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Atacama Desert, Chile

Stargazing & Aurora in Atacama Desert, Chile

The world's premier astronomical corridor. High altitude and dry air provide unparalleled views of the Southern Hemisphere constellations.

Right Now (Jul)
Peak Season
The absolute best time to go.
12-Month Calendar
PeakGoodOkaySkip
Best months at a glance
January
Okay
February
Okay
March
Good
April
Peak
May
Peak
June
Peak
July
Peak
August
Peak
September
Peak
October
Peak
November
Peak
December
Good
Conditions

Weather & Conditions

MonthHigh / LowRain DaysConditions
Jan82° / 54.1°F2Okay
Feb80.6° / 53.2°F3Okay
Mar80.4° / 52.2°F1Good
Apr76.1° / 46.1°F0Peak
May70.2° / 41.1°F0Peak
Jun65.3° / 37.3°F0Peak
Jul66.5° / 37.9°F0Peak
Aug70.3° / 38.3°F0Peak
Sep75.3° / 42.1°F0Peak
Oct79.3° / 46.1°F0Peak
Nov82° / 49.7°F0Peak
Dec82.9° / 52.5°F1Good
Locations

Where to Go

Airport
Calama Airport (CJC)

Primary domestic jet runway, 1.25 hours northwest of San Pedro.

Hub Town
San Pedro de Atacama

The historic adobe oasis town serving as the central base for all excursions and lodges.

Natural Feature
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)

Wind-carved salt ridges, giant sand dunes, and deep red canyons matching lunar geology.

Natural Feature
El Tatio Geysers

The highest geyser field in the world at 14,170 feet. Best viewed at sunrise when boiling steam freezes in the air.

Natural Feature
Puritama Hot Springs

Thermal river pools hidden at the bottom of a volcanic canyon, cascading through native grasses.

Natural Feature
Salar de Atacama (Salt Flats)

A massive salt flat containing the Laguna Chaxa sanctuary where three species of flamingos breed.

Practical Intel

Know Before You Go

01
Altitude sickness (soroche) is a genuine concern

San Pedro sits at 7,900 feet, but excursions to the geysers and mountain peaks climb past 14,000 feet. Rest for the first 24 hours, avoid alcohol, and drink massive amounts of water to acclimatize before attempting high climbs.

02
The desert sun burns rapidly through high UV indexes

Due to thin mountain air and zero cloud cover, the solar UV index in the Atacama reaches extreme levels year-round. Carry robust mineral sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed sun hat on all daylight walks.

03
Most excursions leave long before sunrise

Excursions to key highlights like the El Tatio geysers leave San Pedro at 04:30 in freezing darkness to catch the thermal activity at first light. Pack heavy windproof parkas, beanies, and gloves, even in summer.

Where to Stay

Wildist-vetted hotels for Atacama Desert, Chile coming soon.

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