The Atacama Desert is a vast area covering the northern half of the country to the borders of Peru and Bolivia. Very arid desert, it consists of a lunar landscape: rocky desert, a few rivers and oasis, blue skies, snow-capped volcanoes of around 6000 meters, turquoise lagoons, sand dunes tan, salt lakes, geysers and flamingos roses. 4 cities are the basis excursion to explore this unique region in the world, from north to south: Arica, Iquique, San Pedro de Atacama Copiapo.
Arica, Arica region and Parinacota
Park Lauca Parinacota
Located just north of Chile a few miles from Peru, Arica retained vestiges from indigenous traditions. She has the most beautiful archaeological sites in the country. Do not forget to visit the museum of San Miguel de Azapa. Discover the geoglyphs Desert and the ruins of Inca fortresses. It is nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild temperatures all year round.
Iquique, Tarapacá Region
Besides the city of Iquique itself, the whole region is very interesting to visit. Start with the former saltpeter works of Humberstone and Santa Laura, classified World Heritage of Humanity. Then explore the oases of Pica and Matilla, the villages of La Tirana The Huayca. Some surprising sites geoglyphs await you: The Giant of Atacama Cerro Unita, those of Cerro Pintados, not to mention the white crystals of the Salar de llamar.
Salar de Atacama
Located a few kilometers from Bolivia and Argentina is the most visited village of Northern Chile. The whole area is exciting and attracts travelers from around the world. We suggest a step of at least four days.
san pedro
San Pedro Tatio
A few kilometers from the village, start at the Salt mountain range with valleys of the Moon and Death, a supernatural landscape at the edge of the Salar de Atacama. Surprising forms were created by wind and sun of the desert and colored by minerals. At dawn and dusk, the landscape seems to be ignited by sunlight. In the north, discover some 80 columns of steam up to 6 m high. These are incredible geysers Tatio a wonderful spectacle. The water emerges hot (up to 85 ° C) volcanic rocks and turns into steam on contact with cold air.
South, employees and Talar HYBRID the best offer with their colors surreal volcanic slopes in contrast, and shortly after the Laguna Tuyajto amazes by its turquoise waters. Lakes Miscanti Miñiques are even higher, at 4,200 m, facing the Cerros Miñiques (5910 m) and Miscanti (5622 m). The palette is beautiful: blue skies and lakes, grass yellow ocher earth, red and black rocks, white snow of the volcanoes. Only traces of life: flamingos, protected by the Los Flamencos National Reserve.
Copiapo, Atacama Region
One of his most magical sites in the region is the coastal national park Pan de Azúcar, decorated with cactus and its rich marine life and the Llanos de Challe Park, north of Huasco. See also the magnificent scenery of National Park Nevado de Tres Cruces and Laguna Verde.
Transportation
Plane: several towns have airports: Arica, Iquique, Calama, Antofagasta, Copiapo, all served from Santiago.
Road, the Pan American (Route 5) runs through the north of Chile, passing through major cities.