Mystical mountains and valleys mark the horizon of this breathtaking frontier
Make sure to visit San Pedro de Atacama, as it's the perfect spot for adventure and exploration.
Picture Northern Chile’s dramatic terrain and one place often springs to mind: San Pedro de Atacama. Set high above the desert on an arid plateau - that’s at a dizzying altitude of around 7,900 feet - this rustic town is framed by the Andes and the Atacama Desert. The town itself has its own cultural treasures, and Plaza de Armas comes alive at night with vendors selling trinkets and artisan goods. But the location is what makes San Pedro de Atacama the perfect spot for adventure and exploration, with exhilarating opportunities like sandboarding across the dunes and over 80 rock climbing routes to be enjoyed by all. Only 13 kilometers (8 miles) west of the town is El Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon). This serene and otherworldly spot is spectacular, with unforgettable sunsets stealing the show. A little further out - about an hour and a half’s drive from San Pedro de Atacama - is the highest geothermal field in the world: Géiseres del Tatio (Tatio Geysers). Located a staggering 4,300 meters above sea level, the best time to visit is early morning when the geothermal activity is at its peak. Look out for unique flora and fauna, as well as grazing vicuñas (wild relatives of alpacas), Andean foxes and various bird species like flamingos and avocets. Wildlife is also plentiful at Lauca National Park, and it's also renowned for volcanoes, lava fields and calderas, and Lago Chugará (Chungará Lake). Located in the looming shadow of Volcán Parinacota, this colossal body of water sits at a towering elevation of 4,517 meters (14,820 ft). Elqui Valley is just as ethereal but offers an entirely different vista. Famous for its vineyards, pisco production and mystical atmosphere, the lack of light pollution has made this visceral valley one of the world’s best-kept secrets regarding stargazing.
Your Luxury Northern Chile Trip Ideas
A trip to Northern Chile is essential for any tour to Chile. The Chile Family Holiday, Chile Honeymoon and two-week Luxury Chile Holiday itineraries visit San Pedro de Atacama, the gateway town to the Atacama Desert. You’ll explore the region’s natural treasures, from ancient volcanoes to mystical rock sculptures and moon-like valleys, and you’ll even learn how to read the night sky at a stargazing observatory.
Chile Honeymoon
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Two-Week Luxury Holiday in Chile
Santiago, San Pedro de Atacama, Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Valparaíso, San Antonio Valley.
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Chile Luxury Holiday
Santiago, San Pedro de Aatacama, Casablanca, Torres del Paine National Park.
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Your Luxury Accommodation Options in Northern Chile
Wayfairer only partners with hotels that meet our standards for luxury and responsible tourism. Here are some of our favorites in Northern Chile:
Tierra Atacama
Explore the dreamlike terrain of Patagonia’s dazzling deserts during your stay at Tierra Atacama.
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