Underfoot and overhead, the wonders of this remote corner of the world are endless. Argentina: (11) 5219-4105 / Brasil: (11) 3958-7071. Say the words “northern Chile” and there’s probably only one place that pops into your head: San Pedro de Atacama. Northern Chile's Atacama Desert is the driest desert in the world. The union of different communities, knowledge and skills turned this industry into a complex[...], Get up before dawn to enjoy the show just as the sun rises, with the craters of El Tatio as the main attraction. Those that take guests to the desert's higher elevations require anywhere from one to six nights' prior acclimatization. This may look like a plain old sponge cake, but tres lechestranslates as ‘three milks’ in English, and refers to the… Impressively, the Atacama is home to three. #Travel Icon: The Atacama Desert in #Chile via @wanderlustmag: http://bit.ly/1lbqOfX @chiletravel #tbt, Desierto de Atacama. The National Geographic Society considers the coastal area of southern Peru to be part of the Atacama Desert and includes the deserts south of the Ica Region in Peru. Welcome to the driest desert on the planet! Its area is … Even if the guanacos are no-shows, panoramic views of the Arcoiris Valley's colorful, earthen walls make the trek -- and a pit stop or two to pour sand from your shoes -- worthwhile. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, the Atacama Desert runs for some 600 miles along northern Chile and encompasses over 40,000 square miles. Atacama Salt Lakes & High Desert Lagoons. Check out 'Mirror quiz' answers for TODAY! Journey to the stars and learn more about the constellations in one of the many famed astronomical observatories in the northern half of Chile. Under a sky with infinite stars lies the world’s driest desert waiting for the anticipated blooming. Explora is located on 17 hectares near the village of San Pedro de Atacama. What happens when rain hits one of Earth's driest deserts is amazing. Its ancient cultures offer a warm welcome to modern travellers, and fertile oases sustain an astonishing diversity of life here in the world’s driest desert. Northern Chile is a land of extreme contrast, where two uniquely Andean environments, the Altiplano and the Atacama Desert, combine with unpredictable and overwhelmingly beautiful results. The sometimes harrowing expedition requires guests to scale deep, rock-strewn ravines and to traverse uneven, sun-bleached flats blanketed with spiny cacti and desert flora. explore-atacama.com / E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +56 (2) 2570 8620 / Toll Free USA: 1-800-906-8056. On the high Andean plateau, you’ll find small villages at up to 4,000 meters above sea level where timeless traditions linger in extreme and wonderfully photogenic settings. Guatín, an exploration that requires a single night's acclimatization, begins with a drive toward Guatín village, at the confluence of the Puritama and Purifica Rivers. You can find camping spots and some cottages with[...], A town with a perfect climate, barely any humidity and amazingly clear skies, Vicuña has been crowned the capital of astronomical observation. Exploring the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile There are few places on earth that feel so far removed from civilization and the tech-boom of the 21 st Century as the Atacama desert in Northern Chile. Giant hand rises from the desert, Chilean hike joins short list of longest treks in the world, 10 of the best long-distance trails for hikers around the world, Easter Island: Make the most of its mysteries, Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. Large parts of Chile are sparsely populated, and light pollution from cities is hardly a problem. Guided viewings are offered nightly, depending on weather conditions. Chile - Chile - Soils: The geologic variety and diverse origin of surface sediments cause the soils of Chile to vary greatly in character from north to south. It's also a traveler's delight with rock canyons, snow-capped volcanoes, geysers and turquoise lakes. But the most northerly part of Chile is much more than just the Atacama Desert. This is the scene that awaits you in Chile. There, using a technique called interferometry, 66 antennae work collectively to gather and analyze signals from the universe and to determine their sources. The mountains and other environmental factors prevent would-be precipitation from reaching the Atacama, creating a so-called rain shadow. Atacama Desert and Northern Chile, Chile Don’t miss the opportunity to star-gaze during a stay here- thanks to the positioning of the largest astronomical observatory in the world, Chile justifiably considers the Atacama Desert something of an astronomical attraction. Sure, there’s a reason it’s one of Chile’s top tourist destinations, but by limiting your trip to only one town in the region means you miss out on the other even more interesting places to visit in northern Chile. The Andean foothills and high plateau landscapes merge in a place of great cultural and historical interest with