an intimate and exclusive retreat near San Pedro de Atacama. It features luxurious adobe cottages with private patios and plunge pools.

What sets it apart is its personalized service and private guides for each guest, creating tailor-made experiences. Awasi offers a unique blend of comfort, adventure, and cultural exploration in the Atacama Desert.

Best Time to Visit

The Atacama Desert, known for its extreme aridity and surreal landscapes, offers a unique travel experience throughout the year. However, the best time to visit depends on your preferences and the type of activities you want to engage in.

Spring (September to November)

Spring is an excellent time to visit as temperatures start to rise, and the desert blooms with vibrant wildflowers, creating a colorful spectacle. It’s ideal for photographers and nature enthusiasts who want to witness the desert’s transformation.

Summer (December to February) 

This is the peak tourist season in Atacama, characterized by warm days and pleasant nights. It’s perfect for stargazing due to clear skies. However, it can be crowded, so booking accommodations and tours in advance is essential.

Autumn (March to May)

Autumn brings milder temperatures and fewer crowds. It’s an excellent time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the desert without the scorching heat.

Winter (June to August)

While the days are still sunny, the nights can be extremely cold. Winter is the best time for stargazing due to low humidity. It’s also a quieter period, making it great for travelers seeking a more peaceful experience.

Ultimately, the best time to visit the Atacama Desert depends on your preferences, whether you want to witness the blooming desert, enjoy warm days, or experience the tranquility of the shoulder seasons.

How to Get There

Reaching the Atacama Desert is relatively straightforward, with several transportation options:

1. Fly to Calama

The nearest major airport to the Atacama Desert is Calama Airport (CJC). You can fly to Calama from Santiago, Chile’s capital, or other major cities. From Calama, it’s a short 1-hour drive to the town of San Pedro de Atacama, the main gateway to the desert.

2. Bus

If you’re already in Chile, you can take a long-distance bus to San Pedro de Atacama from major cities like Santiago or Antofagasta. The journey offers scenic views, but it can be time-consuming, taking around 24 hours from Santiago.

3. Private Transfer

Many hotels and lodges in San Pedro de Atacama offer private transfer services from Calama Airport, making for a convenient and comfortable option.

4. Rental Car

Renting a car is a flexible way to explore the desert, allowing you to visit remote areas. The drive from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama is straightforward, and roads are generally in good condition.

Once you’ve arrived in San Pedro de Atacama, you can easily access various desert attractions and activities through organized tours or by renting a vehicle locally.

How To Get Around

Navigating the Atacama Desert offers several transportation options to explore its unique landscapes:

1. Guided Tours

The most convenient way to explore the desert is by joining guided tours. Local tour operators offer a wide range of excursions, including visits to geysers, salt flats, and stargazing tours. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the desert’s natural and cultural aspects.

2. Rental Vehicles

Renting a car or hiring a driver allows for independent exploration. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for venturing into remote areas. Keep in mind that some parts of the desert may require permits, and road conditions can vary, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.

3. Biking

San Pedro de Atacama offers bike rentals, enabling visitors to explore nearby attractions at their own pace. Cyclists can reach places like Valle de la Luna and Pukara de Quitor with ease.

4. Walking

Within the town of San Pedro de Atacama, many attractions are within walking distance, making it a pedestrian-friendly destination. However, for longer distances or excursions into the desert, other transportation methods are more suitable.

Whether you prefer guided tours, self-driven adventures, or eco-friendly biking, the Atacama Desert provides various ways to explore its mesmerizing landscapes and unique experiences.

Final Thoughts

The Atacama Desert stands as a mesmerizing testament to nature’s capacity to create breathtaking landscapes. Its surreal beauty, from the vast salt flats to colorful valleys and rugged mountains, offers a profound sense of wonder.

Visitors are drawn not only by the striking scenery but also by the opportunities for stargazing, wildlife encounters, and cultural exploration.

This arid wonderland, with its ever-changing landscapes, is a place where nature’s extremes meet human curiosity, making it an exceptional destination for adventure, reflection, and awe.