Did you know that the Atacama Desert is one of the most impressive destinations in the world? Known for being the most arid desert in the world, this place in the north of Chile encompasses a singular beauty that attracts travelers all around the world.
If you’re planning a visit in October, here we will tell you everything you need to know to make the most out of your adventure in this fascinating corner of our world.
SOME CURIOSITIES
Although its fame lies in being one of the driest places on the planet, the most surprising thing about the Atacama Desert is the diversity of landscapes and natural phenomena it has.
From salt flats and geysers to valleys with unique rock formations, every corner of Atacama holds a surprise. Some parts of the desert have not gotten any rain in over 400 years.
However, on some occasions, like after sporadic rains, the desert is transformed into a flower tapestry in a phenomenon called “Desert Bloom”.
A DESTINATION, MANY ATTRACTIONS
The Valley Of The Moon, which looks like a landscape from another planet, is one of the most iconic attractions in Atacama. Its dunes, rock formations, and colors that change with the sunset make it ideal to explore by foot or bike.
The famous Tatio Geysers, located about 4,300 meters above sea level, are the highest in the world. The best time to visit is during sunrise when the steam columns are elevated in the cold wind creating a unique natural spectacle.
The immense Atacama Salt Flat is the third largest in the world, it’s home to flamingos and other birds. The turquoise lagoons that contrast with the mountains and the blue sky create a hallucinating landscape.
For those interested in local history and culture, the archeological ruins of Pukará de Quitor and Aldea de Tulor are testimonies of the ancient civilizations that resided in the region before the arrival of colonizers.
UNMISSABLE ACTIVITIES
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In addition to enjoying these landscapes, the Atacama Desert offers a wide variety of activities. Sandboarding in the dunes, bike riding, and horseback rides through the desert are exciting options for adventurers.
For those looking to relax, Puritama Hot Springs is a wellness experience amid nature.
WEATHER
October is one of the best months to visit the Atacama Desert. The temperature during the day is around 25-30ºC, while during the night they can drop significantly, reaching 5-10ºC.
Additionally, low humidity and clear skies allow you to enjoy some of the most spectacular night views in the southern hemisphere, especially for astronomy lovers.
HOW TO GET THERE
The most common starting point to get to the Atacama Desert is the city of Calama, which has an international airport connecting flights from Santiago and other destinations inside and outside the country.
From Calama, the San Pedro de Atacama locality can be found about 100 km away, and this is where most travelers stay to explore the desert.
The route to San Pedro de Atacama can be done with a rental car, taxi, or one of the regular transport services from the airport. Find accommodation in Chile with Royal Holiday! You only have to click here.
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