Chile: Atacama Desert 2025

Chile: Atacama Desert – AGT Adventure 2025

In April 2025, Auckland Global Trekkers travelled to one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth — the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Known as the driest non‑polar desert in the world, Atacama is a place of surreal colours, vast salt flats, volcano‑lined horizons, and night skies so clear they feel unreal. Over eight days, our group explored valleys carved by wind, geysers erupting at sunrise, high‑altitude lagoons, and ancient desert towns that have stood for centuries.

It was a journey of extremes — heat and cold, silence and wind, salt and sand — and one of the most visually striking destinations AGT has ever visited.

Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama – Gateway to the Desert

Our adventure began in San Pedro de Atacama, a small adobe town surrounded by volcanoes and endless desert plains. After settling into our accommodation, we wandered the narrow streets, adjusting to the altitude and soaking in the warm desert air. The group gathered for dinner in the town centre, excited for the days ahead.

Valle de la Luna – A Landscape from Another Planet

Our first full day took us into the iconic Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), a place shaped by centuries of wind erosion. We walked among jagged ridges, salt‑covered rock formations, and sweeping dunes that glowed gold in the late afternoon light.

As sunset approached, we climbed to a ridge overlooking the valley. The colours shifted from orange to pink to deep purple — a moment of pure stillness that set the tone for the rest of the trip.

Lagunas Altiplánicas – High‑Altitude Beauty

Next, we travelled into the Altiplano, climbing to over 4,000 metres to visit the shimmering Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons. Surrounded by volcanoes and deep blue skies, these lakes are among the most breathtaking sights in northern Chile.

We walked along the shoreline paths, taking in the silence of the high desert. The altitude made every step feel deliberate, but the scenery made it worth it. Flamingos, vicuñas, and foxes appeared in the distance — reminders of how life adapts to even the harshest environments.

Salar de Atacama – Salt Flats & Flamingos

One of the highlights of the trip was exploring the Salar de Atacama, Chile’s largest salt flat. The cracked white surface stretched endlessly toward the horizon, broken only by shallow turquoise pools where flamingos fed in the late afternoon light.

We visited Laguna Chaxa, where the reflections of the Andes shimmered across the water. The combination of silence, space, and colour made this one of the most memorable stops of the journey.

El Tatio Geysers – Sunrise in the Steam Fields

Before dawn, we set off for the El Tatio Geysers, one of the highest geothermal fields in the world. At sunrise, steam plumes rose dramatically into the freezing morning air, creating an otherworldly scene.

We walked among bubbling pools and geyser vents as the sun slowly warmed the valley. After exploring the geothermal field, some of the group braved the nearby hot springs — a welcome contrast to the icy air.

Rainbow Valley & Ancient Petroglyphs

Another day took us to Valle del Arcoíris (Rainbow Valley), named for its multicoloured mineral cliffs. Reds, greens, yellows, and purples layered the rock faces, creating a painterly landscape unlike anywhere else in the desert.

We also visited Yerbas Buenas, home to ancient petroglyphs carved by the Atacameño people. The carvings — depicting animals, hunters, and symbols — offered a glimpse into the region’s deep cultural history.

Stargazing in the Atacama – The Clearest Skies on Earth

No trip to Atacama is complete without experiencing its legendary night sky. One evening, we joined a guided stargazing session outside San Pedro, where telescopes revealed planets, star clusters, and the glowing band of the Milky Way.

With no light pollution and crystal‑clear air, the sky felt infinite. It was a peaceful, awe‑inspiring moment shared by the whole group.

A Journey Through Silence, Colour & Space

Our Atacama Desert 2025 adventure was a journey through some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet. From salt flats and geysers to high‑altitude lagoons and rainbow‑coloured valleys, every day brought new surprises and unforgettable views.

But as always, it was the AGT spirit — walking together, supporting each other, sharing meals and stories — that made the experience truly special.

We left Chile with sun‑kissed faces, full memory cards, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the desert.

For more adventures check out Auckland Global Trekkers