Atacama Desert – Earth’s Most Surreal Landscape

#cityplaybook #localguides Step into a world like no other in the Atacama Desert, Chile – the driest non-polar desert on Earth, and one of the planet’s most extraordinary travel experiences. Stretching between the Andes and the Pacific, this alien-like landscape offers a visual feast of salt flats, rainbow-colored valleys, geysers, and flamingo-filled lagoons. Wander through the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), where wind-sculpted rocks and sand dunes mimic the surface of another planet. Watch the sunset paint the horizon in fiery tones, then gaze upward—the Atacama’s skies are among the clearest in the world for stargazing. By day, marvel at the El Tatio geysers, bubbling high-altitude hot springs that erupt dramatically at sunrise. Or float effortlessly in the salty waters of the Cejar Lagoon, surrounded by silent, dreamlike beauty. This is also the perfect place to discover indigenous culture in small desert villages like San Pedro de Atacama, the region’s welcoming hub. 📍 San Pedro de Atacama, Chile 🕘 Best time to visit: March–May, September–November 🎟️ Entry fees vary by site #atacamadesert #surreallandscapes #stargazingparadise #chiletravel #valleyofthemoon #bucketlistdestinations #cityplaybook