Where Is the Atacama Desert? South America's Driest Place Explained
- Jul 24, 2023
- 15 min read
Updated: Jul 5
Written by Mona Sho, who spent 5 days exploring the Atacama Desert by guided tour, based in San Pedro de Atacama.
The Atacama Desert is located in northern Chile, between the Pacific coast and the Andes Mountains. It is the driest non-polar desert on Earth and is usually visited from San Pedro de Atacama, the main base for hotels, tours, restaurants and stargazing. For a first trip, most travelers need 3 to 5 days to see Valle de la Luna, El Tatio Geysers, salt flats, lagoons and the desert night sky.
Although many people associate Atacama with superlatives, it is not the largest desert in South America. That title belongs to the Patagonian Desert. Atacama’s real claim to fame is its extreme dryness, caused by the Andes, the Coastal Range and the cold Humboldt Current.
When I visited Atacama, what stayed with me most was how surreal it felt. The sand, the vastness, the landscapes that look like nothing you have ever seen before. Then there is the altitude. It weighs on your body, but in a strange, almost meditative way.
But at the end of the day, when I returned to San Pedro and walked along the dusty main street as the sun went down, it felt as if I had crossed another planet and somehow made it back home.
Quick Facts About the Atacama Desert
Location: Northern Chile, stretching roughly 1,000 km (600 miles) along the Pacific coast of South America
Boundaries: Wedged between the Andes Mountains to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west: two natural walls that create its extreme dryness
Borders: Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east
Main Gateway: San Pedro de Atacama, the central hub for tours, hotels, accommodation and stargazing
Size: Approximately 105,000 km² (40,500 sq miles)
Altitude: San Pedro de Atacama sits at 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) above sea level
Unique Fact: Some parts of the Atacama recorded zero rainfall for over 400 years, from 1570 to 1971. No other non-polar desert on Earth comes close.
NASA Connection: The desert's Mars-like terrain is used by NASA to test instruments for space exploration
Few places on Earth look quite like the Atacama. Salt flats stretch to the horizon, valleys carved by ancient winds resemble the surface of the Moon, geysers erupt at dawn at 4,200 meters altitude, and turquoise lagoons appear without warning in the middle of absolute desert.
From the indigenous communities of Chile to the flamingos of Laguna Cejar, this corner of South America rewards every type of traveler.
How Many Days Do You Need in Atacama?
For a first trip, 3 to 4 days in the Atacama Desert is usually the best balance. Two days are enough for a quick taste, but you will miss some of the high-altitude landscapes. With 4 days or more, you can slow down, adjust better to the altitude and include more remote tours.
Days | What You Can See | Do You Need a Guide? |
2 days | Valle de la Luna, San Pedro, sunset viewpoints | Not necessarily |
3 days | Valle de la Luna, Geysers del Tatio, Salar de Atacama | Recommended for Tatio |
4 days or more | Altiplanic lagoons, Salar de Tara, stargazing, remote landscapes | Recommended or essential for remote routes |
Ready to turn this into a real itinerary? See my Atacama Desert itinerary with 3, 4 and 5-day plans, where to stay, tour timing, altitude tips and what to book before arriving.
Table of Contents (Clickable)
Where is the Atacama Desert Located? (With Map Info)
The Atacama Desert occupies a narrow strip of northern Chile, running along the Pacific coast between the cities of Arica in the north and Copiapó in the south. It sits west of the Andes Mountains, with San Pedro de Atacama serving as the main access point for visitors.
The desert covers parts of the Antofagasta and Atacama regions and is bordered by Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, and Argentina to the east. The main access town for visitors is San Pedro de Atacama.
Why Is the Atacama the Driest Place on Earth?
While some regions of the Atacama receive an average of 1 millimeter of rain per year, certain weather stations have recorded absolutely zero rainfall for decades. This extreme aridity is caused by a geographical phenomenon known as a double rain shadow, combined with a unique ocean current.
Here is exactly how nature conspires to keep the Atacama completely dry:
The Andes Mountains (The Eastern Wall): Standing to the east, the towering Andes block all humid, moisture-rich air flowing westward from the Amazon Basin. As clouds hit the mountains, they dump their rain on the eastern slopes, leaving only dry air to descend into the Atacama.
