THE ATACAMA DESERT
...is the driest desert in the world and covers the regions from the border with Peru to the north to the city of Copiapo to the south. In the east the natural border are the Andes and to the west the Pacific Ocean.
This unique geographic combination is responsible for the early morning fog that covers much of the desert landscape.
Salt lakes (Salar), steaming geysers and a diverse fauna can be found in this surreal and arid place.
The Andean Highlands
...also known as the Andean high-desert or Altiplano, in the north of Chile seamlessly transitions into the Atacama Desert. The Chilean Altiplano lies at an average height of 3.600m (11,800 ft) and is dominated by huge snow covered volcanoes, most of them with an altitude over 6.000m (19,685 ft). Also many salt lakes (Salar) and steaming thermal springs can be found in this remote area. Learning about the culture of the indigenous Aymara people is just one of the joys of the Altiplano.
Climb the volcanoes here and discover gems like the world’s highest volcanic lake, Lago Chungará – source of a delicious local specialty, llaita (freshwater seaweed).
Come with us
...on an unforgettable journey through ethereal landscapes that, in places such as Los Flamencos National Reserves’ aptly named Valle de la Luna, look like they belong on another planet. Hike past bubbling geysers and visit charming settlements like laid-back San Pedro De Atacama.
When it comes to sheer diversity of scenery, the Atacama Desert is simply unbeatable.