The Driest Desert in the World Has Stunning Salt Flats, Epic Stargazing, and Scenic Trails

"Traveling to the Atacama Desert feels like stepping onto a different planet. There's a reason for that-the soil here is similar to that on Mars. It's the driest non-polar desert in the world. The town of San Pedro de Atacama sits at almost 8,000 feet above sea level, which is partly why it's so dry. Other visitable parts of the desert go up to 17,000 feet-about the same altitude as the Mount Everest Base Camp."

"This area of Chile is significant for several reasons: It's millions of years old and has ruins from around 10,000 years ago. Since there's no light pollution, it's one of the best places in the world to see the night sky and home to some of the world's most powerful telescopes. Visitors have unparalleled access to the stars and planets of our solar system."

The Atacama Desert features Mars-like soil, extreme aridity, and high-altitude terrain reaching up to about 17,000 feet. San Pedro de Atacama sits near 8,000 feet and serves as the main access point for regional excursions. Ancient ruins and geological formations span millions of years of history. Clear, pollution-free skies host powerful telescopes and offer exceptional stargazing opportunities. Popular activities include guided stargazing tours, visits to Piedras Rojas, the Altiplanic Lagoons, Laguna Chaxa, and the Salar de Atacama flamingo reserve. Salt flats, volcanoes, and local cultural and Incan heritage provide diverse outdoor and cultural experiences. Tour operators typically run full-day excursions beginning early morning and returning in the late afternoon, maximizing daylight and wildlife viewing.

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