About Northern Chile and the Atacama desert

Northern Region of Chile
This is Chile's desert area.

Northern Chile, an area of amazing contrasts

Short description:

Northern Chile is a land of extreme contrast, where two uniquely Andean environments, the Altiplano and the Atacama Desert, combine with unpredictable and overwhelmingly beautiful results.

The vast and colorful Atacama Desert is said to be the driest desert in the world. In some parts of this desert, no precipitation has ever been recorded.

The Altiplano, on the other hand, receives tropical rains in January and February. Altitude, rather than aridity, is the limiting factor governing life on this airy plateau: only the hardiest and most highly specialized flora and fauna can survive the vagaries of life above 12,000 ft.

From north to south, some of the principal destination cities in northern Chile are: Arica, La Serena, Copiapo, Rio Huertado / Pisco Elqui, Antafogasta, Caldera , Calama and San Pedro de Atacama.
Of these, all but Calama and san Pedro are coastal cities, with fine beaches, where clouds - let alone rain - are never an issue.
Accommodations, transportation, and other tourist services are on a par with the capital, and each city provides access to a distinct portion of the desert, sierra foothills, or Altiplano.

Arica
Arica is a great place to begin your adventure in the northern part of Chile. You can enjoy the warm Pacific beaches, tour around the city and see the hieroglyphs, followed later by a tour to the Altiplano to experience wild life in the driest desert of the world. The Atacama Desert has no sign of life on the one hand but on the other hand the beautiful green valleys that cut through the desert are full of life. From Arica you can make your connection to the neighboring countries of Peru and Bolivia, South America.(top)

Calama
Close to Calama is the worlds largest copper mine and some interesting archeological sites. It is located in the middle of the Atacama desert, the driest of the world.(Top)

Antofagasta
Antofagasta is a coastal city in the north of Chile where beautiful rock formations nearby some of its beaches are a main tourist attraction. The worlds largest telescope is being built on mount Paranal, 200 km South of Antofagasta. This is an area with the clearest skies of the world, where only 20 days out of the year a cloud can be seen in the sky.(Top)

Caldera
The town of Caldera is situated in the Atacama region of Chile, a region renowned for its spectacular landscapes and unique flora and fauna. Its location at the foot of the Andes mountains in the driest desert in the world makes it a destination of choice for those seeking adventure and exploration. Caldera is a beautiful town with a population of over 12,000 people, and its rich history is evident in its architecture and culture. The town has a unique atmosphere, with its mix of Spanish colonial, indigenous and modern influences.

The town has a range of activities available for tourists, from birdwatching and trekking to visiting local markets and cultural events. With its stunning scenery and friendly locals, Caldera is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the Atacama region.

Copiapó
Nice beaches, most of them unexploited, surround the area of Copiapo. A perfect place to visit the flowering desert. A phenomenon that occurs only some years, and is one of mother natures most wonderful spectacles.(Top)

La Serena (Beaches, rent a car)
If you want a nice rest on a perfect beach, this is the place to go. The well named Pacific (meaning peaceful) Ocean waters are warm and ready to receive tourists from all over the world. Close to La Serena, there are beautiful valleys where some of the worlds most famous Chilean grapes are grown.(Top)

San Pedro de Atacama
This oasis is located at the northern end of the Salar de Atacama (salt flat), and was an important center for the Atacamenian or Kunza culture. In the middle of the XV century, it was conquered by the Inca Empire and later became a stopover for the Hispanic expeditions on their way south. Among the attractions in this town are an interesting archaeological museum and colonial church. In the surrounding area, you will find the pre-Hispanic village of Tulor, Quitor Pukará and the Inca ruins of Catarpe. The main natural attractions are the Valle de la Luna (moon valley), the Tatio Geysers and the Salar de Atacama (salt flat) itself. ( Top)

Rio Hurtado/Pisco Elqui (horseback, trekking, hacienda living, bed and breakfast)
Experience Adventure in the desert and its valleys on horse or on foot. One of North Chile's greatest hideouts.
Activities in the area are horseback riding, trekking, enjoying the beauty of the desert and its valleys and staying in an old reconstructed hacienda.(Top)

Map

Package tours to Northern Chile

The Atacama Desert EKA 027
07 days / 06 nights

Check out the Atacama desert, world's driest desert, learn about its history, geography, visit the salt flats and the "Moon valley" and see how the locals live and survive in this harsh environment.

