The Atacama Desert is a virtually rainless plateau in Chile, covering a 600-mile strip of land (40,600 square miles) on the Pacific coast of South America, west of the Andes mountains. The rain shadow on the leeward side of the Chilean Coast Range, as well as a coastal inversion layer created by the cold offshore Humboldt Current, keep this over 20 million-year-old desert 50 times drier than California’s Death Valley. It is the second-driest desert in the world, after the McMurdo Dog Valley in Antarctica.

It is believed that areas of the Atacama Desert have never seen rain, with the weather station in Calama never recording any moisture. Other areas of the Atacama Desert receive a fog, flowing from the Pacific Ocean to the west, known as Camanchaca by the locals, the fog gives life to cactus, lichens and algae. Every few years, the weather phenomenon El Nino and its warming effect on the Pacific Ocean will change weather patterns worldwide and will send rain to regions of the Atacama Desert. There are 120 species of cactus found in the Atacama along with scores of beautiful desert flowers.

Void of moisture, the Atacama Desert is often referred to as moonlike and otherworldly. Lunar-like landscapes of crystallized salt flats, freeze-dried peaks, spewing geysers and purple-shaded volcanoes contrast with green oases and turquoise lakes for a breathtakingly beautiful destination.

Any visit to the Atacama Desert usually starts from and revolves around San Pedro de Atacama – the hub of the Atacama Desert. San Pedro de Atacama is located east of Antofagasta, some 60 miles southeast of Calama and the Chuquicamata copper mine, overlooking the Licancabur volcano. It is known for its native ruins and collection of artefacts and relics from surrounding areas. Travellers also seek out stargazing opportunities with unobstructed views from clouds and pollution when viewing the stars – unrivalled across the continent. Sandboarding on the sand slopes of the region have become a favourite with adventure seekers.

There is also a plethora of breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage around San Pedro de Atacama just waiting to be explored. Most attractions are part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, perhaps Chile’s most varied and amazing national park.

Salar de Atacama, the third largest salt lake in the world, is undoubtedly one of the major attractions of this area. The surface area surpasses 3000 square kilometres and underneath the crust of the Salar lie the greatest lithium reserves in the world. The Salar de Atacama offers visitors a wealth of good photo opportunities including the volcanoes Licancabur and Lascar. The Chaxa Lagoon located at the heart of the Atacama salt pan is inhabited by three species of beautiful pink flamingos. Miscanti and Mi