San Pedro de Atacama

The Atacama is the driest non-polar desert on Earth, a high-altitude expanse of extreme landscapes that could be Mars.

But beyond the otherworldly geology of salt flats, steaming geysers, and red canyons, its unparalleled atmospheric clarity has made it a global hub for astronomy, home to the world's largest astronomical project, ALMA.

Fly into:

• El Loa International CJC
• Arturo Merino Benítez International SCL

Most sights around San Pedro de Atacama require booking a tour with local agencies, including transportation. Within the compact adobe town, walking is easy. Bicycles can be rented for nearby spots like Pukará de Quitor.

Embrace the early starts for many tours, especially El Tatio, to catch the best light and avoid crowds. Hydrate constantly due to the extreme dryness and high altitude. Take time to simply look up at the night sky from the town plaza.

Best in Spring

Spring: generally clear and dry with warm days around 20-25C, but very cold nights dropping to 0-5C, and intense sun due to the high altitude.

• warm layers for cold desert nights and early mornings
• wide-brimmed hat and high SPF sunscreen
• sturdy walking shoes for uneven terrain
• swimsuit for lagoons and hot springs
• refillable water bottle
• sunglasses