The Atacama Desert in Chile 🇨🇱 is not just the driest desert on Earth 🏜️—it’s also the place that most closely resembles the Martian landscape, according to NASA. Every year, scientific expeditions spend a month here, testing and exploring. This time, I made sure to include it in my Chilean adventure!
However, instead of heading to the well-trodden northern part, we ventured into the less explored southern region ✔️. The main draw? A breathtaking salt lake that was simply too captivating to pass up!!
✈️ **Transportation**: Santiago to Copiapó (a quick 1-hour flight)
🏇🏼 **Ways to Visit**: You can choose between a day trip or a 4-day expedition (we opted for a round-trip day tour, but a 4-day trip would involve camping ⛺️).
🏠 **Accommodation**: Both Copiapó and Caldera offer convenient options for your stay, making it easy to set off on your desert adventure.
We booked a private tour with a driver and guide, complete with breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Our journey took us through the heart of the desert, where we spotted wildlife, discovered the mesmerizing salt lake, and even took a refreshing dip. We started our day at 7 am and returned by 8 pm, feeling incredibly fulfilled and inspired by the unique beauty of this extraordinary place!
