About
The Atacama Desert covers a long stretch of South America, running through northern Chile and reaching into parts of Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. It is known in Spanish as the Desierto de Atacama, and it is widely described as the driest non-polar desert in the world.
Visitors come for the landscape. The terrain shifts from salt flats and sand dunes to rugged highland plains and rock formations, and much of it has a stark, otherworldly quality that makes a strong impression even on people who have seen many deserts. The silence and the wide horizons are a large part of the experience.
What a visit offers
- Scenery: broad, open views of dunes, salt flats, and high desert plains.
- Astronomy: the desert is home to astronomical observatories, which reflects the clear, dry skies of the region.
- Multi-country reach: because the desert extends across several countries, travellers can explore it from more than one side of the border.
Planning your trip
Because the desert is large and remote in many areas, it suits travellers who are prepared for long distances and few services between stops. Those interested in the night sky or in quiet, expansive scenery will likely find the visit especially rewarding. Checking current conditions, access routes, and tour options before setting out is a sensible step, as these can vary across such a vast area.