ESSENTIALS

Getting there & around

British Airways has weekly flights from Heathrow to Santiago. ba.com

Average flight time: 14h.

The onward flight from Santiago to Calama, which is a one-hour drive from San Pedro de Atacama, takes approximately two hours with several daily routes offered by LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline and JetSmart. It’s also possible to take a 24-hour sleeper bus. latam.com skyairline.com jetsmart.com It’s not practical to drive yourself around the Atacama as the terrain is challenging and conditions can be severe. Hiring a local driver and/or guide is recommended.

When to go

For the best celestial photography, with reduced haze, visit during the austral winter (June to September). For the most varied wildlife experiences, November and December are ideal, before temperatures soar as high as 40C in the day during summer.

Where to stay

Awasi Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama. awasi.com

More info

Latin American Travel Association.

lata.travel

Chile Travel. chile.travel

How to do it

JOURNEY LATIN AMERICA has 14 days in Chile from £6,911 per person, with four nights in the Atacama Desert staying at Awasi Atacama. Includes flights from London, transfers, most meals, alcoholic beverages in the Atacama and daily excursions. journeylatinamerica.co.uk