The Chilean Coastal Range (The Western Wall): To the west, a secondary mountain range blocks low-lying coastal fogs from rolling completely inland from the Pacific Ocean.
The Humboldt Current: This cold-water ocean current flows up from Antarctica along the Chilean coast. It cools the marine air, creating a thermal inversion that prevents clouds from rising and producing rain.
Because of this lack of moisture, the climate in the Atacama Desert features perfectly clear blue skies but severe temperature swings. While daytime temperatures can reach a comfortable 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), the lack of humidity means the heat escapes immediately after sunset. Nighttime temperatures frequently plunge to 0°C (32°F) or lower, especially during the winter months of June through August.
Rainfall and the Rare "Super Bloom"
Despite being the driest place on Earth, water occasionally finds its way to the Atacama. During El Niño years, shifts in ocean temperatures can bring sudden, brief rainfall to the region.
When this happens, dormant seeds buried deep in the sand suddenly germinate, transforming the barren landscape into a vibrant carpet of purple, pink, and yellow wildflowers.This spectacular, rare event is known as the Desierto Florido (Flowering Desert).
Why NASA Uses the Atacama for Space Research
The Atacama is so dry and ancient that its soil is chemically remarkably similar to the surface of Mars.
In fact, regions like the Yungay Valley are completely devoid of plant or animal life, making it the perfect testing ground. NASA regularly uses the extreme terrain of the Atacama to test Mars rovers, soil sampling drills, and life-detection instruments before sending them into space.
If you want to hop to a specific attraction, I have made a handy table to get you started. Just click on the attraction that interests you more.
Atacama Desert Highlights: 12 Must-See Attractions
# | Attraction | Highlight |
1 | Lunar landscapes and unforgettable sunsets | |
2 | Giant dunes and dramatic desert scenery | |
3 | Float in buoyant, salt-rich waters | |
4 | Chile's largest salt flat, home to flamingo colonies | |
5 | Geysers erupting at dawn, one of the highest geyser fields in the world | |
6 | High-Andean landscapes and rich wildlife | |
7 | Ancient rock engravings and archaeological history | |
8 | Ruins of an ancient Atacameño settlement | |
9 | Pre-Columbian fortress ruins | |
10 | Natural thermal pools in a desert canyon | |
11 | Strikingly colorful striped rock formations | |
12 | Remote, panoramic salt flat landscapes |
12 Must-See Attractions in the Atacama Desert
Tulor Village:
Altitude: 2,350 m
With over 3,000 years of history, Tulor Village is one of the oldest settlements in Atacama.
This archaeological site preserves the remains of the first communities in the region, who were dedicated to crafts, pottery, and agriculture.
A true immersion in pre-Columbian history.
Pukara de Quitor:
Altitude: 2,440 m
Located just 3 km from San Pedro de Atacama, Pukara de Quitor is an archaeological fort built in the 12th century. The hill belongs to the Salt Mountain Range.
You can get there on foot or by bike. Restored in 1981 and declared a National Monument in 1982, the site offers incredible views and a wealth of history.
Valle de la Muerte & Valle de la Luna (Death Valley and Moon Valley) and Cordillera de Sal:
Altitude: 2,500 m and 2,400 m
Best time to visit: Sunset, when the rock formations turn deep red and gold
Explore the absolutely lunar-like landscapes of the Valley of the Moon, a geological wonder known for its surreal rock formations and providing a viewpoint for some of the most unforgettable sunsets on Earth.
Listen to the cracking of the rocks. If you're feeling up to it, climb mountains for panoramic views.
Puritama Hot Springs:
Altitude: 3,500 m
Known as Hot Springs, the Termas de Puritama is a true oasis in the desert.
This thermal river, with waters around 33°C, is perfect for relaxing in the middle of nature. A bath in the hot waters is an invigorating and unmissable experience.
Cejar Lagoon and Olhos de Salar:
Altitude: 2,300 m
Best time to visit: Late afternoon, when the water is warmer and the crowds thin out
Dive into the Cejar Lagoon, where the high concentration of salt allows you to float effortlessly.
The surrounding landscape is breathtaking, with contrasts between the blue of the water and the white of the salt.
