Trek the Atacama Desert
Luxury Atacama Desert Vacations
The Atacama Desert is a vast desert plateau in northern Chile. Situated between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this fascinating setting is the driest non-polar desert on the planet.
The combination of the lack of moisture, strong solar rays and desert winds have created a truly sensational landscape of lunar valleys, lagoons, thermal pools and salt flats. Many choose to combine a visit to the Atacama Desert with a trip to Patagonia to create the ultimate escape to some of nature’s most incredible sights.
Santiago, Patagonia and Atacama
Featured Atacama Desert Itinerary
Highlights of the Atacama Desert
Moon de la Luna (Moon Valley)
Moon de la Luna, also known as Moon Valley, is a natural phenomenon located 17 kilometers from the town of San Pedro. It is a fascinating area where valleys of sand dunes and eroded rock formations have come together to carve the most otherworldly setting.
Salt deposits lie all over the landscape, creating a lunar appearance that has earned the valley its name. Explore awe-inspiring salt caves, sprawling sand dunes, volcanoes, and salt flats in this unique area of the Atacama Desert.
Piedras Rojas
An extraordinary red landscape of red rock and sandstone, Piedras Rojas is another of the best places to see in the Atacama Desert. The expanse of rouge rocks is surrounded by a ring of volcanoes, which form the most captivating of settings.
It is also home to the Salar de Atacama, one of the world’s largest salt flats. The area is also renowned for its flourishing wildlife population, so prepare to cross paths with everything from flamingos to vicuñas in this remarkable destination.
Chaxa Lagoon
A tranquil oasis amidst the salt desert, Chaxa Lagoon lies right in the middle of Salar de Atacama and is a truly breathtaking setting. One of the best places in Chile to see flamingos, you will be able to gaze over a sea of pink as the vibrant creatures brighten the area's calm transparent waters. Visit the area at sunrise to catch the shaded sun casting a stunning pink hue across the salty water.
Travel Guide
The best way to travel to the wild landscapes of Chile’s Atacama Desert is by flying to Santiago. Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta and United Airlines offer direct flights to the city from Miami, Houston, New York and Los Angeles. You will also find direct flights to Santiago from many of the world’s major cities including London, Tokyo, New York, Sydney and Paris. From Santiago, all you need to do is take a domestic flight to Calama city which lies 230 km from the Atacama Desert. From here, your adventure can begin!
13 days / 12 nights
Experience three of South America’s most iconic destinations, Atacama Desert, Patagonia and Iguazu Falls, while lodging at the luxurious Awasi properties, a Relais & Chateaux member, offering all-inclusive and off the beaten path private experiences.