I recently ventured into the breathtaking Atacama Desert (Desierto de Atacama) in Chile, and I’m excited to share my experiences, which can serve as a helpful reference for your own adventure.
My journey began with a flight from Santiago to Calama. Upon landing, a scenic 1-hour and 15-minute drive brought me to the charming desert town of San Pedro de Atacama. This quaint town was the perfect base for both my accommodations and tour arrangements. While I had pre-arranged my itinerary online, there are plenty of local options to explore and book once you arrive, allowing for a more flexible and personalized experience.
**Day 1: Red Rocks Adventure**
The day started bright and early at 6 am (or sometimes 7 am), with a convenient pickup service right from my accommodation. The first stop was a cozy town square where a hearty breakfast awaited, thoughtfully prepared by the guide and driver. The spread included fresh bread, eggs, coffee, tea, and more, ensuring we were well-fueled for the day ahead.
Our first destination was a stunning lake teeming with flamingos (photos 4, 5, 6). It’s important to purchase tickets for this site in advance, and the guides usually remind you to do so online the day before. Next, we headed to another picturesque lake (photo 2) before reaching the iconic Red Rocks.
After a morning filled with natural wonders, we returned to the town for a satisfying lunch. The tour concluded around 4 pm, or 5 pm if you started at 7 am, leaving plenty of time to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Morning temperatures can be quite chilly, so it’s essential to layer up with warm clothing. However, as the day progresses, the heat intensifies, so be sure to pack shorts and t-shirts. Sun protection is a must, including sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Staying hydrated is also crucial, so always carry water. These essentials will ensure you stay comfortable throughout the day, given the high altitude and intense sun.
**Day 2: A Day of Wonders**
This action-packed day kicked off with a visit to the enchanting Rainbow Valley from 7:00-12:00, followed by an afternoon exploration of the Moon Valley from 15:30-20:30, and culminated with an unforgettable evening of stargazing from 21:00-00:30. Each activity seamlessly flowed into the next, making for a perfectly balanced day.
Breakfast was included in the Rainbow Valley tour (photo 3), and the entrance fee was paid in cash on-site. The Moon Valley (photos 7, 8) was a stark yet beautiful landscape, and the midday heat was intense. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection. The tour included a delicious meal and ended with a spectacular sunset, a fitting end to a day of natural beauty.
The stargazing experience (photo 1) was a highlight, featuring a fascinating introduction to astronomy and star observation through telescopes. After about 2 hours, we enjoyed a light snack before the main event: capturing the starry sky. Each person or couple could take 4-5 photos, which were sent within 1 to 3 working days, providing a lasting memory of the night’s magic.
While there are many other activities available in the Atacama Desert, I focused on these due to a flight delay that cut my trip short. Nonetheless, the experiences I did have were nothing short of extraordinary.