Tatio Geyser:
Altitude: 4,200 m
Best time to visit: Dawn, when the cold air makes the steam columns most dramatic and the geysers are most active
Located at an altitude of 4,200 meters, about 100 km from San Pedro de Atacama, this is one of the highest geyser fields in the world, with more than 80 active geysers.
The columns of steam at dawn create an impressive natural spectacle. On the way back, take the opportunity to visit the charming town of Machuca.
Salar de Atacama and Lagoas Altiplanicas:
Altitude: 2,300 m and 4,220 m
Best time to visit: Midday, when the sun is highest and the lagoon colors are most vivid
The Salar de Atacama is the Chilean largest salt flat and home to the famous flamingo observatory. Among the lagoons, Miscanti and Miñiques stand out at an altitude of 4,220 meters.
The vibrant colors of these lagoons contrast with the surrounding mountains, creating unforgettable scenery.
Rainbow Valley:
Altitude: 2,900 m
The Rainbow Valley is famous for its multicolored mountains, with shades of ochre, green, black, purple, and violet.
A work of art of nature, perfect for photos and contemplation.
Rio Grande:
90 km from San Pedro de Atacama, the small town of Rio Grande is an authentic example of rural life in the desert.
With less than 100 inhabitants, the residents live off growing corn, vegetables, and potatoes and raising llamas and goats.
The stone and clay buildings, with thatched roofs and cactus wood, are charming in their own right.
Salar de Tara
Altitude: 4,500 m
Best time to visit: Morning, before afternoon winds pick up across the open salt flat
At 4,500 meters above sea level, the Salar de Tara reveals one of the most stunning landscapes in the Atacama.
The route to this impressive salt flat, often traveled in 4x4 vehicles, passes iconic rock formations such as the Pacana Monks and the imposing Tara Cathedral.
Along the way, observe the rich biodiversity. Spot flamingos, vicuñas, and other Andean species.
The panoramic view, with the salt flat stretching to the horizon, is simply spectacular, making this excursion a unique experience in the heart of the desert.
With so many incredible attractions, the Atacama Desert promises to surprise and delight. Include these stops in your itinerary, and experience moments that will remain in your memory!
Culture and History of the Atacama People
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Atacama Desert, inhabited for millennia by indigenous communities such as the Atacameños.
Discover a fascinating cultural heritage preserved through vibrant traditional festivals celebrating the deep connection between the people and the desert wilderness.
Explore impressive archaeological sites, such as the petroglyphs of Yerbas Buenas, located on the route to the Rio Grande that served as a resting point for caravans in pre-Hispanic times.
Imagine the life of these ancient communities as you hike the trails and witness the beauty and mystery of this unique place. Plan your trip and experience the magic of the Atacama!
Other tours Around Atacama
Visit the Salar de Uyuni: it is the largest salt flat in the world, located on the border of Chile and Bolivia. The Salar is 450 km from San Pedro, requiring an extra 3/4 days to do this tour.
The Atacama Desert has clear and dark skies, making it one of the best places to stargaze. Walk to stargaze or find a dark place in the desert and look up.
Visit the Atacama Large Millimeter (ALMA): it is a radio telescope observatory. It is one of the most powerful telescopes in the world used by astronomers to study the universe. Admire the futuristic design!
Planning to explore more of South America?
After experiencing the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert, continue your adventure to the lush Andes and ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru.
The Best Trails in Atacama
The Atacama Desert offers a variety of trails for all levels of experience, from easy walks to challenging expeditions.
The trail to Laguna Cejar, with its salty waters and stunning views of the Licancabur volcano, is an excellent option for beginners.
The more adventurous can venture on the trail to Valle de la Luna, a surreal lunar landscape with unique rock formations and imposing dunes, ideal for trekking and watching the sunset.
For history lovers, the trail to the Yerbas Buenas petroglyphs reveals a thousand-year-old past.
Get ready for breathtaking landscapes in the heart of the driest desert in the world. Always remember to bring enough water, sunscreen, and suitable footwear.
The best time to visit the Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert can be visited all year round. The best time is spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May). Temperatures are milder.
Planning the actual trip? My Atacama Desert itinerary explains how many days to stay, how to organize 3, 4 or 5 days, and what to book before arriving.
