The Atacama Desert: the natural beauty of the arid land

With little or no rainfall and high altitude, Atacama is one of the driest places in the world. But despite its aridity, Atacama is a point of attraction for both astronomers and visitors from all over the world. Here are some facts you may not know about this amazing desert.

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Valley of the Moon

It is one of the most iconic places in the Atacama Desert. This valley is located about 17 kilometers west of San Pedro de Atacama and is known for its rocky and desert landscapes that seem taken from another planet.

The Valley of the Moon owes its name to its appearance similar to the lunar surface. The rocks and mountains of reddish, yellow and gray tones create a spectacular landscape, especially at sunset, when the sun’s rays create impressive shadows and contrasts.

Within the Valley of the Moon there are several points of tourist interest, such as the Cueva de Sal, a cavern formed by the erosion of salt, and the Tres Marías, three rock formations that look like three towers. There is also a viewpoint from which you can see the entire valley in its entirety.

In the Valley of the Moon, it is possible to hike along marked trails, observing the flora and fauna of the place. It is possible to see some animals such as foxes, vizcachas, and candelabra cacti, which have adapted to living in this desert environment.

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Valley of the moon

Tatio Geysers

It is one of the largest geothermal fields in the world and is famous for its geysers and fumaroles, which originate from volcanic activity in the area.

The Tatio Geysers have more than 80 active geysers that emit water vapor and gases at high temperatures, reaching heights that exceed 10 meters. In addition, there are a large number of fumaroles and boiling mud pits. Visitors can walk along marked trails to see the geysers and fumaroles up close, and feel the heat emanating from the ground.

The best time to visit the Tatio Geysers is early in the morning, before sunrise, as this is when the geothermal activity is most intense. At this time, the temperature in the area can be below zero degrees Celsius, making the experience even more impressive.

In addition to the geothermal activity, the Tatio Geysers offer an impressive landscape, with snow-capped mountains and volcanoes surrounding the area. It is also possible to observe animals such as vicuñas, vizcachas and flamingos.

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Tatio Geysers

Altiplanic Lagoons

A set of turquoise lagoons located at high altitude, surrounded by volcanoes and snow-capped mountains.

Ideal for nature and photography lovers. Miscanti lagoon is located in the Altiplano of the Antofagasta region, in northern Chile, and is one of the 7 sectors of the Los Flamencos National Reserve.

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Miscanti Lagoon

Atacama Salt Flats

It is a salt plain located in the center of the Atacama Desert, and extends over an area of ​​more than 3,000 km². It is one of the largest salt flats in the world and is home to a large amount of fauna and flora, including some unique and endemic species.

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Atacama Salt Flats

Pukará de Quitor

It is a pre-Hispanic fortress located about 3 kilometers north of San Pedro de Atacama. It was built by the Atacameños.

The Pukará de Quitor is a stone and mud structure, which is located on top of a hill and has a privileged view of the Valley of the Moon and the Andes mountain range.

The fortress has a triangular shape and has several structures, including rooms, courtyards and defensive towers. The construction of the Pukará de Quitor began in the 12th century, and its function was to defend the Atacama territory from attacks by other indigenous peoples who inhabited the area. Later, during the time of the Spanish conquest, the fortress was the scene of several battles between the Spanish forces and the Atacameños.

Today, the Pukará de Quitor is a highly visited archaeological site where you can explore the ruins and learn about the culture and history of the pre-Columbian peoples in the area.

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Pucará de Quitor

Puritama Hot Springs

They are a set of hot spring pools located in the foothills of the Andes, near San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. The hot springs are made up of eight natural pools that contain thermal water that flows from the mountains.

The waters of the Puritama Hot Springs have an average temperature of 33°C and are composed of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and sodium. These hot springs are believed to have healing properties, and are especially beneficial for the skin, bones and muscles. In addition to enjoying the hot springs, the Puritama Hot Springs offer a beautiful natural environment, surrounded by mountains and native vegetation of the area.

Visitors can walk along trails that border the Puritama River, observe the local flora and fauna, and enjoy the view of the hills from the viewpoints. The Puritama Hot Springs have infrastructure to welcome visitors, such as changing rooms, bathrooms, showers and rest areas. There are also guide services and therapeutic massages.

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Puritama Hot Springs

Astronomical observatories

The Atacama Desert is one of the best places in the world for stargazing, thanks to its clear and dark skies. There are several astronomical observatories that offer tours and activities for tourists.

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Cielo en Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama

It is the town located in the heart of the Atacama Desert. The town itself is small and quiet, with typical adobe architecture and cobblestone streets.

Despite its size, it has a wide tourist offer, including hotels, restaurants, craft stores and tourism agencies that offer excursions to the most notable places in the area. Among the most notable places in San Pedro de Atacama is the Church of San Pedro (photo), a beautiful colonial building built in the 17th century. You can also visit the archeology and ethnography museums, which show the history and culture of the pre-Columbian peoples who inhabited the region.

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Caracoles en San Pedro de Atacama
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San Pedro de Atacama Church

Licancabur Volcano

From San Pedro de Atacama you can take excursions to ascend the volcano, although it is important to keep in mind that it is a high mountain activity that requires good physical condition and specialized equipment.

Licancabur is located about 70 kilometers east of the city of Calama in Chile, and about 25 kilometers west of the city of San Pedro de Atacama. Its summit reaches an altitude of 5,916 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest volcanoes in the area.

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Licancabur Volcano

You also can visit…

The Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia. There are organized tours for both destinations but you can also travel from Atacama to Uyuni by bus.

Finally, it was necessary to mention that in the Atacama Desert (the driest non-polar place on earth) various championships have been held such as the Baja Atacama Rally, Baja Chile Rally, Patagonia Atacama Rally, and it received several series of the Dakar Rally.