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Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert is a narrow coastal plateau, stretching from northern Chile into Bolivia and southern Peru. This is one of the driest places on earth. Precipitation is imperceptible throughout vast sections of the region, and some Atacama riverbeds are thought to have been dry for the past 120,000 years.
The region is home to diverse ecosystems, including high-altitude lagoons, salt flats, colorful rock formations, and towering volcanoes. 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. The arid climate has preserved delicate archeological treasures from the region’s ancient inhabitants. Pottery, jewelry, textiles, and mummies have been found here in quantity, with some specimens over three thousand years old.
Visitors to the Atacama desert are also treated to some of the clearest night skies on Earth, making it a prime destination for stargazing. While the night sky in Atacama is astonishingly clean and clear, the southern stars can feel disorienting and new.
What to do in the Atacama
The outdoor adventure options in the Atacama Desert are so varied, that if you were to attempt every full and half-day excursion, you’d need two months to complete them all. That diversity makes Atacama one of our favorite destinations for multi-generational families. Visitors to Atacama can enjoy:
- Caving
- Wildlife Watching and Birdwatching
- Hiking Geyser Fields
- Visiting Traditional Towns
- Exploring Atacama Salt Flats
- Discovering ancient ruins and petroglyphs
- Soaking in Hot Springs
- Climbing Volcanoes
- Horseback Riding
- Trekking
- Biking
- Stargazing
Popular highlights include the Licancábur volcano, the Valley of the Moon, the Atacama salt flats, the Tatio geysers, and several flamingo-inhabited lagoons. The town’s R.P. Gustavo Le Paige Archeological Museum houses nearly 400,000 pre-Columbian artifacts.
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 desert environment.
No matter when you visit, the weather in this area can surprise you. 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
The city of Calama, about 60 miles northwest of San Pedro de Atacama, is the primary gateway. Most visitors arrive to Calama by air from Santiago, a flight of just over 2 hours. The drive from Calama typically has a duration of one hour and 20 minutes.
Visitors can also arrive from Bolivia. Travesias are offered between the Uyuni Salt Flats and the Atacama Desert.
Start your journey today
LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in the Atacama.
How to combine Atacama
Have some extra time? Here are some options for you to combine with.
