Atacama Desert

By Marcela Torres , Matt Maynard & Andrea Mujica

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Covering over 1,000km of land from the Pacific coast to the Bolivian border, the Atacama desert is home to a range of otherworldly landscapes which leave even the most world-weary travellers breathless — though the high altitude could also be to blame for that. The region is a photographer’s dream, with seemingly endless salt flats giving way to volcanos, active geysers and vibrant turquoise lagoons filled with flamingos. Don’t miss a sunset (or sunrise) in the appropriately named Valle de la Luna, which is only 11 miles from the small town of San Pedro de Atacama.

Hidden gems in Atacama Desert

Atacama Desert

Ojos del Salado trek

Marcela Torres

Experience

Ojos del Salado is the world's highest active volcano and it straddles the border between Argentina and northern Chile. The full trek to the summit can take between seven to 20 days and is considered an intermediate hike but gets tricky in the last 30 metres as you climb the summit on fixed ropes. The main reason people fail to reach the peak is through not acclimatising properly. Starting from the town of Copiapo, expeditions will typically spend nights at four shelters on the way to the summit, including the shimmering turquoise lake of Laguna Verde (4342m), before ascending to Refugio Claudio Lucero (4540m), Refugio Atacama (5100m) and Refugio Tejos (5833m). The mountain can be climbed between December and March. During November and December, wind speeds can be a challenge while hiking. The peak season runs between late December and March and is your best chance to get good weather, but you’ll meet plenty of people who are also climbing to the summit. Be aware that climbers will need permission from Chile’s Direccion de Fronteras y Limites (DIFROL) to climb. You can get authorisation on their website.

Ojos del Salado trek

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Atacama Desert travel guides

Guide

Hiking In The Atacama Desert

Marcela Torres

The far north of Chile is home to the Atacama Desert, renowned as the driest desert in the world. But despite its aridity, the Atacama's 1,000km of oases, lagoons, volcanoes and geysers is home to a surprising amount of life, along with spectacular scenery and some excellent hiking and backpacking.

Guide

Cycling In Chile

Andrea Mujica

Chile is the most popular destination in South America for cycling trips. With quality outfitters, decent roads, varied landscapes (and vineyards!), and the famous Carretera Austral, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better place for bike holidays and cycle touring.

Guide

Best Surfing In Chile

Andrea Mujica

Chile may have 4,270km of coastline, but it’s not usually high on people's list of surf and beach destinations. While the beaches of the central regions in Chile have plenty of space for those who are looking to relax and catch up with a good book, most Chilean beaches are filled with wildlife and adventure.

Guide

Adventure Travel In Chile

Andrea Mujica

Chile is an adventurer’s paradise. Its national parks are open year-round and the diversity of climate along its 4,270km north to south length means there is always somewhere to visit, regardless of when you choose to travel.