Atacama Desert Chile Lagoons and Salt Mountains

The Atacama Desert in Chile is an extraordinary, alien landscape like no other place on Earth. Its vast salt flats, lagoons and salt mountains contrast with the striking, red-sand valleys, giant volcanoes and the desolate country. It’s a landscape dotted with friendly oases, secret canyons and ancient ruins, making it a unique and unforgettable place to explore.

Atacama Desert Chile Lagoons and Salt Mountains Summary

Attraction: Atacama Desert
Country: Chile
Continent: South America
Capital Name: Santiago
Language: Spanish
Currency: Chilean Peso
Nationality: Chilean

Why must you visit Atacama Desert Chile?

Atacama Desert Chile is an incredibly unique and picturesque destination that offers visitors a wealth of things to do and see. It is one of the driest places on the planet and its landscape features stunning mountain vistas, salt flats, geysers, hot springs, lagoons, and interesting wildlife.

It is also home to some of the darkest skies in the world and offers unparalleled stargazing opportunities. Its ancient culture, untouched terrain and outdoor activities make it an unforgettable destination that is perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and photographers alike.

Tell Us About Atacama Desert Chile

Atacama Desert is located on the coast of Northern Chile and is the world’s driest desert. It stretches for over 600 miles and is one of the most biodiverse desert regions in the world. With its exceptionally clear skies and the remarkable lack of light pollution, the Atacama Desert is one of the world’s premier places for astronomical observation. The desert is also home to many active geysers, hot springs, and lagoons which are popular tourist attractions.

The Atacama Desert has a unique cultural heritage, customary to its ruralist roots that can be traced back to the Andean pre-Hispanic era. It also contains archaeological sites such as Pukara, Inca fortified structures, and adobe villages.

What are the Things to do in Atacama Desert Chile?

Atacama Desert Chile is one of the most beautiful and unique places in South America. It is full of adventure, culture and amazing experiences.

Witness the Majestic Salar de Atacama: The Salar de Atacama is a vast Salt Lake surrounded by stunning, barren mountains. From certain angles, the Salt Lake almost appears to be an ocean. It’s an unforgettable experience.
Visit the El Tatio Geysers: This is one of the few places in the world where you can see seventy or more geysers in a single location. The El Tatio Geysers are also a striking sight because they often appear to be steaming in the cold night air.
3) Explore San Pedro de Atacama: San Pedro de Atacama is the main town in the Atacama Desert. It’s a popular destination for its scenic beauty and historical sites. From here, you can also book tours to explore the desert.
Visit Pablo Neruda’s House: This is an interesting place for avid readers. Pablo Neruda’s house was an inspiration for his most famous works, and it contains wonderful historical artifacts.
Take a Tour of El Tatio Lagoons: El Tatio lagoon is an incredible place to explore. It is full of wildlife and colorful birds, and it’s the perfect spot for photography.
Enjoy Star-Gazing: Atacama is famous for its beauty in the night sky. With a telescope, you can enjoy the beauty of the stars, planets and galaxies above.
Explore Valle de la Luna: Valle de la Luna is a scenic and magical place. It’s like walking around another world. It looks like the surface of the moon and its dramatic landscapes will take your breath away.
Try Sandboarding: This is an amazing experience. While in Atacama, you can hire a board, secure your feet and enjoy the thrilling activity.
Visit Church of San Pedro de Atacama: This ancient church was built in 1700 and is a must-see. It is a stunningly beautiful church and a number of artifacts are on display there.
Hike Valle de la Muerte: Valle de la Muerte is a beautiful area of the Atacama Desert, and it is a great opportunity to hike and explore its natural beauty.

What are the Best Foods at Atacama Desert Chile?

Atacama Desert Chile is home to some of the most unique and delicious foods in the world. Some of the best foods to try while visiting the region include:

Empanadas – savory pastries filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese
Cazuela – a traditional stew made with beef, chicken, or vegetables
Humitas – corn tamales served with cheese, onions, and chili peppers
Carne Mechada – a type of steak served with a variety of sauces and vegetables
Cordero al Palo – slow-roasted lamb cooked on a spit over an open fire
Pastel de Choclo – a sweet pastry filled with corn, raisins, and other ingredients
Chorrillana – a dish of fried potatoes, onions, and beef strips
Ceviche – a dish of marinated seafood served with chili peppers and lime juice
Llama – a local delicacy, llama is often served as a stew or grilled over an open fire
Eintopf – a hearty stew made with meat and vegetables
Chicha – a fermented drink made from corn and fruits

What are the Best Hotels to Stay in Atacama Desert Chile?

There are many great hotels in Atacama Desert Chile. Some of the favorites include the Four Seasons Resort Atacama, the luxury Residence Atacama, and the Park Hyatt.