Plizio Visual Lab

Atacama Desert

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Aug 2026Data Sources

nature

Weather…

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is widely regarded as the driest non-polar place on Earth. Spanning approximately 105,000 square kilometers, this high-altitude plateau is positioned between the Chilean Coastal Range and the Andes Mountains. Its extreme aridity is caused by a temperature inversion from the cold Humboldt Current and the rain shadow effect of the Andes, resulting in decades-long dry spells in certain areas. The geography features vast salt flats like the Salar de Atacama, high-altitude geyser fields such as El Tatio, and the eroded landscapes of the Valle de la Luna. Because of its dry air and lack of light pollution, it is a premier destination for global astronomy, hosting the ALMA radio telescope array. Beyond its natural wonders, the Atacama is a vital mining hub, containing some of the world's largest deposits of copper and lithium, which are crucial for modern electronics.

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Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	15	15	14	12	8	7	7	8	10	12	13	15
Rain mm	5	6	3	2	1	1	1	1	0	1	2	3

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

San Pedro de Atacama usually serves as the main hub. From there, access to the salt lakes and geysers is typically via local tour operators or robust rental vehicles.

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Best season

The transitional seasons of spring and autumn offer more temperate conditions, though the high-altitude geysers are extremely cold year-round, especially at dawn.

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Terrain & paths

The diverse terrain includes vast arid plains, craggy rock formations, high-altitude geyser fields, and expansive salt flats, requiring careful acclimatization.

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What to bring

Layers are crucial due to dramatic temperature swings between night and day; bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water for the extreme dryness.

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Parking

Formal parking is available in San Pedro, while remote attractions usually have designated dirt lots where tours and independent travelers leave their vehicles.

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Safety

Altitude sickness is a major concern at the higher geyser fields; visitors must acclimatize, stay hydrated, and never step outside marked geothermal paths.

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Time needed

Visitors generally spend three to five days exploring the various attractions, with individual excursions to geysers or salt lakes taking a half or full day.