A natural phenomenon sets its own limits on travel planning in the Atacama Region: the Desierto Florido in Parque Nacional Llanos de Challe occurs only in rainy years, when unusually high winter rainfall coincides with suitable humidity and temperature conditions. Its blooms are therefore not a regularly schedulable itinerary item, but depend on these conditions.

Blooming and biodiversity

Parque Nacional Llanos de Challe is home to more than 220 plant species, 14 of which are endemic to the Atacama Region. At the same time, the park protects one of the largest guanaco populations within Chile’s protected wilderness areas. The diversity of plant life and the protection of guanacos illustrate two distinct aspects of this national park.

From the coast to the sea

At the beaches of Bahía Inglesa, white sand and turquoise water offer a contrast to the desert. La Piscina has gentle surf and pleasant temperatures that make safe swimming possible. If you’d rather get out on the water, Bahía Inglesa also offers kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking and diving.

In Parque Nacional Pan de Azúcar, the Atacama Desert meets the Pacific Ocean: the park encompasses an oasis covering more than 40,000 hectares. More than twenty endemic cactus species grow here. Its trails offer hikes with spectacular ocean viewpoints, and kayaking is possible around Isla Pan de Azúcar. This means coastal experiences in Bahía Inglesa are complemented by hikes and sea views in the national park.

High mountains and trip planning

Parque Nacional Nevado de Tres Cruces is divided into two sectors: Santa Rosa in the north and Negro Francisco in the south. The park has trails, shelters and viewpoints. The Ruta de los Seismiles also defines the region’s high-mountain landscape: it consists of fifteen peaks over 6,000 meters high.

To reach Salar de Maricunga, the route from Copiapó follows Ruta 31-CH and covers about 160 kilometers. The high-altitude route is challenging; a 4×4 vehicle and experience driving at high altitudes are required. A specialized tour is recommended. Keep these details in mind when planning the drive: both the approximate distance and the stated requirements are relevant.

Fossils and getting there

Parque Paleontológico Los Dedos preserves the remains of marine fauna that became extinct millions of years ago. The park is eight kilometers south of Bahía Inglesa on Ruta 5. You can reach it by private vehicle or local transport from the seaside resort.

For Bahía Inglesa, Aeropuerto Desierto de Atacama de Copiapó (CPO) is the nearest airport; direct flights operate from Santiago. You can cover the final six kilometers from Caldera to Bahía Inglesa by taxi or colectivo. These reference points concern different parts of the journey: the nearest airport and the final stretch from Caldera.

Discover more destinations: Copiapó Province, Huasco Province, Chañaral, Fifteenth Region of Arica and Parinacota, Antofagasta, Tarapacá Region, Los Ríos Region, Coquimbo Region.

For the main travel overview: Chile.