Best desert destinations in South America

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South America's desert environments range from the Atacama, one of the world's driest and highest deserts, and the vast Patagonian cold desert steppe to the coastal fog deserts of the Pacific fringe and the ancient eroded badland systems of the interior. The continent's desert landscapes combine extraordinary geological drama with astronomical significance, with several of the world's major international observatories located in the Atacama for its exceptional atmospheric clarity.

The high-altitude desert plateaus of the north offer some of the most visually intense desert environments anywhere, where salt flats, volcanic landscapes and flamingo-filled lakes combine within a single extraordinary setting. Patagonian desert steppe delivers a contrasting experience built around vast open landscapes, wind and exceptional wildlife across an area of considerable geographic scale.

Altitude is a serious consideration across most of the continent's significant desert environments and acclimatisation time is essential before visiting sites above 3,500 metres. Summer heat at lower desert zones requires careful preparation and carrying sufficient water is non-negotiable. Your money goes a long way making extended desert itineraries practical on modest budgets.