It’s always satisfying to know that others share a love for your favorite destinations. When The New York Times declares one of them the #2 place in the entire world to visit in 2017 on their iconic Top-52 annual list, you can’t help but feel equal parts elated and proud. Second only to Canada, the Atacama Desert has officially been declared a 2017 travel must-see.

The Atacama Desert, in Chile, has long been one of our preferred spots for clients seeking a mix of adventure, nature and world-class accommodations. The world’s highest desert, Atacama boasts a wide array of daytime activities such as horseback riding to the Valley of the Moon or treks to the Tatio Geysers. But as stargazers know, Atacama is home to just as much action at night with a variety of top-notch astronomical observatories, many of them located within the top eco lodges.

As the article mentions, Atacama got even more exciting this year with the addition of hot air balloon tours, which we are now offering to our clients.

Chile wasn’t the only South American country to earn a place on The New York Times list. Pedregal, Ecuador (#13), Argentina’s Iberá Wetlands (#40) and Sacred Valley, Peru (#46) all received recognition for being truly unmissable destinations.

What do all of these destinations have in common? As we see it, each perfects the blend of nature, adventure and culture with unique and authentic lodging…which is basically the litmus test for any itinerary Craft Travel puts together!

Which destinations –South America or otherwise- are YOU planning to cross of your list in 2017? Which places didn’t make the list that should have?