amazing natural beauty. If you like fashion and design, visit the exclusive boutiques on Santiago's most elegant streets. According to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), there are six species of flamingos in the world. In fact, I didn’t really know what a geyser was. It turns out the Atacama, with its rust-colored rock canyons, snow-capped volcanoes, steaming, gurgling geysers and turquoise sinkhole lakes, is home to dozens of species of plants and animals and a wonderful array of geological features. Ski down Chile’s mountains and volcanoes, or go for its many water sports - including scuba diving, surfing, kayaking[...], Chile’s cultural roots are as diverse as its landscapes, and have shaped the uniquely Chilean identity. The Atacama Desert covers a total area of 40,541 sq. Immerse yourself in the ways of[...], Chile’s territory combines over 4,000 kilometers of wind-blown, ocean-swept coastline, the immense, mineral-rich northern desert, the majestic peaks of the Andes range, with thousands of active volcanoes strung along its length, and the hushed mystique of the southern evergreen forests. Join us on a 12-month journey to see them all. Located in the longest region of the North of Chile. Here, downtime is well spent sipping a glass of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc at the sleek Explorer's Bar, tucking into a plate of hearty pasta or flaky fish on the restaurant's wraparound veranda or simply savoring the tech-free silence of its delightfully simple rooms and suites. We really recommend spending time in the most northerly city of Chile. N orthern Chile is unofficially divided into two main territories: the Norte Grande (Big or Far North), border ing Peru to the North, Bolivia and Argentina to the East, Pacific Ocean to the West. The Atacama Desert A large group of ancient drawings on the hillsides at Cerro Pintados in the Atacama Desert. Arguably one of the most spectacular sights is the Tatio geysers, a geothermal field with 80-plus of the steaming, spewing springs. Atacama Desert, Spanish Desierto de Atacama, cool, arid region in northern Chile, 600 to 700 miles (1,000 to 1,100 km) long from north to south. Antofagasta, one of the oldest cities of the country, is the most important marine port in the north of Chile; it was used as a unload port for the Chilean nitrate; this region was founded by Chileans in 1870 to exploit the nitrate in the Atacama Desert. The best way to explore the Atacama is by making your base at a hotel or lodge located within its borders. It is home to the highest and driest desert in the world, the Atacama Desert, and stretches roughly 500 miles from Copiapo to the northern tip of Chile. If you’re a fan of water sports or simply enjoy soaking up the sun, don’t miss the northern coastal region, with its exquisite sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and exquisite seafood. It is located in the northern part of Chile and occupies small territories in Argentina, Peru and Bolivia. The half-day Kari expedition, which requires no acclimatization, takes guests to the La Sal Mountains for a walk along the winding Kari ravine. Largest Supply of Sodium Nitrate in the World – This region is the largest natural supply of Sodium … You’ll discover idyllic beaches ideal for sunbathing, as well as more dramatic shores, many offering fantastic opportunities for water sports and nautical activities on over 4,000 kilometers of Chilean coast. Thanks to its remoteness, high altitude and lack of rain and light pollution, the desert's night skies are some of the darkest and clearest on earth. Monument or mirage? Northern Chile has been thriving on the mining industry since the middle of the 19th century. Come and experience the full[...], Warm sunshine, sea and sand; what better ingredients for a fabulous holiday? The canyon was formed by water erosion; its high, sun-baked walls are composed of gypsum, clay and salt. Torres del Paine, W short Trek; Lake District Trek; Rental; Contact turismoatiende@sernatur.cl mi (105,000 sq. Chile enjoys more than 300 clear days per year and with little or[...], If you're an adrenaline junkie, or thrill to the sight of a spectacular landscape after a long wilderness trek, then Chile's definitely the place for you! Designed by Chilean architect Germán del Sol in 2000 and partially rebuilt in 2017 following a sweeping fire, the stylishly minimalist property is awash in white and was intended to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Explora Atacama has a sophisticated observatory to aid in exploring some of the world's clearest skies. Discover unique archaeological relics and explore the country’s history in its many museums. Located in northern Chile and ranging in elevation from 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) to 4,800 m (15,700 ft), the Atacama plateau desert is the driest region on the planet. The adventure culminates with a hard-earned picnic lunch (Chilean wines -- check) and a soak in the Puritama Hot Springs. Whatsapp, Experience a journey to the stars in Chile!