the Atacama Desert rewards travellers with unforgettable experiences. The driest desert on Earth — salt flats, geysers, lunar valleys and the clearest night skies anywhere. Here are the highlights we build into our itineraries for guests from the United States and Mexico.
Must-do experiences
Valle de la Luna at sunset
A signature experience in the Atacama Desert.
El Tatio geysers at dawn
A signature experience in the Atacama Desert.
Altiplano lagoons & flamingos
A signature experience in the Atacama Desert.
Stargazing tours
A signature experience in the Atacama Desert.
Salar de Atacama salt flats
A signature experience in the Atacama Desert.
Good to know
The Atacama is a year-round destination; days are warm and nights cold. March–May and September–November avoid the altiplano winter rains and summer heat. US and Mexican passport holders should note Brazil reinstated an e-Visa requirement for US citizens — Argentina and Chile are visa-free; confirm current rules before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the Atacama Desert?
The Atacama is a year-round destination; days are warm and nights cold. March–May and September–November avoid the altiplano winter rains and summer heat.
How do travellers from the United States and Mexico get to the Atacama Desert?
Most visitors fly from Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas and Mexico City, with Miami offering the most non-stops to South America. South America shares convenient time zones with the Americas, so there is little to no jet lag from the US and Mexico.
Do I need a visa to visit the Atacama Desert?
For US & Mexican travellers, US and Mexican passport holders should note Brazil reinstated an e-Visa requirement for US citizens — Argentina and Chile are visa-free; confirm current rules before travel. We provide confirmed hotel vouchers and a day-by-day itinerary to support any application.
Which experiences in the Atacama Desert are suitable for families?
Most experiences in the Atacama Desert suit all ages; we tailor the pace and selection to your group when planning.
Do I need to book experiences in advance?
Yes — the most popular the Atacama Desert experiences sell out in peak season. We pre-book everything as part of your package.
Can these be combined with other destinations?
Absolutely — the Atacama Desert pairs naturally with other South American highlights on our multi-stop tours.
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