The Atacama Desert

Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert, located in northern Chile, is renowned as the driest desert in the world, boasting an otherworldly landscape of salt flats, colorful rock formations, and towering volcanoes. This unique environment, stretching over 600 miles, is characterized by its arid climate and stunning natural beauty. The region is home to diverse ecosystems, including high-altitude lagoons and vibrant valleys, where rare flora and fauna thrive despite the harsh conditions. The Atacama is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with ancient archaeological sites and traditional villages that reflect the history of the indigenous Atacameño people. Visitors to this extraordinary desert are treated to some of the clearest night skies on Earth, making it a prime destination for stargazing.

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What to do in the Atacama

At LANDED, we partner with skilled local guides who open the door to the Atacama Desert’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. Signature experiences in the Atacama Desert include:

• Caving
• Horseback Riding
• Trekking
• Biking
• Visits to Atacama Salt Flats
• Tours of the Moon Valley
• Climbing Volcanoes
• Stargazing excursions in some of the clearest skies on the planet
• Visiting the Altiplanic Lagoons
• Exploring the geothermal fields of El Tatio
• Birdwatching tours to flamingo-inhabited Lagoons
• Discovering the ancient ruins and petroglyphs of the Atacameño

What is the Weather Like?

The Atacama Desert features a unique climate marked by extreme aridity and temperature fluctuations. In San Pedro de Atacama, summer months (December to February) see daytime highs around 75°F to 85°F, with nighttime temperatures dropping to 40°F. In contrast, winter months (June to August) bring cooler weather, with daytime highs averaging 65°F and nighttime lows often reaching freezing. 

Rainfall is extremely rare, with annual precipitation averaging only 0.04 inches, making the Atacama the driest desert in the world. The region enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, but visitors should be prepared for significant temperature drops in the evening. As a result, layering is essential for comfort during your stay in this stunning desert environment.

No matter when you visit, the weather in this area can surprise you. Mist and rain can be present at any time of the year. These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

Altitude of the Atacama

The Atacama Desert’s altitude is approximately 8,200 feet above sea level. To assuage the effects of the thin air , visitors are advised to rest well, avoid alcohol, and eat lightly on their first day in the region.

Getting There

Most visitors arrive in Calama by air from Santiago, a flight of just over 2 hours. Guests are then privately shuttled to San Pedro de Atacama. This drive typically has a duration of 1 hour and 20 minutes.

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