Things to see in Chile and Easter Island: Atacama Desert & the Altiplano
Chile's northern desert comprises virtually lifeless coastal plains dissected by dramatic, deep gorges, while further east this barren landscape changes as it rises through the foothills of the Andes. The altiplano is an impressive expanse of alluvial saltflat edged by snow-capped volcanic peaks, and home to a surprising variety of wildlife.
From San Pedro you can visit Laguna Verde in Bolivia. Ringed by volcanoes, the emerald lake is home to flocks of Andean flamingo, ostrich-like rhea, guanaco and vicuna. Andean lapwing, Andean goose, mountain caracara, white-winged cinclodes and red-backed sierra finch can all be seen. Back in Chile an early morning visit to El Tatio geysers is unmissable.
Other things to see in Chile and Easter Island
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Atacama Desert & the Altiplano
Chile's northern desert comprises virtually lifeless coastal plains dissected by dramatic, deep…
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Chiloe Island
Just south of Puerto Montt, this fertile island lives from farming, fishing and …
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Easter Island
Rapa Nui, as it is known locally, is a small triangle of volcanic rock in mid-Pacific, around…
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Lauca National Park
Along with the adjacent National Vicuna Reserve and Surire salflat (a Ramsar site), this…
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Patagonia & the Straits of Magellan
The Chilean portion of Patagonia, which extends across South America's southern tip, is called…
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Robinson Crusoe Island
Juan Fernández is a fascinating volcanic archipelago situated 1,500 kilometres off the…
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The Lake District
Four adjacent national parks, Vicente Perez Rosales and Puyehue in Chile, plus Nahuel Huapi and…
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Torres del Paine
Chilean Patagonia's premier attraction is a wonderfully scenic mix of craggy peaks, glacial lakes,…
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Valparaiso
The main port and one of the oldest cities in Chile, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is only 120…
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Places to stay in Chile and Easter Island
Atacama Desert & the Altiplano
Awasi [High]
![Atacama Desert & the Altiplano - Atacama Desert & the Altiplano - Awasi [High]](/image_database/75x75C/CLSCLSCATACAMA001.jpg)
Awasi is a luxurious oasis in the… More
Hotel Alto Atacama [High]
![Atacama Desert & the Altiplano - Atacama Desert & the Altiplano - Hotel Alto Atacama [High]](/image_database/75x75C/Alto_Atacama_Lagoon_and_Catarpe_rooms.jpg)
Located in the fertile Catarpe valley, this luxurious hotel is only three kilometres from town, but… More
Chiloe Island
Hosteria de Castro [Mid]
![Atacama Desert & the Altiplano - Chiloe Island - Hosteria de Castro [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/Chilean_Flamingo_Patagonia_credit_Claudio_Vidal.jpg)
Located in Chiloe's main centre, Castro, Hosteria de Castro has modern accommodation and good… More
Easter Island
Altiplanico Rapa Nui Hotel [High]
![Atacama Desert & the Altiplano - Easter Island - Altiplanico Rapa Nui Hotel [High]](/image_database/75x75C/wildlife_easter_island_chile5.jpg)
The hotel boasts lovely views of the coast, and is set in 1.5 hectares of tranquil gardens,… More
O'tai Hotel [Mid]
This is a mid-sized family-run hotel with a cosy and homely… More
Lauca National Park
Hosteria Las Vicunas [Mid]
![Atacama Desert & the Altiplano - Lauca National Park - Hosteria Las Vicunas [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/19_PERU08ES_Vicuna.jpg)
Located in Putre, this is a rustic hosteria, which provides a good base from which to explore the… More
Hotel El Paso [Mid]
![Atacama Desert & the Altiplano - Lauca National Park - Hotel El Paso [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/chile_Puma_Torres_del_Paine_credit_Claudio_Vidal.jpg)
Centrally located, this hotel offers a nice environment in which to stay and is close to Arica's… More
Patagonia & the Straits of Magellan
Eco-camp Carlos III Scientific Campsite [Mid]
![Atacama Desert & the Altiplano - Patagonia & the Straits of Magellan - Eco-camp Carlos III Scientific Campsite [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/Carlos_III_Scientific.jpg)
Within the marine reserve on Carlos III Island, this tiny eco-camp accommodates only ten people in… More
MV Mare and Via Australis [Mid]
![Atacama Desert & the Altiplano - Patagonia & the Straits of Magellan - MV Mare and Via Australis [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/Chile_Magellanic_Penguin_Patagonia_credit_Claudio_Vidal.jpg)
Sailing from Punta Arenas between September and mid-April, the boats Mare and Via Australis sail… More
San Isidro Lodge [Mid]
![Atacama Desert & the Altiplano - Patagonia & the Straits of Magellan - San Isidro Lodge [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/chile_Peales_Dolphin_StraitofMagellan_credit_Claudio_Vidal.jpg)
This small, intimate lodge is located at the site of Chile's southern-most… More
Puerto Bories
The Singular Patagonia
A stunning, award-winning, luxury hotel that blends old and new in a triumph of design, and has… More
Santiago
Galerias Hotel [Mid]
![Atacama Desert & the Altiplano - Santiago - Galerias Hotel [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/wildlife_galerias_hotel_santiago_chile.jpg)
The Galerías Hotel offers excellent services in a lovely historic setting in downtown… More
Hotel Rugendas [Mid]
![Atacama Desert & the Altiplano - Santiago - Hotel Rugendas [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/wildlife_classic_south_am_condor1.jpg)
Hotel Rugendas is a boutique style hotel in a quiet location, which is tastefully… More
W Hotel [High]
For ultimate luxury, we recommend the new W Hotel. It's unique in its design and is a good… More
Torres del Paine
EcoCamp - suite domes [Mid]
![Atacama Desert & the Altiplano - Torres del Paine - EcoCamp - suite domes [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/Suite_Dome.jpg)
Designed to withstand the elements, provide warmth and comfort, and minimise environmental impact. … More
Hosteria Las Torres [High]
![Atacama Desert & the Altiplano - Torres del Paine - Hosteria Las Torres [High]](/image_database/75x75C/CLSCLParen_Torres_del_Paine2.jpg)
Las Torres sits in the heart of Chilean Patagonia and enjoys beautiful views over the snow-capped… More
Valparaiso
Zero Hotel [High]
![Atacama Desert & the Altiplano - Valparaiso - Zero Hotel [High]](/image_database/75x75C/Chile_Inca_Tern_Northern_Chile_credit_Claudio_Vidal.jpg)
Facing the Pacific Ocean, this beautiful property affords wonderful views - perfect from dawn to… More