View details

Rent a Car in Northern Chile

Category A
City cars for rent in Chile

Kia Morning or similar city car

1000cc gasoline engine, 2 doors, manual shift, and radio. This car is for a maximum of 2 persons, and is only rented in Santiago. You may seat four people inside this vehicle, but then you will much almost nothing of inside space left for your bags

Rate by:	Price in USD:
Day	$ 49
Week	$ 320
Month	$ 1.150

Category B Hatchbacks for rent in Chile

Suzuki Swift or similar subcompact car.

This 1200cc gasoline engine hatchback car category comes equipped with 4 doors, manual shift, two airbags, power assisted steering, air conditioning, and radio. Good vehicle for 2 persons and for driving mainly on asphalt roads.

Rate by:	Price in USD:
Day	$ 59
Week	$ 354
Month	$ 1.350

Category C
Sedans for rent in Chile

Nissan Versa, or similar compact sedan.

This 1600cc gasoline engine car category with trunk comes equipped with manual shift, air conditioning, power assisted steering, airbags, ABS brakes,door locks, and radio. (Ideal car up to four persons). A vehicle that can get you almost anywhere in Chile. It's also pretty economical. In this category we can also offer you an automatic transmission at an extra charge.

Rate by:	Price in USD:
Day	$ 78
Week	$ 468
Month	$ 1.590

Category D
Roomy sedans for rent in Chile

Chevrolet Cruze or similar

Fully equipped roomy sedan with a 1800cc to 2000cc gasoline engine and with automatic transmission. This car category comes with ABS brakes, airbags, doors lock, power and rear view mirrors, and radio.brakes

Rate by:	Price in USD:
Day	$ 118
Week	$ 708
Month	$ 2.350

Category E
Vans for rent in Chile

VAN

Could be a Kia Grand Carnival, or similar luxury fully equipped VAN with 7 or 8 seats and automatic transmission. This VAN comes equipped with air bags, electric windows, doors lock, and ABS brakes as well.

Rate by:	Price in USD:
Day	$ 175
Week	$ 1.050
Month	$ 3.090

Category F
Pickup trucks (4x2) for rent in Chile

Double cabin, four doors pickup truck with simple traction (4x2)

This vehicle comes equipped with manual transmission, power assisted steering, air conditioning, and radio (good vehicle for driving on bad roads due to its high clearance, therefore ideal for Atacama desert and Patagonia)

Rate by:	Price in USD:
Day	$ 99
Week	$ 594
Month	$ 1.730

Category G
Pickup trucks (4x4) for rent in Chile

Double cabin (four doors) pickup truck with double traction (4x4)

Comes equipped with manual transmission, power assisted steering, air conditioning, and radio (excellent alternative for off road driving due to its high clearance and four wheel drive option. Excellent for Atacama desert or Patagonia and other off road places)

Rate by:	Price in USD:
Day	$ 145
Week	$ 870
Month	$ 2.500

Category H
Small Jeeps for rent in Chile

Suzuki Vitara 1.600cc, 4x4, 3 doors jeep

Comes equipped with manual transmission, power assisted steering, air condition, and a radio with a CD player (Good vehicle for maximum 3 persons that like off road fun driving).

Rate by:	Price in USD:
Day	$ 89
Week	$ 490
Month	$ 1.730

Category I
SUVs for rent in Chile

SUV 4x4 (Toyota 4 Runner or similar).

Fully equipped, automatic transmission. The best car to rent in Chile, because it provides luxury, high clearance, and four wheel drive…all in one vehicle. This vehicle category obviously has ABS brakes, air bags, and everything that a full equipped car should have.

Rate by:	Price in USD:
Day	$ 175
Week	$ 1.050
Month	$ 3.090

Day trips that take place in the Northern reagion

Fully organized short/day trips:

Salar de Atacama and Laguna Chaxa (Atacama Salt Flat and Chaxa Lagoon)

Our exploration will go towards South and after almost 30 minutes we will stop at the little village of Toconao where we will see its square, church and craftsmanship. Then we will go on our exploration to reach one of the areas of Los Flamencos National Reserve located in Atacama Salt Flat. Here we can gaze at different kinds of flamingos in their habitat.
This is a pm exploration because the sunset is amazing.
Pickup/Dropoff: Your hotel In San Pedro.
Duration: 4 to 4.5 hours. Difficulty: easy

Nothern Chile

Chile info:

Map

Package tours to Northern Chile

The Atacama Desert EKA 027 07 days / 06 nights

Rent a Car in Northern Chile

Day trips that take place in the Northern reagion

Fully organized short/day trips:

Trekking/hiking in the Atacama desert and San Pedro de Atacama area

The Atacama Desert EKA 027
07 days / 06 nights