Planning Your Logistics: How to Get to and Around the Atacama
Getting There: From Calama Airport to San Pedro de Atacama
The closest airport to the Atacama Desert is Calama Airport (CJC), served by regular domestic flights from Santiago. From Calama, San Pedro de Atacama is roughly a 90-minute drive through open desert; your first proper introduction to the landscape you came for.
Most travelers arrive in one of two ways:
Flying into Calama: After landing, you can take a shuttle, private transfer, or rental car to San Pedro. Shared shuttles run frequently throughout the day and are the most common, cost-effective option for visitors without a vehicle.
Overland from Bolivia: Many travelers cross the border after completing a multi-day tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats (a popular combination covered in the FAQ).
If you are arriving from elsewhere in Chile or neighboring countries, San Pedro de Atacama can also be reached by long-distance bus, though this adds significant travel time given the remote location.
Renting a Car vs. Booking a Tour: Do You Need a 4x4?
This is one of the first decisions every visitor faces, and the right choice depends entirely on your travel style.
Renting a car gives you:
Full control over your schedule and route.
The freedom to stop wherever the landscape demands it.
Independence from crowded group tour timings.
Booking guided tours gives you:
A driver who already knows the unpaved, unmarked desert roads.
Access to remote sites that are difficult or unsafe to navigate alone.
No need to worry about driving while experiencing high-altitude fatigue.
Many of the Atacama's main attractions near San Pedro, such as Valle de la Luna, are accessible with a standard vehicle. However, more remote sites involve unpaved, rocky, or sandy roads where a 4x4 is strongly recommended, both for safety and for the flexibility to handle sudden road conditions.
My Experience: I covered my entire 5-day trip exclusively through guided tours, booking each one day by day based on reviews and recommendations from other travelers and locals in San Pedro. This approach worked perfectly. It removed any concern about navigation, road conditions, or driving at altitude, while still leaving room to adjust my itinerary along the way. I based myself in San Pedro de Atacama for the whole trip, so every evening after the tour ended, I could simply walk into the village center for dinner, with no car needed.
If you decide to book a guided tour, my GetYourGuide review explains how the platform works, when it's worth using, and what to check before booking.
Handling the Altitude: How to Avoid Soroche
San Pedro de Atacama sits at 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) above sea level, and many of the desert's most striking attractions, including the El Tatio Geysers and the high-altitude lagoons, climb above 4,000 meters (13,100 feet).
At these elevations, altitude sickness, known locally as soroche, is a real possibility even for healthy travelers.
A few precautions go a long way:
Pace yourself: Spend your first day in San Pedro at a relaxed pace before attempting high-altitude excursions.
Hydrate heavily: Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol during the first 24 to 48 hours.
Rest: Avoid intense physical activity until you feel acclimatized.
Eat light: Avoid heavy meals on the days you ascend to higher elevations.
Try local remedies: Chew coca leaves or eat coca candies, a traditional remedy commonly recommended by locals and tour guides throughout the Atacama and the wider Andes region.
Most visitors adjust within a day or two, and the discomfort is generally manageable with these simple precautions.
However, pay attention to symptoms such as severe headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
If symptoms are severe or persistent, descend immediately and seek medical attention, as soroche can occasionally become serious at extreme altitudes.
Extend Your South America Adventure
After experiencing the surreal beauty of the Atacama Desert, why not dive into another one-of-a-kind destination?
👉 Discover the Galápagos Islands and meet the unique wildlife that inspired Darwin, a perfect contrast to the arid wonders of the Atacama.
Where to stay in San Pedro de Atacama
For those looking for comfort and luxury, Atacama offers many 5-star, all-inclusive hotel options. In general, they are far from the center. For an extra cost, you can book all the tours through the hotel, including transportation and a knowledgeable guide.
I recommend staying in San Pedro de Atacama, so you can enjoy the restaurants and bars in the city center at night. And book the tours from reliable sites like Viator.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Atacama Desert
1. Are there any Deserts in South America?
Yes, South America is home to several notable deserts, each with its unique characteristics:
Atacama Desert (Chile): the driest non-polar desert on Earth, known for salt flats, volcanoes, and otherworldly rock formations.
Patagonian Desert (Argentina and Chile): the largest desert in South America, known for its cold, windy climate and vast open plains.
Sechura Desert (Peru): known for shifting sand dunes and unique wildlife.
