Meet the Atacama Desert, the wilder side of Chile, the world's second-longest nation. There are some incredible things to do in the Atacama Desert, stunning vistas you will not find anywhere else in the world 3⁄4 strange lunar landscapes to explore, exciting desert excursions you can take or do on your own, and distinctive Chilean delicacies and tastes, some of which are unique to this region. This one-of-a-kind location has some of the most breathtaking scenery I've ever seen, and it may be the closest we ever come to Mars exploration. I'm still shocked that it remains one of my all-time favorite locations!
If riding is not for you, you may always go for hiking. The Atacama Desert is an ideal location to reconnect with nature, and there is no better place to start than Valle de la Luna, or Moon Valley. This ochre-colored natural area is characterized by jagged rock formations, sand dunes, and otherworldly sceneries. As you sit on the rocks at Kari Canyon look-out point and stare out over the Salt Range, you might be excused for believing you've been transported to another planet. As you continue on your journey, caverns and gorges become visible, as do ancient Pre-Inca ruins and strange geological formations, providing an array of picture possibilities. If you can schedule your visit around the sunset, you will not be disappointed. As the sun sets over the desert, you are reminded of how magnificent nature is and how lucky you are to be able to see it in its most pristine state in the Atacama.
This is a must-see for travelers on the âInca trailâ; it is a desert oasis of shade. It is inhabited by communities from Atacama and maintains an easygoing pace except for religious events that may involve confetti, flour, or algarrobo cocktails, depending on the patron saint (fermented drink made from the pods and seeds of the algarrobo tree). Try northern cuisine and don't forget to see the San Francisco Church, which dates all the way back to the 1600s. It is Chile's oldest church, having been constructed utilizing indigenous traditions over a millennium ago. Enter and be amazed: it is constructed entirely of mud and cactus wood.
As the sun begins to rise over the jagged mountains and the geysers recede, it's time for breakfast – either at one of the little settlements along the way for fresh-grilled guanaco (similar to llama) or in San Pedro at the famous Roots café. Later that day, a visit to the neighborhood open-air market â nothing more than an alley covered in a plastic sheet â gives the opportunity to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies for a desert picnic. Boutique, all-inclusive, or luxury hotels
