Atacama Desert

"Chile's Atacama Desert is by far the driest place on Earth; this is an absolute desert by definition. It is a sparsely populated plateau, extending eastwards from the coast of the Pacific Ocean to the high altiplano. Although the average width of the Atacama is less than 100 miles, it extends more than 600 miles southward from the Peruvian border. The Atacama Desert comprises the virtually lifeless coastal pampas, plains that are dissected by dramatic and deep river gorges. To the east this barren, lunar landscape, changes abruptly as it rises through the foothills of the Andes. This becomes the impressive altiplano, with its alluvial salt basins or salars, fabulous snow-capped volcanoes and a surprising variety of wildlife. During this journey we shall visit the high, dry plains known as the Puna. Although this is a harsh and barren place, it too supports a wide range of wildlife that includes guanacos, vicu𠱬 bizarre vizcachas and flamingoes. We shall travel through incredible landscapes with volcanoes, lagoons, saltpans and tiny pre-Hispanic settlements. We shall visit Salar de Atacama, one of the largest saltpans in the world. During this itinerary we explore the impressive El Tatio geysers, which are located at an altitude of 13,800 feet. This is one of the highest geyser fields in the world. Join us on this trip to northern Chile, with countless highlights for the naturalist and for the nature photographer. "