Guajira Desert (Colombia and Venezuela): a semi-arid region in northern South America, home to indigenous communities and cultural traditions.
Tatacoa Desert (Colombia): A semi-arid region in southern Colombia, the Tatacoa Desert is known for its otherworldly landscapes of red and gray rock formations.
2. Is the Atacama the largest desert in South America?
No, the largest desert in South America is the Patagonian Desert, spanning parts of Argentina and Chile. It covers approximately 673,000 square kilometers, making it far larger than the Atacama, which covers around 105,000 square kilometers. The Atacama, however, holds a different record: it is the driest non-polar desert on Earth.
3. What is the driest place in South America?
The Atacama Desert is the driest place in South America and the driest non-polar desert on Earth. Some weather stations within the desert have recorded no rainfall for decades, and parts of the region went without measurable rain from 1570 to 1971.
4. Is the Atacama Desert hot or cold?
The Atacama Desert is both. Daytime temperatures typically range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), but the lack of humidity causes heat to escape rapidly after sunset. Nighttime temperatures often drop to 0°C (32°F) or lower, especially between June and August.
5. What makes the Atacama Desert unique?
The Atacama is unique for being the driest non-polar desert on Earth, with a landscape so similar to Mars that NASA uses it to test rovers and life-detection instruments. It also has some of the clearest skies on the planet, making it one of the best places in the world for stargazing.
6. Why is the Atacama Desert so dry?
The Atacama is dry because of a double rain shadow effect. The Andes Mountains block humid air from the Amazon Basin to the east, while the Chilean Coastal Range and the cold Humboldt Current prevent moisture from the Pacific Ocean from reaching inland.
7. Which desert is drier, the Atacama or the Sahara?
The Atacama Desert is significantly drier than the Sahara. While the Sahara receives an average of 25 millimeters of rain per year in its driest regions, parts of the Atacama receive less than 1 millimeter annually, and some areas have gone decades without any rainfall at all.
8. What type of desert is the Atacama?
The Atacama is classified as a cool coastal desert and the largest fog desert on Earth. Unlike hot sandy deserts such as the Sahara, its aridity comes from a rain shadow and a cold ocean current rather than high temperatures alone.
9. Do people live in the Atacama Desert?
Yes. Despite its extreme aridity, the Atacama has been inhabited for thousands of years. The Atacameño people settled around oases such as San Pedro de Atacama, and the region is also home to the Chinchorro culture, known for mummification practices older than those of ancient Egypt.
10. What animals live in the Atacama Desert?
The Atacama supports a surprising range of wildlife adapted to extreme conditions, including vicuñas, guanacos, the South American gray fox, flamingos in the salt lagoons, and Darwin's leaf-eared mouse, one of the few mammals able to survive in the driest sectors.
11. How many days should I spend in the Atacama Desert?
Most travelers spend between 3 and 5 days in the Atacama Desert, which allows enough time to explore Valle de la Luna, the El Tatio Geysers, the high-altitude lagoons, and the salt flats while adjusting to the altitude.
12. Do I need a 4x4 vehicle in the Atacama Desert?
A 4x4 is recommended for reaching more remote sites, since many roads are unpaved, rocky, or affected by sand. The main attractions near San Pedro de Atacama can often be reached with a standard vehicle, but a 4x4 offers more flexibility and safety on less developed routes.
13. Can you get altitude sickness in the Atacama Desert?
Yes. San Pedro de Atacama sits at around 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) above sea level, and many attractions, including the El Tatio Geysers, are above 4,000 meters. Symptoms such as headaches and fatigue are common, so spending the first day at a lower pace to acclimatize is recommended.
14. Can you combine the Atacama Desert with the Uyuni Salt Flats?
Yes. The Atacama Desert is commonly combined with Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flats through multi-day overland tours that cross the border directly from San Pedro de Atacama, making it one of the most popular routes in South America for travelers exploring both countries.
15. Where is the best place to book Atacama Desert tours?
The easiest way to book Atacama Desert tours is through a reliable tour platform or a local agency in San Pedro de Atacama. Online platforms are useful for comparing reviews, cancellation rules and pickup details before you arrive, especially for popular tours like El Tatio Geysers, Valle de la Luna and Laguna Cejar.
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