As the weather turns colder and Jack Frost begins nipping at your nose, there’s no better time to start planning your next great escape. If you’re stuck in a snowbird state of mind, one of the most enticing ways to beat the cold is to head south of the equator where the seasons are conveniently opposite the icy north. South America offers a number of intriguing retreats, but to really find forever summer, head to one of the desert regions for an epic warm weathered getaway.
When you’re ready to fly the coop, check out these South American deserts to help beat the winter blahs.
Atacama Desert – Peru/Chile
The driest non-polar desert in the world that’s believed to be the oldest desert in the world, Atacama covers almost 50,000 square miles with a climate that’s been compared to Mars. In fact, you may recognize the landscape from a number of space movies as Hollywood loves to use it as a backdrop. Over 500 unique species of flora and fauna have learned to adapt to the harsh environment, making it one of the most unique bio zones in the world and a must-see for discerning travelers. Be prepared for incredible sunsets before turning your attention to the night sky. One of the clearest places to stargaze, the dramatic canvas of the Milky Way unfolds before your eyes and if you’re interested in astronomy, a number of space stations reside in the area, some of which you can tour.
The most common place to stay is the town of San Pedro de Atacama, one of the top three tourist destinations in Chile. There’s plenty to see and do there with geysers, salt lakes, lava tubes, and volcanoes to explore. This year is especially extraordinary, as an uncharacteristic amount of springtime rain (which occurs only once every 5-7 years) has left the area awash in a breathtaking pink and purple flower cover. The incredible blooms are expected to draw 20,000 more visitors than normal to the area so don’t miss this once in a lifetime experience.
La Guajira Desert – Colombia
Part of Colombia’s wild east, La Guajira lies along the Caribbean, bathing the area in seemingly endless white sandy beaches. Cabo de la Vela, a crescent moon bay, is a popular seaside destination for locals (the South American version of “Cabo”), but during the week, the area is quiet and the perfect place to make your own private, off-the-beaten path retreat. If you’re interested in a cultural escape, the indigenous Wayuu tribe has called the area home since the 1700s, known for their handicrafts and pearl diving. The National Natural Park of Macuira is also located here, a tropical oasis full of thick forests and lush waterfalls that feels like a secret paradise.
Salta Desert – Argentina
Argentina’s far-flung northwest corridor is a largely under the radar travel destination with enormous salt flats often overshadowed by Bolivia’s. With multi-colored mountains, the Calchaquí Valley, the Yungas Jungle, the Cafayate wine region, and a volcano that looks like a mini Mount Fuji to explore, Salta will feel like your very own untapped paradise. Crossing “the puna” can take three or four days by car, but a better way to see the area is on the Tren de las Nubes, or Train to the Clouds. It is one of the highest altitude trains in the world and arguably the most scenic as it zigzags through the mountainside, offering sprawling views of the desert below.
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