Few travelers venture beyond the frontiers of the Atacama Desert to explore the high-altitude wilderness of North Chile. This is a region of startling contrasts—jagged Andean peaks flatten into arid desert plains and glistening salt flats, then shift into sandy and windswept Pacific beaches. Taking a surf class, hiking to a mountain summit, and desert stargazing are all popular things to do in North Chile. You can also watch the sunset from the top of a sand dune, visit a flamingo-filled lagoon, and soak in natural hot springs.
The desert climate can be unforgiving, but it’s also fairly consistent throughout the year, meaning you can explore the Atacama region anytime. Come in summer (December through February) for wildlife-watching, colorful sunsets, and mountain hiking, but bring some warm clothes (temperatures drop quickly once the sun goes down) and watch out for flash floods. Alternatively, winter might be preferable for outdoor activities, while spring (September through November) is the best time for desert stargazing or surfing along the coast.
Most travelers use San Pedro de Atacama as a base camp for exploring the Atacama Desert, which can be reached by bus or plane from Santiago. You’ll need to rent your own wheels (ideally a 4WD) or join a tour to get around, although shorter distances can also be covered by bike. If you’re heading further north, the best way to travel is by bus—Pullman and Turbus offer long-distance routes, while smaller companies will have routes heading to the Pacific coast.
Don’t just visit the Atacama Desert—some of North Chile’s most impressive landscapes lie even further north. For an unforgettable hiking experience, head to Lauca National Park on the border of Bolivia, where you can see wild llamas and alpacas grazing along the Altiplano, trek around snow-capped volcanoes and high-altitude lakes, and spot up to 140 species of birds. Neighboring Las Vicuñas National Reserve is also dotted with remote Andean villages, archeological sites, and large herds of vicuña.
