Atacama Desert, Oct 2023

Commonly known as the driest place on Earth, the Atacama desert is also thought to be the planet’s oldest desert as well.

 

Dusk shot of volcano Licancabur

Lodge Quelana was a beautiful place to stay

And the elevation was quite high

Market in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

We visited Francuteria most every day for food and the ambiance

East toward the border of Argentina

Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon)

The drive out with a view of volcano Licancabur (whose opposite side is in Bolivia)

Aguas Calientes

Lagunas Miscanti y Miñiques

On the Road

Vicuñas

Lesser/Puna Rhea (thanks for the name Bill)

Bright-Rumped Yellow-Finch (thanks for the name Bill)

Laguna Chaxa Flamencos (Salt Flats)

Andean Flamingo (thanks for the name Bill)

Close up of the salt “flats”

Slideshow:

Sunset over the salt flats at Laguna Chaxa