San Pedro de Atacama

Picturesque San Pedro de Atacama stands as an oasis in the midst of the world’s driest desert, where geological evidence suggests that certain areas have never experienced rainfall.  A rich pre-Colombian history dating back thousands of years lives on today in traditional artisan crafts and a renowned archaeological museum, while the looming presence of the Licancabur Volcano, expansive salt flats dotted with pink flamingoes, majestic purple and orange sunsets over the jagged horizon, and second-to-none stargazing bring new meaning to the phrase “natural wonder.”

The colors of the desert

Sunrises and sunsets bring the desert’s colors to life – reds, browns, oranges, yellows. Get up early and watch the blazing sun rise over the jagged ridges at Valle de la Muerta; it’s spectacular and you won’t regret it.

Desert flavors

Don’t forget to try a Rica Rica Sour (or Rica Rica flavored ice cream), made from the aromatic medicinal herb, Rica Rica, native to the altiplano region. It’s a local specialty and quite delicious.

Clear skies for miles

You’ve never seen the night skies like this. No trip to Atacama is complete without a night of relaxed star gazing. Go to an observatory or just lay down outside and look up. This is the spectacular view from Alto Atacama’s private observatory.