Atacama Desert, the driest in the world, is located in northern Chile between the rivers Loa and Copiapo, in Antofagasta and Northern part of Atacama regions. This desert is a great variety of attractions: salt flats, hot springs and geysers, large copper mines and other minerals, such as Chuquicamata, Calama and others at high altitudes in the Altiplano, fertile valleys and oases whose fruits only invite culinary tours.

In the Altiplano, home of native peoples, the Inca and Spanish influence is safeguarded in old towns and religious festivals, which now are calling a large number of faithful in different seasons. Here you will find valuable vestiges of native cultures in archaeological sites and museums, such as San Pedro de Atacama.

The port of Antofagasta and Calama are the heart of the Chilean mining industry. It is in this northern area where the major copper mines. But also about another kind of treasure you will find such good beaches in Mejillones, Hornitos and Juan Lopez.

Deeper into the area of Calama, San Pedro de Atacama is land primarily native ethnic groups, now engaged in agriculture and tourism. Next to the old square, San Francisco church, dating from 1774, reveals the customs of its inhabitants. Nearby is the Archaeological Museum R. P. Gustavo Le Paige, where the mummies and valuable objects reveal its wealth.

In the area of ​​Copiapo, the desert becomes fruitful through the Camanchaca, a mist that rises from the sea and allows life in stunning nature reserves such as Pan de Azucar National Park.

Copiapo is a peaceful city that has its roots in the silver mining. Several historic buildings were built at the peak of this industry. Chañarcillo ancient mine with The Mineralogy and Regional Atacama museums realize these stories.

The city also has important natural attractions nearby. The beautiful beaches of Bahia Inglesa, worthy of a postcard. And to the north, passing Chañaral, the aforementioned Pan de Azucar National Park, magical place in a coastal headland about 800 feet above the beach and home of wild animals that don't mind posing for the cameras.

How to get there

Antofagasta and Calama

By plane. From Santiago, direct flights to Cerro Moreno airport in Antofagasta and Calama El Loa (2 hours).

By Bus. From Santiago,buses stop first in Antofagasta and then go to Calama. The trip to the latter takes about 23 hours, so it is better travel on bed saloon buses.

In Santiago, bus departure from:

• Terminal Los Heroes: Tucapel Jimenez and Alameda, near the Metro station Los Heroes. Telephone: (56-2) 4200099
• Terminal San Borja (former North Terminal): San Borja and Alameda, near the Central Station railway station. Telephone: (56-2) 7760645

By Car. From Santiago to Antofagasta, on Route 5 north and then Route 26 or 28 to the west (1,377 km).

To Calama, follow Route 5 north until it splits into Carmen Alto, take Route 25 to the northeast (215 km).

Coming from the north on Route 5, take Route 24 (Calama - Tocopilla) to the east.

San Pedro de Atacama

By plane. From Santiago to Calama (2 hours). There are no direct flights to San Pedro de Atacama. Service transfers, taxis and rental jeeps or vans at the airport.

In Bus. From Calama to San Pedro de Atacama, bus service every two hours, from terminals in different parts of the city:

In Granaderos Street to the northwest.

In Balmaceda street, just opposite the railway station.

By Car. From Calama, on Route 23 toward the east (102 km), paved road in good condition.

From Santiago to Calama on Route 5 North until it splits into Carmen Alto, take Route 25 to the northeast (1574 km).

Copiapo

By plane. From Santiago, flights of 1 hour 30 min to airport Atacama Desert, located 50 km northeast of Copiapo, connect with other parts of the region.

In Bus. From Santiago (12 hours) and other northern cities.

Bus departure from:

• Terminal Los Heroes: Tucapel Jimenez and Alameda, near the Metro station Los Heroes, several companies destined for the north. Telephone: (56-2) 4200099
• Terminal San Borja (former North Terminal): San Borja and Alameda, near the Central Station railway station on the north and within the metropolitan area. Telephone: (56-2) 7760645

By Car. From Santiago, on Route 5 north (804 km).

To Caldera and Bahia Inglesa, the same road in this section goes to the northwest, has been diverted to the west that leads to the beaches.

Activities

Now Atacama Desert is home for ATVs athletes around the world. In this desert there have been various Championships such as Baja Atacama Rally, Chile Baja Rally, Patagonia Atacama Rally, and received the Dakar Rally Series organized by ASO since 2009. This desert dunes are ideal for this sport, located on the outskirts of Copiapo, Atacama Region.

For its part, San Pedro de Atacama is full of craft shops, where you can buy textiles, jewelry and herbs. Nearby are the Tatio Geysers over 4,300 meters above sea level, one of the natural wonders more visits per year. On the way back, you can relax in the water at 30 ° C of the Baths of Puritama.

Departing from San Pedro to the southeast, are the wonders: Toconao town, Atacama Salt Flat and Chaxa lagoon, home of flamingos and other birds highland.

There are places that are best explored in the evening, as the Moon Valley or Death Valley. Only now offer beautiful shadows and changing colors, ideal for photography. From San Pedro, can be reached by bicycle.

All these sites form part of Los Flamengos National Reserve, in its nearly 74 000 hectares, are divided seven sectors with different scenery. There are tours to visit all.

To end a jurney full of sensations, San Pedro de Atacama offers pubs and restaurants with excellent gastronomy.

In the north of Copiapo, in the spring when the phenomenon of "El Nino" gets to make it rain in the desert, there is a field of wildflowers, some very rare species. It is the desert in bloom, attracting tourists and photographers.

Also in the vicinity of Copiapo to Los Andes there are fertile valleys that have proved ideal for viticulture, producing excellent wines for export and where you can do tastings at various wineries.

While Chile's northern mining site also astronomical observatories. The most impressive, Alma Project and Cerro Paranal confirms this area as a land of magical discoveries.

Other natural wonders is Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, and excursions to Laguna Verde, Laguna Santa Rosa and Laguna Negro Francisco.

For mountain climbing lovers with good training, Ojos del Salado is the best challenge.

In Bahia Inglesa beaches are quiet, white sands contrast with the black rocks around them and can form pools of turquoise water. There are also places for sports and outdoor adventures. There are several excellent beaches for wind sports such as kitesurfing.

To the north of the bay is Piscina beach, that is surrounded by rocks and form quiet coves, ideal to go with children. Going 4 km south of Bahia Inglesa is Rocas Negras Beach, where you can fish, and 3 km more is reached Las Machas Beach, very good for swimming, fishing and water sports. In Bahia Cisne, on the south shore of Bahia Inglesa, there is some good wind for sailing and kitesurfing.

The Pan de Azucar National Park covers about 40 000 hectares including Pan de Azucar Island, the islands and the flat rock formations Las Mariposas. Besides being archaeological observation area, is very close to animals such as foxes, vicuñas and colonies of Humboldt penguins. It is also a great place for trekking and mountainbiking.

Towards the coast, the rocky and turquoise waters beaches are suitable for swimming, fishing and diving. In Caleta Pan de Azucar, there are boats that lead to the Sugar Loaf Island, while in Playa Blanca and Los Piqueros Beach allows fishing, diving or observe the flora and fauna.