Valle de la Luna
Valle de la Luna, or Valley of the Moon, is a surreal landscape in the Atacama Desert that resembles the surface of the moon. Visitors can explore the otherworldly rock formations, salt flats, and sand dunes, while watching the sunset over the dramatic scenery. The valley is a popular spot for photography and stargazing, offering a unique and unforgettable experience in one of the driest places on Earth.
San Pedro Church
The San Pedro Church is a historic adobe church located in the town of San Pedro de Atacama. Built in the 17th century, it is one of the oldest churches in Chile and features a unique blend of indigenous and Spanish architectural styles. Visitors can admire the church's ornate interior and learn about its cultural significance.
Laguna Cejar
Laguna Cejar is a stunning salt lake in the Atacama Desert, known for its vibrant turquoise waters and high salt concentration that allows visitors to float effortlessly. The lake is surrounded by white salt flats and offers breathtaking views of the desert landscape. Visitors can swim in the refreshing waters, relax on the sandy shores, and enjoy the unique experience of floating in one of the world's saltiest bodies of water.
Salar de Atacama
Salar de Atacama is the largest salt flat in Chile, located in the Atacama Desert. Visitors can explore the vast expanse of white salt crust, surrounded by volcanic peaks and flamingo-filled lagoons. The salt flat is a unique and otherworldly landscape, offering opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and stargazing. Visitors can also visit the nearby Chaxa Lagoon to see the flamingos up close and learn about the unique ecosystem of the Atacama Desert.
Pukara de Quitor
Pukara de Quitor is a pre-Columbian archaeological site located on a hill overlooking the San Pedro de Atacama oasis. It was built by the indigenous Atacameño people in the 12th century and served as a fortress to protect the area from invasions. Visitors can explore the ruins, learn about the history of the site, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Pukará de Quitor
The Pukará de Quitor is a pre-Columbian archaeological site located on a hill overlooking the San Pedro de Atacama oasis. It was built by the indigenous Atacameño people for defensive purposes and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the area.
El Tatio Geysers
El Tatio Geysers is one of the highest geyser fields in the world, located in the Atacama Desert. Visitors can witness the spectacular sight of steam and boiling water shooting up from the ground, creating a dramatic display against the backdrop of the Andes mountains. The geysers are best seen at sunrise, when the contrast between the cold air and hot geothermal activity is most striking. Visitors can also relax in the natural hot springs nearby.
Los Flamencos National Reserve
Los Flamencos National Reserve is a protected area in the Atacama Desert known for its diverse ecosystems, including salt flats, lagoons, and high-altitude desert. Visitors can spot flamingos, vicuñas, and other wildlife, as well as explore the unique geological formations and stunning landscapes of the reserve.
Cejar Lagoon
Cejar Lagoon is a stunning saltwater lagoon located in the Atacama Desert. Visitors can float effortlessly in the buoyant waters due to the high salt concentration, making it a unique and relaxing experience. The lagoon is surrounded by breathtaking desert landscapes, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape in the midst of the desert.
Piedras Rojas
Piedras Rojas, or Red Rocks, is a stunning natural formation of red rocks and a turquoise lagoon in the Atacama Desert. Visitors can hike around the area and take in the breathtaking views of the colorful landscape. It is a popular spot for photography and enjoying the unique beauty of the desert.
Garganta del Diablo
Garganta del Diablo, or Devil's Throat, is a dramatic canyon in the Atacama Desert with towering rock walls and a narrow passage carved by the flow of water over millennia. Visitors can hike through the canyon and admire the rugged beauty of the desert landscape.
Puritama Hot Springs
Puritama Hot Springs are a series of natural thermal pools in the Atacama Desert, surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains. Visitors can relax and soak in the warm waters, which are believed to have healing properties. It is a popular spot for unwinding and rejuvenating after exploring the desert.
Puritama Valley
Puritama Valley is a lush oasis in the Atacama Desert, featuring hot springs surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation. Visitors can relax in the natural pools, enjoy the tranquil surroundings, and take in the breathtaking views of the desert landscape.
Tatio Geysers
Tatio Geysers is a stunning geothermal field located in the Atacama Desert, Chile. It is one of the highest-elevation geyser fields in the world, with over 80 active geysers. Visitors can witness the spectacular sight of steam and boiling water shooting up from the ground against the backdrop of the Andes mountains. The geysers are best viewed at sunrise when the steam is most visible. It is a unique and otherworldly experience that should not be missed.
Aldea de Tulor
Aldea de Tulor is an ancient archaeological site in the Atacama Desert, showcasing the remains of a pre-Columbian settlement dating back over 3,000 years. Visitors can explore the adobe structures and learn about the history and culture of the early inhabitants of the region.
Hand of the Desert
The Hand of the Desert is a large sculpture of a hand emerging from the sand in the Atacama Desert. It is a popular photo spot and symbolizes the isolation and vulnerability of the human being. Visitors can marvel at the contrast between the hand and the barren desert landscape surrounding it.
Tara Salt Flat
Tara Salt Flat is a vast expanse of white salt flats surrounded by mountains in the Atacama Desert. Visitors can explore the unique landscape and see flamingos and other wildlife in the area. It is a peaceful and serene place to take in the beauty of the desert and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
Rainbow Valley
Rainbow Valley, or Valle del Arcoiris, is a stunning geological formation in the Atacama Desert known for its vibrant colors caused by mineral deposits. Visitors can hike through the valley and marvel at the unique rock formations and panoramic views of the desert landscape.