Hello, people! The end of the year is right around the corner … and the holidays are knocking on the door. The perfect time to travel and discover new places around the world. Have you ever thought about exploring the Atacama Desert in Chile? The diversity of scenarios you see there is such a great magic, that there is no one who does not leave in awe. It is a journey to reverence Mother Nature’s strength and exuberance.

You’ll need at least five full days (if you have more time!) to explore the lagoons, geysers, volcanoes, dunes, hot springs, giant cacti, salt ridges, caves, salt pans and canyons, populated by flamingos, llamas, vicuñas and various species of animals. Despite being an arid region, its geography is very particular and has no monotony. An explosion of colors and landscapes. And when night falls you will have the most starry sky on the face of the earth. A real show with the constellations seeming to be within reach and the stars streaking through the darkness without ceremony.

The Atacama Desert is located in northern Chile and occupies an area of almost a thousand kilometers between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. It is considered the highest and driest desert in the world. That’s why you’ll have many temperature variations throughout the day, ranging from 0 to 35 degrees Celsius with ease.

To get to Atacama you need to take two flights (one to Santiago de Chile and the other to Calama) and a 1h15 hour drive to the hotel. Alto Atacama is a hotel that has everything to please. The architecture is fully integrated with nature. It was built next to the ruins of Pukara Quitor, in adobe, to get in tune with the red stones that surround it. It has only 42 charming accommodations, 6 swimming pools, spa and great service. Alto Atacama is only 3 kilometers from the village of São Pedro de Atacama (you can ride the bicycles the hotel offers guests or by van) and offers more than 35 tours.

You can’t leave out of these tours: El Tatio Geyser, Puritama Thermal Springs, Salt Mountains, Moon Valley, Death Valley, Tara Salt Flats, Atacama Salt Flats and Altiplano Lagoons. And if you are feeling extra adventurous, you can climb one of the many volcanoes in the region and stretch to the Uyuni Saltpan in Bolivia.

Write down all these tips with love because the Atacama Desert is a must-see. On your way back, take a break in Santiago de Chile at the friendly Magnolia hotel, which occupies an old, recently restored mansion.

I wish a week full of inspiration and peace for all.

XoXo and see you next Tuesday.

Claudia Liechavicius

O post #TravelTips: ALTO ATACAMA TO ENJOY THE DESERT IN GREAT STYLE apareceu primeiro em Camila Coelho.

Deserts are always vast, lush and full of mystery. I have visited some: in the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, South Africa, and Qatar, but I always leave delighted as if it were the first time. None are the same, neither are they monotonous. It would be mistaken to think that you will find simply dunes in a desert. You won’t! The scenarios change every kilometer and the surprises doesn’t stop causing sighs. One of the most impressive deserts in which I visited was the Atacama, Chile.

The Atacama Desert is a unique diversity. It has saltwater lagoons, flamingos, giant cacti, sand dunes, volcanoes, salt flats, geysers, thermal waters, friendly settlements, oasis and a starry sky that can only be seen there. It is a dilemma per day. Where to go first? What can’t I miss? You need at least four days before you can unlock a bit of the mysteries of this vastness of natural beauties.

Start exploring the surroundings of the friendly village-oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, around which everything spreads. Walk through the valley of the Moon with its giant dunes of volcanic origin, framed by rocky mountains. Walk down the sand dunes of Death Valley that are just 3 kilometers from San Pedro. Swim in the Laguna Cejar about 30 kilometers of the village, the water is so salty that you will not be able to sink. The sunset in this region with the lakes full of salt is beautiful. Fall in love with the flamingos at Laguna Chaxa and walk by the salar around them. When you are a bit more accustomed with the altitude, venture in more distant trips and in higher places, such as the spectacular Geyser del Tatio, at 4,600 meters of altitude, where jets of steam and very hot water spouting from the ground in a stunning spectacle. On the way back from this distant stroll, relax in the Termas de Puritama, with warm water that comes from the volcano.

You liked what I have described, didn’t you? I wrote just a little bit of what is there. It’s really fantastic the variety of views. The region already has an excellent tourist infrastructure. It has very good hotels like the Tierra Atacama, Explora Atacama and the Cumbres de San Pedro de Atacama. In the hotels you will have guides to accompany you to the places (important!!). A trip to take your breath away. I assure you that you will fall in love.

I wish you all an inspirational week full of joy! See you next Tuesday!

XoXo

Claudia Liechavicius

O post #TravelTips: ATACAMA, A Desert with lots of Views! apareceu primeiro em Camila Coelho.