Hello, people! The end of the year is right around the corner … and the holidays are knocking on the door. The perfect time to travel and discover new places around the world. Have you ever thought about exploring the Atacama Desert in Chile? The diversity of scenarios you see there is such a great magic, that there is no one who does not leave in awe. It is a journey to reverence Mother Nature’s strength and exuberance.
You’ll need at least five full days (if you have more time!) to explore the lagoons, geysers, volcanoes, dunes, hot springs, giant cacti, salt ridges, caves, salt pans and canyons, populated by flamingos, llamas, vicuñas and various species of animals. Despite being an arid region, its geography is very particular and has no monotony. An explosion of colors and landscapes. And when night falls you will have the most starry sky on the face of the earth. A real show with the constellations seeming to be within reach and the stars streaking through the darkness without ceremony.
The Atacama Desert is located in northern Chile and occupies an area of almost a thousand kilometers between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. It is considered the highest and driest desert in the world. That’s why you’ll have many temperature variations throughout the day, ranging from 0 to 35 degrees Celsius with ease.
To get to Atacama you need to take two flights (one to Santiago de Chile and the other to Calama) and a 1h15 hour drive to the hotel. Alto Atacama is a hotel that has everything to please. The architecture is fully integrated with nature. It was built next to the ruins of Pukara Quitor, in adobe, to get in tune with the red stones that surround it. It has only 42 charming accommodations, 6 swimming pools, spa and great service. Alto Atacama is only 3 kilometers from the village of São Pedro de Atacama (you can ride the bicycles the hotel offers guests or by van) and offers more than 35 tours.
You can’t leave out of these tours: El Tatio Geyser, Puritama Thermal Springs, Salt Mountains, Moon Valley, Death Valley, Tara Salt Flats, Atacama Salt Flats and Altiplano Lagoons. And if you are feeling extra adventurous, you can climb one of the many volcanoes in the region and stretch to the Uyuni Saltpan in Bolivia.
Write down all these tips with love because the Atacama Desert is a must-see. On your way back, take a break in Santiago de Chile at the friendly Magnolia hotel, which occupies an old, recently restored mansion.
I wish a week full of inspiration and peace for all.
XoXo and see you next Tuesday.