Few places are as inhospitable or extreme as Chile’s Atacama Desert.
As the driest non-polar region in the world, less than 4mm of rain falls here each year.
Over 100,000km2 of torrid and barren land, which ripples and swells in places like a geographical accordion.
This is Mother Nature at her harshest.
But, even here, in the depths of the Atacama where life seems unwelcome, culture has thrived for thousands of years.
Once conquered by the Incan Empire, the Atacama Desert is revered by many as the spiritual heart of the country.
In remote regions of this arid expanse, indigenous communities still host ritualistic ceremonies of gratitude to Pachamama – the Earth Goddess.
Will she permit life to inhabit the Atacama Desert for centuries to come? Forging a legacy against the odds?
In towns like San Pedro de Atacama, which could be mistaken for a mirage, travelers gather to explore the region’s natural beauty and to indulge in local culture.
Here, white-washed buildings line cobbled streets, offering a welcomed refuge from the hot, dusty desert beyond. Welcoming locals are more than happy to share their oasis with inquisitive visitors.
Traditional melodies emanate from the town’s open windows, as artisan craftspeople ply their historic trades.
The town’s streets are abuzz with the exchange of the Atacama Desert’s stories – stories of mystery and of myth.
What do you hear from her enchanting call?
Find out more information about San Pedro de Atacama in Chile's Atacama Desert: [ Ссылка ]
