The extremely arid desert and the gigantic icebergs, seemingly incompatible landscapes, have completed a clever and perfect convergence in this magical country.
1⃣️Atacama Desert 🏜️
This is the driest place on earth. According to records, it has rained only three times in the past 400 years. Yet, at the heart of Atacama lies a true desert oasis.
The town in the oasis is called San Pedro de Atacama, with its center filled with earthen-colored bungalows and courtyards planted with palm trees, providing complete facilities and ample water for bathing.
2⃣️El Tatio Geysers 🌋
Over 90 kilometers away from the town, on the plateau, lie the world’s highest geysers.
Travelers set out at 4:00 AM, arriving at the geysers around sunrise. Surrounded by volcanoes, countless springs and fumaroles emit steam, enveloping the shivering tourists in swirling columns of vapor.
3⃣️Valley of the Moon 🏜️
In 2003, an American research team discovered that some soils in the Atacama Desert show no signs of life, not even the most basic single-celled organisms.
Geologists deduced that the geology here is similar to the surface of Mars, leading NASA to choose this area for simulating tests of Mars rovers. As evening falls in the Valley of the Moon, the setting sun casts purple, pink, and golden hues over the volcanoes, salt flats, and valleys.
4⃣️Chiloé Island 🌅
Chiloé Island is the main island of the Chiloé Archipelago, and its isolated location has fostered a unique culture distinct from the mainland.
The only way to reach Chiloé Island from the mainland is by a half-hour ferry ride. A few years ago, the Chilean government proposed building a bridge to the island, but the plan was shelved due to opposition from local residents. In the ancient legends of the indigenous people, Chiloé Island is guarded by a ghost ship called Calèuche.
5⃣️Wooden Churches ⛪
The wooden churches on Chiloé Island have towering spires. These churches are very different from others in South America. Most Jesuit missionaries in other parts of South America came from Spain, but those who arrived on Chiloé Island were from Central and Eastern Europe. They brought German and Polish wood construction techniques.
The exquisite craftsmanship and the vibrant South American-style paint made 16 wooden churches on Chiloé Island a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. The Church of San Francisco in Castro is a typical representative of these wooden churches. Designed by Italian Eduardo Provasoli, it integrates Neo-Gothic and classical styles, presenting a magnificent bright yellow appearance.
6⃣️Torres del Paine National Park 🏞️
Torres del Paine rises from the Patagonian wilderness. The word “Paine” in its name comes from the indigenous language meaning “blue,” surrounded by the azure glacial fjords and lakes. The park features the W Circuit, a 4-5 day trek through the Torres del Paine, French Valley, and Grey Glacier, revered as a classic by countless outdoor enthusiasts.
As you journey through, the towering granite walls will stand as ancient sentinels, while enchantingly blue glacial lakes mirror the sky. Vibrant Andean wildflowers carpet the landscape, and verdant trails wind through the pristine wilderness. Along the way, you’ll also encounter a diverse array of wildlife, adding to the natural wonder of your adventure.
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