Despite its reputation as the driest place on earth, there is nothing ‘dry’ about a journey to Chile's enchanting Atacama Desert. In fact, the Atacama is a landscape of vivid contrasts, from dazzling, turquoise lagoons glistening against a backdrop of jagged, orange rock formations, to sweeping salt flats stretching out beneath an ethereal sky gleaming with constellations. Whether adventuring through its otherworldly valleys, admiring its superlatively clear night skies, or simply unwinding amidst the serene desert ambience, Red Savannah’s guide to the Atacama Desert ensures you make the most of your unforgettable time here.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE ATACAMA DESERT
The Atacama’s peak season is during its summer months (December to February), when daytime temperatures are very warm and ideal for day trips and outdoor activities. The spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) shoulder months are also excellent times to visit. Temperatures during the day are perfect for cycling, trekking and taking trips to the various lagoons, valleys and salt flats – all while avoiding the peak season crowds.
If stargazing is a high priority on your itinerary, the best time to visit is during the winter months (June to August), when the cold and dry conditions allow for the clearest skies. Night-time temperatures are very cold during this time of year, so it is important to pack appropriately if you visit during these months.
THINGS TO DO IN THE ATACAMA DESERT
Visit the El Tatio geysers
The largest geothermal field in the southern hemisphere and the third largest in the world, the geysers of El Tatio are one of the Atacama’s most remarkable and formidable sights. Over 80 raucous geysers comprise El Tatio, with some towering pillars of smoke measuring up to 12 metres tall. Visit at sunrise to avoid the crowds and witness the spectacle of the rising sun shimmering on the surface of El Tatio’s gurgling pools.
Spot flamingos on the Atacama salt flats
A sparkling oasis punctuating the otherwise endless Salar de Atacama salt flats, Chaxa Lagoon is home to many vibrant flocks of colourful Chilean flamingos. Spot these striking birds foraging in the shallow waters of the lagoon for algae and brine shrimp, or gracefully preening their feathers. While present in the Atacama year-round, summer is usually the best time to see Chilean flamingos here.
Marvel at the Atacama's lagoons
Dotted across the Atacama’s sweeping landscape is a series of turquoise lagoons. Perhaps most arresting of these is the Piedras Rojas lagoon, whose shimmering surface provides a stark contrast to the red and rocky terrain surrounding it. Spend some time wandering around its salt-crusted banks and appreciating the natural splendour showcased here.
If admiring is simply not enough, take to the cobalt-blue waters of the Cejar Lagoon. Its rich concentration of salt makes the water unusually dense, allowing visitors to float effortlessly on its surface.
Hike in otherworldly landscapes
An endless playground of unearthly landscapes, exploring the Atacama on foot allows visitors to really soak up the bizarre natural beauty on display here. A trek through the Mars Valley is the closest one can get to walking on the surface of the mysterious red planet, while the Rainbow Valley’s psychedelic blend of red sand, green stone, and yellow shrubs is like something from a different galaxy entirely. For a more grounded walk, make your way through valleys lined with flowering cacti or to the top of towering volcanic peaks, where views across the stunning Atacama never fail to impress.
Discover the Atacama’s ancient petroglyphs
Traverse the winding, high-walled walkways of the Quebrada del Diablo, an ancient trading route that weaves through the ‘Devil’s Canyon’. Each step guides you further into the past, as you eventually reach the mesmerising rock drawings which have been preserved for centuries. Spend some time learning about the mysteries of these carvings before making your way back through a meandering network of dried riverbeds.
Cycle through the Moon Valley
The Atacama’s incredible Moon Valley is simply a must-see when visiting this part of the world. The chance to explore it by bicycle only enhances the experience. Glide across the vast, rocky Paciencia Plains before reaching the Valle de la Luna itself, whose ghostly, white surface creates the illusion of cycling on the moon. Explora Atacama’s range of cycling tours allow guests to learn about the mysterious salt deposits which give the valley its name, each of which caters to a range of abilities and adventurousness.
Spot constellations in some of the world’s clearest skies
You will likely never travel somewhere with clearer night skies than the Atacama Desert, so much so that it is home to one of the most powerful and important observatories in the world. As a result, many lodges have their own observatories to allow guests to really take advantage of this remote and unique location. Whether spotting your favourite constellations or simply absorbing the celestial glow of the Milky Way, stargazing in the Atacama is a highlight of any visit here.
BEST HOTELS IN THE ATACAMA DESERT
Explora Atacama
Nestled in its own 17-hectares of desert estate, Explora Atacama offers one of the most immersive stays in the Atacama. With your knowledgeable guide, explore regions of the Atacama that are usually untouched and unexplored by other visitors here. With a choice of trekking, biking, riding and climbing, a stay at Explora Atacama promises an enveloping journey into the vast Atacama, ideal for adventurers and thrill-seekers.
Nayara Alto Atacama
With visits to the stretching salt flats and mysterious Moon Valley, Nayara Alto Atacama covers all the mesmerising highlights of the Atacama – all with a serene base to return to. Its mineral hot spring pools and soothing Puri Spa ensure each adventure is rewarded with a heavenly dose of wellness. The resort’s location – tucked away in a protected valley – only adds to the experience, creating a sense of oneness among guests and the surrounding natural landscape.
Tierra Atacama
From peaceful walks through the Martian valleys, floating in saline-rich lagoons, or witnessing the hissing El Tatio geysers, Tierra Atacama offers something for everyone and is a great option for families and guests of all ages. Interior spaces seamlessly fuse with the astonishing landscape beyond, creating a calming atmosphere which truly connects guests with the rich history and unique geography that surrounds the hotel.
