At 2,400 metres, the Atacama is a place of extremes: 30°C at noon, below freezing before sunrise, and a sky so dark that astronomers from around the world build their telescopes here.

Why we love it

We walk the Valle de la Luna at sunset, float in lagoons saltier than the Dead Sea and leave at 4 am for El Tatio, where 80 geysers exhale into the thin morning air. Nights are for stargazing with a local astronomer and a flask of rica-rica tea.

What’s included

• Hand-picked stays, chosen and visited by our team

• A local guide who calls this place home

• All ground transport and most meals

• A 24/7 trip designer on the other end of the phone