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San Pedro de Atacama

The Atacama Desert & Northern Chile

Northern Chile holidays

Introduction

The Atacama Desert is northern Chile's most distinctive geographical feature. Starkly different from the south of the country, this 1,000 kilometre strip of land is one of most arid regions on earth. Rainfall is virtually non-existent in many parts of the Atacama Desert and gets less as you travel north into Chile's important copper mining and fish processing region around Antofagasta, Calama and Arica. In the far north, the Atacama Desert ends and is replaced by the high Altiplano, on the border between Chile, Peru and Bolivia.

The dusty and dry Atacama Desert is an expanse of rocky terrain dotted with cacti, and occasional small oasis towns along the Pan-American Highway. One of the most popular stop-offs is San Pedro de Atacama, surrounded by geysers, lunar valleys and vast salt flats. Star gazing under clear desert skies and adventure tours into the desolate but beautiful Atacama Desert are some of the possible activities for travellers in northern Chile.

 

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Top itineraries in The Atacama Desert & Northern Chile

Alto Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Chilean Wines & the Atacama Desert

12-day tailor-made holiday from £5,880 pp incl. flights

Discover the contrasts of northern Chile on this tailor-made tour, which takes in the capital, Santiago, the striking landscapes of the Atacama desert and the central wine valleys of Colchagua and Casablanca.

Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile

Highlights of Chile

13-day tailor-made holiday from £6,475 pp incl. flights

From the austere landscapes of the north to the granite spires of the Patagonian south and the cities of Santiago and Valparaíso in between, this tailor-made holiday takes in the best of Chile’s history, heritage, landscapes and wildlife.

Ahu Tongariki, Easter Island, Chile

Luxury Atacama & Easter Island with explora Hotels

12-day tailor-made holiday from £6,855 pp incl. flights

Chile is a destination made for adventure. And, you’ll take in the best of it on this luxury itinerary, which pairs full inclusive stays at two explora hotels – one set amid the austere beauty of the Atacama and the other in faraway Easter Island.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Landscapes of Chile

12-day tailor-made holiday from £7,690 pp incl. flights

This country-spanning tour of Chile takes you from Santiago’s storied streets to the grasslands and glaciers of Patagonia and otherworldly Atacama Desert. Round things off with a luxury stay in artistic Valparaíso on the Pacific coast.

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Top places to stay in The Atacama Desert & Northern Chile

Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa

Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa

Contemporary hotel

Combining outdoor adventure with a relaxed atmosphere and first-class hospitality, the exceptional Tierra Atacama brings together striking architectural features, stylish interiors and a designer spa in Chile’s arid northern desert.

Explora Atacama

Explora Atacama

Contemporary lodge

After exploring a world-wonder desert on included horse rides, hikes and bike rides, return to all-inclusive drinks and fine dining at an ultra-contemporary spa resort.

Awasi Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama

Awasi, San Pedro de Atacama

Contemporary lodge

Thatched roofs and colourful furnishings give this luxury Atacama hotel a distinctly African feel. With an excellent restaurant and delightful outdoor pool, it’s the ideal base for exploring the wonders of the world’s driest non-polar desert on exclusive, private excursions.

Alto Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Nayara Alto Atacama

Contemporary lodge

Just three kilometres from San Pedro de Atacama, but a world away from the bustle of town, this stylish lodge and spa overlooks the stunning Catarpe Valley, bringing indulgent luxury to the driest non-polar desert on earth.

Where to go in The Atacama Desert & Northern Chile

Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on earth and provides some of Chile's most dramatic landscapes. Although rain is a rarity, every few years there is sufficient rainfall to produce the desierto florido - flowering desert - when colourful flowers bloom and life returns, briefly, to the …

When to go to The Atacama Desert & Northern Chile

The Atacama Desert
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With little or no rainfall to worry about, the Atacama Desert can be visited year-round although nights can be quite cold, especially in winter (June to August).

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The Atacama Desert & Northern Chile articles

Explora Patagonia, Torres del Paine

Luxury lodges in South America: the ultimate guide to explora

explora properties offer some of the most luxurious accommodation in South America's most spectacular settings. Expect open bars, full-board fine dining and included excursions that range from archaeological hikes in Peru to bike rides in Patagonia.

Best Food and Wine in the World

The best food and wine holidays in the world

From nectorial white wines to ambrosial game meats, we have hand-picked our favourite food and wine holidays around the world, including highlights from South Africa, Chile and France.

Meet our The Atacama Desert & Northern Chile experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0698

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0698 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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Every step of the way

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