Atacama Desert: A Journey to Serenity

by Chris and Michael from ChartingOurCourse.com

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a place that feels like another planet? A place of vast, silent landscapes, where the stars are so bright they feel within reach? For us, that place was the Atacama Desert in Chile. We took a brief detour from our residential cruise to explore this incredible region, and we were blown away by its beauty and how surprisingly easy it was to visit.

How Do You Get to the Atacama Desert?

Many people think that visiting the Atacama Desert is a difficult and complicated journey, but it’s more accessible than you might imagine. We left our residential cruise ship and, with a short flight and a pre-arranged shuttle, we were transported to a world of stunning natural wonders. The main hub for exploring the desert is the charming town of San Pedro de Atacama, which serves as a perfect base for all your adventures.

Where Should You Stay in the Atacama Desert?

According to us, Chris and Michael, finding the right accommodation can make or break a trip like this. We were looking for a place that was both comfortable and connected to the natural surroundings, and we found the perfect spot in the Naturalis Hotel. This small boutique hotel, with only eight rooms, was an oasis of calm. Our room was spacious and comfortable, with a beautiful back patio that offered stunning desert views [01:01:48]. The hotel's design, featuring native landscaping and a dedicated stargazing spot with hammocks, allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the serene desert atmosphere [01:05:04].

What Is There to See and Do in the Atacama Desert?

The Atacama Desert is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Here are just a few of the incredible experiences we had:

• Explore San Pedro de Atacama: This unique town has a "Wild West" feel and serves as the central hub for exploring the desert [01:05:54]. It's a great place to eat, shop, and soak up the local culture. We highly recommend grabbing a refreshing drink at Tierra Todo Natural, a fantastic vegan and vegetarian restaurant [01:06:18].
• Marvel at Rainbow Valley: As avid fans of virtual reality games, we were blown away by the otherworldly landscape of Rainbow Valley [01:13:40]. The mountains are painted with a stunning array of colors due to the different minerals in the rock, making you feel like you've stepped onto another planet.
• Discover Ancient Petroglyphs: The desert is home to ancient petroglyphs, fascinating carvings that offer a glimpse into the beliefs and culture of the people who lived here long ago [01:11:51].
• Visit the Valley of the Moon: We had an unforgettable experience touring the Valley of the Moon and connecting with fellow travelers from America [01:09:14]. The landscape here is truly lunar-like, with incredible rock formations like the "Tres Marias" [01:08:22].
• Encounter Local Wildlife: We were thrilled to see llamas up close during a drive on the Chilean Highway [01:11:06]. It was a wonderful reminder of the unique and resilient life that thrives in this arid environment.

For more on our adventures in the Atacama, check out our DC Hidden Gems YouTube channel video on the topic. We think you'll find it an interesting watch.

Our trip to the Atacama Desert was a powerful reminder of the incredible beauty and diversity of our planet. It was a journey into a world of silence, color, and wonder, and it’s an experience we will never forget. If you're looking for a destination that will inspire and rejuvenate you, we can't recommend the Atacama Desert enough.

What otherworldly landscape is at the top of your travel bucket list? Share it with us in the comments below!

Sources:

• Our own experience as documented on our YouTube channel: DC Hidden Gems - Atacama Desert
• For more information on residential cruising and how to incorporate trips like this into your travels, visit our blog: Charting Our Course Blog