Arguably one of the most spectacular sights is the Tatio geysers, a geothermal field with 80-plus of the steaming, spewing springs. Say the words “northern Chile” and there’s probably only one place that pops into your head: San Pedro de Atacama. Keen eyes might spot a South American gray fox, the chinchilla-like viscacha or the endangered Andean mountain cat. Travelers would do well to end a stay at Explora with a trek along the Ruta del Agua. Northern Chile has been thriving on the mining industry since the middle of the 19th century. Deadly floods in northern Chile left homes and roads destroyed. In contrast, Santiago is located midway along Chile's length and lies in a Mediterranean temperate valley between the coastal mountains and the Andes. 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 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. This may look like a plain old sponge cake, but tres lechestranslates as ‘three milks’ in English, and refers to the… mi (105,000 sq. Northern Chile is home to the Atacama Desert, which has one of the lowest rainfall totals in the world. The vast and colorful Atacama Desert is said to be the driest desert in the world. Serious stargazers will want to make the roughly 40-mile drive east from Explora to the site of the. It's roughly 600 miles in length from north to south, spilling over Chile's borders into Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. It's 8,202 feet above sea level. Norte Grande's star attraction is the tiny adobe village of San Pedro de Atacama, just a day trip away from the world's highest geyser field and some astounding desert formations. One of its main attractions is the wonderful Chungará Lake, one of the highest in the world found at[...], The history of white gold envelops and joins two saltpeter offices that became the world's most important saltpeter mine at the turn at the 20th century. 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. As I set my alarm for 4am, and rolled over in Hostel Desert – our cute little base in San Pedro de Atacama, I felt excited for the next day’s events. Visit San Pedro de Atacama and explore its singular landscapes, quite unlike anywhere else on earth. 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. It looks like it has more surprises for me than I could ever expect. The canyon was formed by water erosion; its high, sun-baked walls are composed of gypsum, clay and salt. It started with saltpetre which came to an abrupt end at the beginning of the 20th century when the synthetic production of nitrates was invented. 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. But the most northerly part of Chile is much more than just the Atacama Desert. Iquique and Arica are the most important cities in northern Chile. Its limits are not exactly determined, but it lies mainly between the south bend of the Loa River and the mountains separating the … Come and explore them! 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 best way to explore the Atacama is by making your base at a hotel or lodge located within its borders. Northern Chile & Atacama Desert Tours So marked is the contrast between northern Chile and the south that you might not believe you’re in the same country. To fully appreciate the Atacama is to understand its jaw-dropping dimensions. Some parts have even never seen rain. The Atacama Desert covers a total area of 40,541 sq. 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. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature, the Atacama Desert ecoregion occupies a continuous strip for nearly 1,600 km (1,000 mi) along the narrow coast of the northern third of Chile, from near Arica (18°24′S) southward to near La Serena (29°55′S). In fact, it is so dry that some weather stations in the desert have never recorded a single drop of rain. if you think my hands are full, you should see my heart ♥ gratitude. The region’s striking landscapes include the Altiplano and the vast landscapes of the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world. Founded in 1993, Explora, which has properties in Chile, Peru, Argentina and Bolivia, pioneered eco-tourism in the area by guiding guests on "explorations" into all reaches of the Atacama. 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. Those that take guests to the desert's higher elevations require anywhere from one to six nights' prior acclimatization. The half-day Kari expedition, which requires no acclimatization, takes guests to the La Sal Mountains for a walk along the winding Kari ravine. Moreover, the northern part of the country, because of its dry desert … It is around 621 miles in length and 93 miles at its widest. Or, for the casual traveler, to go stargazing. Santiago itself has hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Sometimes a new day is all you need for a new perspective. CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network. Atacama Salt Lakes & High Desert Lagoons. Large parts of Chile are sparsely populated, and light pollution from cities is hardly a problem. In some parts of this desert, no precipitation has ever been recorded. The adventure culminates with a hard-earned picnic lunch (Chilean wines -- check) and a soak in the Puritama Hot Springs. San Pedro Trek; Lascar Volcano & San Pedro; Santiago and Central Andes. As a result of these harsh conditions, plant and animal life is almost non-existent, particularly in the lower Atacam… It's also a traveler's delight with rock canyons, snow-capped volcanoes, geysers and turquoise lakes. 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. 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. There’s a climate phenomenon that occasionally turns the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile, the world’s driest desert, into a diverse and gorgeous flower garden. Discover the multi-layered flavors of Chilean cuisine; a rich mix of time-honored traditions[...], © 2016 CHILE TRAVEL Todos los Derechos Reservados, Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Offices. At[...], Located south from Bahía Inglesa, it is known as one of the best beaches in the country. Spend time with the indigenous peoples and experience their traditions! In fact, I didn’t really know what a geyser was. A plus for fussy packers: Hiking boots and dust-covered walking gear are welcome on property practically anywhere, any time. 