Five landscapes from the north of Chile that seem unreal

Chile is a country of contrasts and natural wonders, and its north is no exception. In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of five destinations that are out of this world.

It’s time to visit our country to get to know the Laguna Roja de Camiña, the Geysers de Puchuldiza, the Valle de la Luna, the Desierto Florido and the Salar de Pedernales.

Keep reading and discover Chile!

Laguna Roja de Camiña

Photo: Victoria Ansaldo

Located in the region of Tarapacá, the Red Lagoon is a spectacular waterbody that stands out because of its vibrant red color, outcome of its high concentration of minerals.

This place offers a unique opportunity for those who love photography, with landscapes that seem to be taken from another world. Apart from that, the local fauna, including flamingos, makes this the perfect destination for bird watching.

How to get to the Red Lagoon

• Although the Red Lagoon is located in the district of Camarones in the Arica and Parinacota Region, to get there,  you have to arrive through Camiña in the Tarapacá Region.
• Find information here for further details.

Geysers de Puchuldiza

Photo: @Achilepoh

A few kilometers from the city of Pica, the Geysers de Puchuldizaare is a geothermal phenomenon that you can’t miss.

This geyser field features fumaroles, thermal waters and spectacular steam jets that emerge from the ground.

Visiting this place at sunrise is a magical experience, where the sun lights up the steam columns in a setting of mountains and desert. In winter, they usually freeze, which makes everything more magical.

How to get to the Geysers of Puchuldiza

• You can take a guided tour from Iquique to the Geysers of Puchuldiza. You’ll take Ruta A-16 and then Ruta 5 until you get to the Huara community. From there, you’ll follow the A-55, then take a turn onto the A-483 and, finally the Ruta A-489 which will take you directly to the Geysers of Puchuldiza.

Valle de la Luna

Located in the National Park of the Cordillera de la Sal, the Moon Valley is known for its unique rock formations and its lunar landscape.

This destination is ideal for trekking and exploration lovers. At sunset, the valley transforms into a show of colors that reflect the sunlight, offering stunning views that will stay in your memory forever.

How to get to Valle de la Luna:

If you are interested in visiting the Valle de la Luna and marvel at its landscapes, we invite you to click here.

Desierto Florido

A natural phenomenon that happens every time rainfall hits the Atacama Desert, the Desert Bloom is an amazing spectacle that covers the floor with a carpet of wildflowers.

This event, that generally happens between August and September, attracts tourists from all over the world that want to enjoy this short but fascinating color explosion in the middle of the dryness.

How to get to Desert Bloom

• Here you’ll find everything you need to know about the Desert Bloom in Chile

Salar de Pedernales

Finally, the Pedernales Salt Flat, located in the Atacama region, is one of the most impressive salt flats in northern Chile.

With landscapes that seem taken out of a dream, this salt flat offers panoramic views and opportunities for taking photos of the landscape. The tranquility of this place, along with the immensity of the clear sky, make this destination ideal for disconnection and enjoying nature.

How to get to Salar de Pedernales

• To get there you have to take the Ruta C-13 that connects Copiapó with the border crossing point San Francisco. The path is asphalted until the Salar de Maricunga and then continues as a gravel road until the Salar de Pedernales. Remember to visit it with a guide registered with Sernatur.