Atacama Region Holidays

Atacama (region)

See extraordinary panoramas of snow-capped mountains rising out of red-dust desert and salt-crusted lagoons in this arid central northern region.

Atacama is a remarkable region dominated by the desert of the same name, where Andean mountains and coastal peaks frame a dusty arid basin. Traverse rugged red mountains or watch flamingos take flight from a salt lake. Discover the fertile oases that border the Copiapó and Huasco rivers and taste the region’s renowned vineyards, fruits and olives.

The central hub in the region is San Pedro de Atacama, a charming town set into the otherworldly landscapes and rust-colored ridges of the desert. Snap photographs of its picturesque church and historic plaza or book your adventure into the surrounding scenery. Venture out into the Moon Valley and wander through the eerie eroded landscapes and check out Chile’s largest salt flat at the Salar de Atacama. Both destinations are famous for hosting some of the region’s most magnificent sunsets, with the last rays of sunlight casting purple and orange hues across the Andes and volcanic peaks.

Tap into your adventurous side: Try sandboarding down the dunes in Death Valley or strolling through the smouldering El Tatio Geyser at dawn. If you would prefer a relaxing experience, float in the salty waters of Cejar Lagoon or try stargazing in the deep, dark night of the desert. You might see llamas trekking through the desert or wildflowers blooming in the short springtime.

The region is headed by the mining city of Copiapó, which is an interesting place to learn about Atacama’s silver and copper mining booms. Be sure to stop by some of the rural villages that pepper the valleys of the Copiapó and Huasco rivers to sample some of the Atacama region’s delicious fresh produce. In the evening, relax with a glass of the local tipple, pisco sour.

Reach the Atacama region via plane to the Desierto de Atacama Airport or El Loa Airport in Calama. Buses are a popular way to reach San Pedro de Atacama from Calama. Get around the region by rental car, local bus or with a charter tour. Visit this desert region between September and March to avoid the chill of winter in this beautifully desolate landscape.