The Colorful and Collected Wonder of Chile: The Atacama Desert

tacama, possibly the driest and oldest desert on the
planet, is an other worldly stretch of high-altitude salt basins, lava flows
and colored terrain that extends more than 600 miles from the northern tip of
Chile. Mountains to the east and west contribute to the aridity, and some of
its weather stations never once recorded rain. The mix of minerals and erosion
provide a topography and climate like no other place on earth, and NASA scientists
come to Atacama to test equipment for upcoming Mars missions.

Head to the coast to Instagram yourself with a 36-foot hand
sculpture rising from the sand, but pricey San Pedro de Atacama is the main
town for exploring the desert highlights. With white-capped volcanoes marching
along the Andes to the east, the town sits 8,000 feet above sea level, and its underdeveloped
streets are lined with tour operators. Travelers can race mountain bikes
through the serpentine Devil’s Gorge (Quebrada del Diablo), float effortlessly
atop the salty waters of Laguna Cejar, marvel at the vast saline expanse of
Salar de Atacama, escape the cool desert air in thermal baths and sandboard the
dunes at the Valley of Death (Valle del Muerte).

The Valley of the Moon (Valle de Luna), which falls within
the 180,000-acre Los Flamencos National Reserve, is a top spot to make like Aldrin
and Armstrong on lunar-shaped landscapes. The lifeless valley is most popular
at dusk when setting sunrays hit the rippled terrain and reflect different hues
of red, purple, orange and gold. Atacama is also prime real estate for
stargazers as the high elevation and dark cloudless skies provide a pristine
window into the heavens. To see for yourself, check out Nicholas Buer’s “Ancients”
on the web for a time-lapse video of the Atacama sky.

Fun-Filled Facts:

-Atacama is home to the multi-national ALMA radio telescope
and multiple astronomical observatories, one of which James Bond visited in Quantum of Solace.

-Fossilized remains reveal that penguins the size of humans
once roamed Atacama (let that one sink in for a moment).

-Remnants of the Indian tribes that originally inhabited the
desert include shamanic paraphernalia used for hallucinogenic experiences.

If You Go:

Last fall, the Chilean government approved the first legal
MMJ farm, and legalization proponents are vocal in both branches of Congress. With
the momentum moving in a progressive direction, Chile is a fairly safe place
for discreet cannabis use. Finding herb in the world’s driest town, on the
other hand, may be more problematic. People who stop first in Santiago can
likely find herb there, but always remember to avoid bringing cannabis across
international borders.

Time to Go: Anytime

Weather: Cool

Budget: $$$$$

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