A CELESTIAL OASIS IN THE CHILEAN DESERT
Set against the captivating Atacama Desert in Chile, San Pedro de Atacama is a beautiful oasis that entices travellers seeking for natural wonders and cosmic mystique. Explore the enigma surrounding the desert, where a heavenly symphony, beautiful landscapes, and ancient cultures come together to create an experience that is above and beyond the ordinary.
Photo by Alex Wolowiecki
You can explore the area's various features, which include bright salt flats, active geysers, and lagoons that stand out because of their rich colours, through engaging excursions. Admire the Valley of the Moon or ride a bicycle across the desert.
There's no better way to take in the endless stars over the world's driest desert when night falls!
Moon Valley
As the sun dips below the horizon, Moon Valley unveils a dreamscape of eerie yet enchanting landscapes. Eroded salt and clay formations create an alien environment, casting shadows that dance with the fading light. The delicate hues of the valley's surface mirror the moon's surface, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a scene reminiscent of a lunar journey.
The massive dune known as Duna Mayor, which dominates attention with its towering presence, is located in the centre of Moon Valley. Those who are daring enough can climb its sandy slopes and be rewarded with expansive vistas of the surrounding lunar-like terrain. The only sound in the desert is the gentle shifting of sand as the wind whispers through the dunes.
Discover Moon Valley's secret nooks and crannies, where tunnels and caves provide a sense of mystery to this already magical location. The walls are adorned with intricate salt formations that serve as a testament to the gradual dance between time and the elements. The geological treasures beneath the surface are revealed by guided excursions, which also provide an understanding of the valley's geological past.
Los Flamencos National Reserve
Photo by kamchatka
There are mountains entwined with the terrain, lagoons, and salt flats among the vastness of the desert. When combined, they provide breathtaking views!
The stunning surroundings of Los Flamencos National Reserve are open for you to take in. You will be astounded by the seven regions' varied climates as you learn to integrate with your environment. Its diverse array of plants and animals, where flamingos are the main attraction, is seen.
As a visitor, you're not merely an observer; you become an integral part of this delicate ecosystem. Los Flamencos National Reserve encourages a harmonious integration with the environment, fostering a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things. It's a lesson in coexistence and stewardship of the natural world.
Puritama Hot Springs
Photo by Mauricy Soares
At 11,398 feet (3,475 metres) above sea level, in the middle of the Atacama desert, Puritama Hot Springs—named meaning "hot water" by the local indigenous people—are situated around 19 miles (30 km) north of San Pedro de Atacama.
These warm, rejuvenating, and refreshing waters rise from the earth at a temperature of around 91.4°F (33°C). Sulfuric in nature, Puritama Hot Springs are suggested for treating rheumatic ailments as well as for relieving tension and exhaustion.
The Puritama Hot Springs were once only accessible to locals, but they now have a simple infrastructure with wooden walks and changing rooms for visitors.
San Pedro de Atacama beckons the intrepid traveller with a promise of celestial wonders and earthly beauty. In a landscape that seems plucked from the realms of fantasy, this Chilean gem invites you to transcend the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. Let the allure of the Atacama Desert captivate your senses.