Atacama

The Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar desert on earth, yet it is far from lifeless. Flamingos gather on high salt lakes, vicuna graze at altitude and, after rare rainfall, the desert floor briefly bursts into wildflower bloom known locally as the desierto florido. Base yourself in San Pedro de Atacama and the surrounding landscape, geysers, salt flats and volcanoes, all sit within reach of a single, well-placed hotel.