Atacama

Where the driest desert in the world meets the sea, and life blooms in hidden oases among dunes and ancient olive trees.

To the adventure!

Welcome to Atacama

The Atacama Region is a land of contrasts and wonder. Its vast, clear skies offer some of the best stargazing on Earth, while the lush green valleys of Huasco and Copiapó burst into life amid the desert, sustaining crops, traditional villages, and a rich local identity. Along the coast, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters—like those of Bahía Inglesa, Playa La Virgen, or Puerto Viejo—invite rest, reflection, and total disconnection. This is a destination where extreme nature coexists with fertile landscapes, mining history, and a luminous shoreline that surprises at every turn.

Must-Sees

In Atacama, you will discover routes that blend active adventure, living culture, and the flavors of both sea and valley. Every stop invites you to connect with its story, its people, and its natural beauty.

Huasco Valley

Huasco Valley

Vineyards that defy the desert, cultivating heritage grape varieties surrounded by oasis landscapes and ancestral traditions.

Llanos del Challe National Park

Llanos del Challe National Park

A hike among the endemic flora leads to breathtaking views of the coastal desert and the untouched beauty of this natural sanctuary.

Kayaking in Bahía Inglesa

Kayaking in Bahía Inglesa

Paddle in turquoise waters while a local guide shares ancestral stories of the coastal culture and history of Atacama.

Visit to Ancient Olive Trees

Visit to Ancient Olive Trees

More than 500 years of living history in every tree—a symbol of the agricultural heritage in the region. Do not miss olive oil tastings in the Huasco Valley.

Huasco Valley

Huasco Valley

Vineyards that defy the desert, cultivating heritage grape varieties surrounded by oasis landscapes and ancestral traditions.

Llanos del Challe National Park

Llanos del Challe National Park

A hike among the endemic flora leads to breathtaking views of the coastal desert and the untouched beauty of this natural sanctuary.

Kayaking in Bahía Inglesa

Kayaking in Bahía Inglesa

Paddle in turquoise waters while a local guide shares ancestral stories of the coastal culture and history of Atacama.

Visit to Ancient Olive Trees

Visit to Ancient Olive Trees

More than 500 years of living history in every tree—a symbol of the agricultural heritage in the region. Do not miss olive oil tastings in the Huasco Valley.

Why choose this destination?

Discover the unique charm this region has to offer.

Cuisine

The food in Atacama blends flavors of the sea and the desert. Along the coast, dishes feature fresh seafood like scallops, locos (Chilean abalone), and local fish. Inland, you will find olives, olive oil, heritage wines from the Huasco Valley, and recipes using fruits like papaya and quince. Local cooks preserve traditional dishes such as perol de mariscos (seafood stew), charquicán de cochayuyo (seaweed hash), or cheese empanadas seasoned with valley-grown oregano. To eat in Atacama is to connect with the land through your senses.

Handicrafts

In Atacama, handicrafts are born from the land, the sea, and history. Notable works include carvings in piedra toba (volcanic stone), ceramics with pre-Columbian designs, and textiles inspired by the color palette of the desert. You will also find pieces made with seashells and copper—a homage to the mining heritage in the region. Many of these items are made in family-run workshops, where artisans share their knowledge with visitors.

Sustainability

Sustainability in Atacama is deeply local. Farmers in the Huasco Valley use traditional irrigation systems adapted to arid climates. Along the coast, fishing communities practice responsible aquaculture, protecting species like the northern scallop. Small-scale tourism, low-impact travel routes, and partnerships with local producers ensure that regional development respects both people and landscape. Traveling through Atacama means joining a collaborative economy that values what is homegrown.

Recommendations for your trip

What should I take?

What to Wear

Waterproof and windproof jacket Base and mid layers Trekking pants High-ankle trekking shoes Swimsuit

What to Bring

Trekking backpack Trekking poles Sunglasses Sunscreen Chargers and a power bank

Weather

Temperature

Minimum: Between 9°C and 12°C (48°F to 54°F) Maximum: Between 22°C and 28°C (72°F to 82°F)

Weather

General climate: Clear or partly cloudy Wind: Light in the valleys, stronger near the coast

Helpful information

Hospital

Hospital Regional de Copiapó: Av. Copayapu 1465, Copiapó Phone: +56 52 257 7600

Banks and ATMs

Copiapó and Vallenar have several ATMs in shopping centers and banks Bahía Inglesa and Huasco: Limited availability—bring cash as a precaution In rural areas, card use is limited

Did you know?

Did you know?

The region is home to ancient olive groves that still produce olive oil—some trees are over 500 years old.

Atacama is the driest desert in the world! With some areas that have not seen rainfall in more than 400 years.

What to Wear

Waterproof and windproof jacket Base and mid layers Trekking pants High-ankle trekking shoes Swimsuit

What to Bring

Trekking backpack Trekking poles Sunglasses Sunscreen Chargers and a power bank

Temperature

Minimum: Between 9°C and 12°C (48°F to 54°F) Maximum: Between 22°C and 28°C (72°F to 82°F)

Weather

General climate: Clear or partly cloudy Wind: Light in the valleys, stronger near the coast

Hospital

Hospital Regional de Copiapó: Av. Copayapu 1465, Copiapó Phone: +56 52 257 7600

Banks and ATMs

Copiapó and Vallenar have several ATMs in shopping centers and banks Bahía Inglesa and Huasco: Limited availability—bring cash as a precaution In rural areas, card use is limited

Did you know?

The region is home to ancient olive groves that still produce olive oil—some trees are over 500 years old.

Atacama is the driest desert in the world! With some areas that have not seen rainfall in more than 400 years.