8 highlights of the Atacama Desert
San Pedro Atacama lies in the shadow of the Andes that separate Chile from Bolivia. Tucked in the north of Chile, some parts of this desert have never recorded any rainfall. It’s a quaint little town with mud brick buildings framing the streets, dogs roaming free, dry hot days, cold nights and dust for days. It makes a perfect base to explore the desert and all its star attractions.
Rolling around the desert independently on our own timeframe was a breeze thanks to our trusty van. Here are our top 8 experiences in the Atacama Desert.
1. Explore El Tatio Geysers
Bubbling away at 4,320m are the El Tatio Geysers, natural hot springs. Make no mistake, these geysers are a little anti-social at 85 degrees. Arriving in the dark at 6am and minus 15 degrees, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. There’s a ghostly feel to this place just prior to sunrise with the geysers letting off steam, some spurting hot water 7m into the air as the sun starts to rise. It's quite a sight to behold.
2. Swim in desert lagoons
With parts of the Atacama Desert never seeing rain, it was surprising to come across these salty little lakes in Atacama. Sweating it out in the scorching 40 degree heat, floating in these lagoons provided refreshing relief.
3. Watch the sunset at Valle de Luna
During the day, the desert is a harsh place. Come sunrise or sun set, it’s a different world. The light softens and casts a soft glow over the canyons. Watching the light change and the moon rise is a magical experience.
4. Gaze endlessly at stars
Wild camping has its benefits. With limited light source from nearby San Pedro town, the stars present themselves before you and put on an almighty show. All the favourites come out to play - the Milky Way, the Southern Cross, the Twins, Magellan Galaxy and more - it is endless.
5. Wake up to hot air balloons
Nothing says good morning like a hot air balloon launching right next to you. After docking the van in a remote spot the previous night, imagine my surprise waking up to bursts of hot air fuelling a magnificent hot air balloon. The lucky buggers launched to a backdrop of Andes mountains, Valle de Luna, the Atacama Desert - and me, ungracefully staggering out of the van to snap a few pics.
6. Cruise around cactus country
Deserts and cacti go hand in hand. Dotted across the valley behind San Pedro, the cacti of Atacama are worthy of insta-fame.
7. Take a journey to the Bolivian Salt Flats
San Pedro is a better spot than any to drive overland to Bolivia. Across the Andres, past Volcanos, beside lakes featuring flamingos and to the wondrous Salt Flats. We'll post that puppy soon :-)
8. Sleep next to a giant hand
Mano del Desert is striking and creepy at the same time. This handy sculpture sits in the middle of nowhere in the Atacama Desert. Since no one was around and it was getting late, we parked our van next to handy and set in for the night. There’s something a little strange waking up to a giant finger protruding up from the desert sand.
If you end up in San Pedro, Atacama, enjoy falling in love with the most beautiful deserts in the world.
DO
Everything above!
Hire bikes and cruise around if you can handle the heat.
if you can afford it, take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. While we were only watched, it would be incredible.
EAT & DRINK
Roots: for the best coffee and salads in town.
Peregrino: another decent coffee option and Sherpa tucked into a wicked slice of cake.
Barron Restaurant & Bar: set away from the main tourist drag, this place attracts the locals for a good reason. The hearty meals are tasty and super cheap.
STAY
Guesthouse Diaguitas: Esteban has set up a gorgeous guesthouse with only two rooms that look onto a relaxing courtyard. It has a kitchen, outdoor fireplace and piping hot showers. It felt like out own little home in San Pedro.
Instagram: @thelisaphillips #somedaysherpa
