Desert Travel

Deserts are arid regions, generally receiving less thanChilean north, due to its natural wonders. The Moon
ten inches of precipitation a year, or regions where theValley, with its geological rocks formations, the geysers
potential evaporation rate is twice as great as theof Tatio, altiplanic valleys and lakes (at 4.000 meters of
precipitation.altitude), canyons and the historic towns like Toconao
The world's deserts are divided into four categories.that has all the houses constructed out of the local
Subtropical deserts which are the hottest, withlinarite stone. On the way is the breathtaking Atacama
parched terrain and rapid evaporation. Although coolSalt Lake, which is over 1,000 kilometers long.
coastal deserts are located within the same latitudesBesides, there is an argueological museum that was
as subtropical deserts, the average temperature isbuilt by a Belgian priest, who gathered numerous
much cooler because of frigid offshore oceanarqueological vestiges, such as pottery and mummies,
currents. Cold winter deserts are marked by starkwhich are witnesses of the history in this region.These
temperature differences from season to season,are museums which record
ranging from 100° F (38° C) inman’s presence over the
the summer to 10° Flast 10,000 years besides this there is sea and long
(â€"12° C) in the winter. Polarsandy beaches, relaxation and entertainment in
Regions are also considered to be deserts becausecasinos, restaurants and hotels, and above all the
nearly all moisture in these areas is locked up in thefriendly hospitality of the Chilean people.
form of ice.Weather: It gets cold once the sun goes down and
ATACAMA DESERT: North of Chileduring the day it can be extremely very hot.
The Atacama Desert, in the north of Chile, is the driestClimate:The climate is magnificent throughout the year.
place on earth. It stretches from the highlands of theDuring winter (June, July and August) the average
Andean Altiplano over the golden sands of thedaytime temperature varies between 9ºC
Atacama Desert as far as the shores of the Pacific(48ºF) and 24ºC
Ocean. This is the place for those in search of(75ºF); days are very pleasant, inviting you
adventure with its breathtaking salt flats, geysers andto lay in the sun’s corridors.
Andean volcanos,In summer (January, February and March) the average
The desert is so dramatic that, at first sight, it appearsdaytime temperature fluctuates between
never to have sustained any life. However, pink13ºC (55ºF) and
flamingoes together with Alpacas, Llamas, Vicunas and25ºC (77ºF), reaching
many other species of fauna and flora can be foundmaximums of 32ºC (90ºF): a
living in perfect harmony in the many oases and lakeswarmer climate inviting you to a good "siesta" before
located in the area.the evening explorations begin. Between January and
Travelling north, view the Atacama Salar, with itsMarch, the so called Altiplanic Winter comes with
300.000 hectares of territory, the oasis-town of Sanoccasional showers.
Pedro de Atacama, which is the tourist capital of the