El Loa Province: Desert and Highlands
Accommodation in El Loa Province
In El Loa Province, the moonlike formations of the Atacama Desert meet high-altitude lagoons, thermal pools and exceptional wildlife. The landscapes invite you to explore in very different ways: you can admire sculpted minerals, look out for birds in high-altitude protected areas, or experience a valley by trekking and sandboarding. When choosing a holiday rental, it therefore matters which experiences are the focus of your trip. The places below will give you a clear impression of what makes the area distinctive.
Desert Formations and Highland Nature
Valle de la Luna lies in a depression in the Cordillera de la Sal. Erosion has shaped the minerals there into a moonlike landscape. Valle de la Muerte has a different character: this mountainous, sandy valley offers opportunities for trekking and sandboarding. If you are weighing up quiet contemplation of the landscape against more active pursuits, these are two distinct nature experiences—neither depends on the other.
The high-altitude areas also shape the landscape. Lagunas Miscanti and Miñiques lie more than 4,100 metres above sea level. Their turquoise waters contrast with the dry surroundings and snow-capped peaks. You can spot flamingos and Andean coots at the lagoons. This makes them especially interesting if you want to discover birdlife as well as landscapes.
Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos protects more than 73,000 hectares of high-Andean ecosystems. Its flora and fauna are adapted to extreme dryness. The reserve is home to the three flamingo species found in Chile, as well as vicuñas and foxes. Wild vicuñas and birds also live in the high-altitude ecosystem of Géiseres del Tatio, where endemic vegetation can also be found. These different examples offer a glimpse into the animal and plant life of these dry highland landscapes.
Geothermal Features, Thermal Pools and History
Géiseres del Tatio is a geothermal field more than 4,300 metres above sea level and is considered the third-largest geothermal field in the world. If you are interested in geological features, you can discover a landscape here with a very different character from the sandy valleys and lagoons. The elevation is useful to bear in mind when choosing your destinations.
At Termas de Puritama, thermal water flows continuously at about 33°C into eight natural pools. Native vegetation surrounds the pools, which are connected by wooden walkways. This gives the Termas a distinctly different setting from the open lagoons and dry valleys. If you would rather focus on thermal waters and vegetation than sand formations or birdwatching, this is another option in its own right.
Aldea de Tulor offers paths, reconstructed dwellings and adobe remains for an archaeological experience. In this way, traces of early settlement add a historical discovery to the area’s nature-focused attractions. Families who want to include both landscapes and history in their holiday can consider this visit as a distinct focus alongside the geological and wildlife highlights.
Getting There and Choosing a Base
Valle de la Luna is 15 kilometres from San Pedro de Atacama along Ruta 23. You can reach it by private vehicle, bicycle or as part of a guided tour. If this valley is especially important to you, the distance and travel options given here can help you match your accommodation choice with your preferred way of getting around.
From Calama, the final stretch to San Pedro de Atacama follows Ruta 23. It is 100 kilometres long and can be travelled by bus, transfer or private vehicle; the journey takes about one hour and 30 minutes. From San Pedro, you can reach Termas de Puritama via Ruta B-245 towards Tatio: the drive is 30 kilometres and takes about 40 minutes. These specific route details provide a practical basis for deciding where to look for a holiday rental and which places to include in your travel plans.
San Pedro de Atacama is the gateway to the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world. El Loa Province appeals to travellers who want to plan their stay around desert landscapes, highland nature or archaeological discoveries. Which of these interests suits you can help determine how you plan your holiday rental and your trip.
For the broader travel overview: Antofagasta.
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