Share a self-driving route in the Atacama Desert of Chile, known as the “driest place on Earth” and “the most Martian-like place on Earth,” for three and a half days.
▶️ Supply center: the town of San Pedro de Atacama
▶️ Surrounding the town
Death Valley, Moon Valley, and Devil’s Throat are all scenic spots
Viewpoints: Mirador de Kari-Piedra del Coyote, M Likan-Antay, M Pukara Quitor (inside the scenic area), M Puerta del Sol
▶️ West and south of the town on Route 23
To the west: The scenery is beautiful on the way from M Likan-Antay to the town
To the south: Miscanti and Miñiques Lakes + Piedras Rojas (tickets for the three places must be purchased online at least one day in advance, you must choose the order of visits, and you must check in one hour in advance at Socaire halfway / navigate to Socaire – check in, keep the check-in receipt)
Viewpoints: M Piedras Rojas, M de Aguascalientes, M Laguna Tuyajto
‼️ You can also visit Chaxa Lake, Cejar and Piedra Lakes (purchase tickets online)
▶️ North of the town on B245
Geysers of Geyser del Tatio, Flamingo Lagoon, Machuca Church
Viewpoints: M Putana, M do Camelo
Classic travel agency routes, but driving allows you to go further
▶️ East of the town on Route 27
Highland desert towards Bolivia and Argentina
Viewpoints: M Volcán Licancabur, M Quebrada Quepiaco, M Salar de Pujsa, M Pacana Caldera, M Salar de Loyoques, with particularly stunning scenery
‼️ B245 and 27 have similar landscapes; if you’re not interested in geysers, choose 27
▶️ Southwest of the town on B241
Wild scenic spots such as Vallecito, Magic Bus Atacama, M Achaches, tire tracks, and desert Danxia landforms
‼️ B241 and the surrounding attractions of the town are similar, but the former is wild, unmanaged, and free
❗️ There are many sunrise and sunset locations, so it’s best to go with the flow
❗️ Travel agencies are located on the main street Caracoles and in the central square, where cash payments are 10% cheaper
❗️ Star-gazing tours have a high cancellation rate, so drive to find a spot to photograph the Milky Way, see previous notes
‼️ Offline maps, sun protection, water, extreme temperature differences between day and night, beware of altitude sickness, telephoto lens
Have a great time, everyone!
