The Dry Frontier
Finnegan Flynn
| 19-03-2025
· Travel Team
Welcome, Lykkers!Have you ever wondered where the driest place on Earth is? Surprisingly, it's not the Sahara Desert but the Atacama Desert in South America.
Stretching across Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, this vast, barren land has regions that haven’t seen rainfall for centuries! If you're planning a trip, we’ve got all the details you need, from ticket prices in USD to the best time to visit!
Where Is the Atacama Desert?
The Atacama Desert covers about 181,300 square kilometers (70,000 square miles) along the western coast of South America. Stretching 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from north to south, it primarily lies in northern Chile, with parts extending into neighboring countries.
The Driest Place on Earth
Despite being near the Pacific Ocean, the Atacama Desert gets almost zero rain due to the Andes Mountains blocking humid air and the cold Humboldt Current preventing rainfall. Some areas haven’t seen rain for over 400 years, making it drier than Death Valley in the U.S.
Stunning Landscapes & Natural Wonders
Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) – A landscape that looks like the moon! Great for sunset views.
El Tatio Geysers – One of the world’s largest geyser fields, best seen at sunrise.
Salar de Atacama – Chile’s largest salt flat, home to pink flamingos.
Laguna Cejar – A saltwater lake where you can float, just like in the Dead Sea.
ALMA Observatory – One of the world’s best places for stargazing.
How to Get There
By Air: Fly to El Loa Airport (CJC) in Calama, then drive 1.5 hours to San Pedro de Atacama.
Travel Secrets of the ATACAMA desert, Chile
video by Something To Remember
By Bus: Long-distance buses from Santiago take 24 hours.
Tickets & Opening Hours
Valle de la Luna: $10, 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
El Tatio Geysers: $25, 4:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Laguna Cejar: $15, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
ALMA Observatory: Free tours, reservation required months in advance.
Best Time to Visit
Visit between March and November for cooler weather. Avoid January and February, as rare rains can occur.
Tips for Travelers
Temperature Swings: Days are warm (77°F/25°C), nights are cold (below freezing). Pack layers.
High Altitude: Many attractions exceed 13,000 feet (4,000 meters)—take it slow to avoid altitude sickness.
Cash & ATMs: ATMs in San Pedro de Atacama may run out of cash—bring Chilean Pesos.
Guided Tours vs. Self-Drive: Some sites require guides, but others are self-explorable by car.
Final Thoughts
The Atacama Desert is a breathtaking mix of science, adventure, and stunning landscapes. Whether you're into hiking, stargazing, or floating in a salt lake, this destination offers unforgettable experiences.
Lykkers, are you ready to explore the world’s driest desert?