It’s like nowhere else on the planet.
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Traveling to the Atacama Desert feels like stepping onto a different planet.
Theres a reason for that the soil here is similar to that on Mars.
Credit:Tatsiana Volskaya/Getty Images
If you want to experience breathtaking nature, this is the place for you.
This area of Chile is significant for several reasons.
Its millions of years old and has ruins from around 10,000 years ago.
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The most powerful telescope on Earth operates here and is crucial to research.
Visitors to the desert have unparalleled access to the stars and planets of our solar system.
Astronomical toursare one of the most popular things to do in the Atacama Desert.
Courtesy of Tierra Atacama Hotel
Explore Piedras Rojas and Altiplanic Lagoons.
There’s a flamingo reserve in the heart of the Salar de Atacama.
This is a classic and must-[do] tour because you visit many special places.
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Explore the salt flats.
The salt flats in this region arelike nowhere else on Earth.
Visit the seven hidden lagoons of Baltinache.
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However, the half-day tour has fantastic reviews.
Go sandboarding in the Death Valley.
For adventure lovers, sandboarding is a great option.
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Companies likeSandboard San Pedro de Atacamaarrange group tours and can accommodate a variety of skill levels.
There are about 400 places, from camping [sites] to Airbnbs to high-end hotels, says Maury.
Guests also have a personal guide to help them explore the wonders of the Atacama Desert.
[It’s] a year-round destination, says Rojas.
Remember, when it comes to deserts, the thermal range is quite large, says Senna.
Watch out for the rainy season in January, February, and March.
When it rains in San Pedro de Atacama, all the parks close, says Senna.
How to Get There
Its surprisingly simple to reach the Atacama Desert.
Most people choose to fly into Santiago, the capital of Chile.
Then, take a roughly two-hour flight from Santiago to Calama (CJC).
Its about an hour and 15 minutes by car from the airport to San Pedro de Atacama.
you could take a bus, taxi, or arrange a pickup with your hotel.
Renting a car and road tripping from Calama is also an option.
Senna recommendsTransvipfor arranging an airport transfer.
you could rent a car, take a taxi, or go on an organized tour.
Getting around the city is done on foot or by bicycle.
This option is helpful if you want to see multiple parts of the desert.
If you rent a car, you better be sure it has good tires and can go off-road.
After all, you’ll want to learn about your surroundings.
Taxi
There are taxis, but there is no organized system for them, says Senna.
So, if you want a taxi, you should get the phone numbers of local drivers.
Organized Tours
The most common option is booking an organized tour where the company arranges your transportation.
This area has several operators likePukarumi Travel Agency.
you’ve got the option to book tours through your hotel or separately via the agency.