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. 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. explore-atacama.com / E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +56 (2) 2570 8620 / Toll Free USA: 1-800-906-8056. 2 Valle de la Luna – an impressive dry desert landscape; Understand . The Atacama Desert A large group of ancient drawings on the hillsides at Cerro Pintados in the Atacama Desert. They are on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, and are located in the Atacama Desert.. 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. Fotografía de @mygobe. What causes the flowering desert / desierto florido? 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. If[...]. The Atacama Desert is home to diverse flora and fauna, despite its harsh climate. 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. The two-and-a-half-hour hike requires careful climbing and watchful walking through a rocky cactus valley, following a cool, clear and shallow river along a deep canyon. For guests who are lucky, the Matancilla exploration -- at times a tedious trek over sandy, stony trails near the Domeyko Mountains -- yields up-close encounters with fuzzy, grazing guanacos, a camelid creature from which domesticated llamas descended. We really recommend spending time in the most northerly city of Chile. Seeing all that this otherworldly landscape has to offer requires some effort, but it more than pays off. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, guests can visit the. Arica; Iquique; San Pedro de Atacama; La Serena; Antofagasta; Calama; Caldera and Bahía Inglesa; Copiapó; Mejillones; Other destinations . Sky-high, flower-freckled cacti stand watch on either side. 600 600 60 66 Explora Atacama has a sophisticated observatory to aid in exploring some of the world's clearest skies. Located in the middle of a desert, 18 kilometers from Peru, the capital of northern Chile serves as Bolivia’s principal port. There, using a technique called interferometry, 66 antennae work collectively to gather and analyze signals from the universe and to determine their sources. Atacama is surprising. Sitting more than 16,000 feet above sea level in … For those who like[...], Throughout your travels in Chile, you’ll enjoy an irresistible combination of mouth-watering seafood, fabulous produce from the fertile land and sophisticated cuisine, together with the perfect wine pairings to captivate your senses. This part of Chile includes the regions of Arica and Parinacota, Tarapaca, Antofagasta and the northern half of Atacama. 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. Up until now though, I’d never seen a geyser. Far from being a desolate, arid wilderness, the Atacama desert is overflowing with life. 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. What earns the Atacama the title of world's driest desert is, in large part, its position between the Cordillera de la Costa mountain range to the west and the Andes to the east, with surrounding elevations ranging from 5,000 feet to 16,000 feet. Impressively, the Atacama is home to three. Its area is … 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. Andes Glacier Overnight; Termas & Trekking; Snow Shoes; Andes Crossing; Mt Pintor; Mt Leonera; Patagonia and Lake District. You’ll find all these and much more in Chile’s lively cities. Monument or mirage? 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! 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. Located in the longest region of the North of Chile. If you like fashion and design, visit the exclusive boutiques on Santiago's most elegant streets. Cities . There are more than 270 hot springs throughout Chile, many located in rich, verdant landscapes or nestling[...], Bustling nightlife, modern shopping malls, stunning textiles and mouth-watering Chilean food. The Salt Lake District in Chile is certainly one of the … Early evening, the moon's ghostly silhouette hangs high above the landscape, and a burnt-orange tint bleeds over the horizon. The Andean foothills and high plateau landscapes merge in a place of great cultural and historical interest with amazing natural beauty. According to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), there are six species of flamingos in the world. km), stretching 600mi (1000km) from southern Peru into northern Chile. It is located in the northern part of Chile and occupies small territories in Argentina, Peru and Bolivia. WHERE: San Pedro de Atacama. Whatsapp, Experience a journey to the stars in Chile! Argentina: (11) 5219-4105 / Brasil: (11) 3958-7071. Northern Chile and Desert. 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. In the northern desert region saline soils, made up of gravel and sand cemented with calcium sulfate, alternate with alkali-rich soils, which are difficult to cultivate even with irrigation because of their surface salt accumulations. Chile is a geographically diverse country that stretches 2,653 miles from north to south along South America’s western coast. The trek takes guests to highlands of roughly 14,000 feet, where vicuña, foxes and flamingos make their home. The mountains and other environmental factors prevent would-be precipitation from reaching the Atacama, creating a so-called rain shadow. Santiago de Chile, Turismo Atiende: The scene is reminiscent of a movie set on Mars. Over the past year or so of travel blogging I’d visited Costa Rican waterfalls, Guatemalan volcanoes, Mayan ruins, medieval Croatian cities and been swimming in several oceans, lakes and rivers. Kicking off in Santiago discover fascinating museums, lunar-like landscapes of geysers and rock formations, pre-Hispanic ruins and gigantic geoglyphs, mammoth copper mines and abandoned ghost towns with plenty of natural beauty to boot. Lindsay Lambert Day is a freelance travel and lifestyle writer based in Atlanta.

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