Long live Love! The Atacama Desert, the driest in the world and the most emblematic natural treasure in northern Chile, was recognized as the Most Romantic Destination in South America for 2023, awarded during the World Travel Awards ceremony in its thirtieth edition, which bestowed several awards on the country.

During the event held at the iconic Burj Al Arab in Dubai on December 1st, in addition to the distinction for the Atacama Desert, Chile was recognized as the "Best Green Destination in the World" for the second consecutive year and its fourth time in the history of the awards. Furthermore, the Andean nation was recognized as the "Best Adventure Tourism Destination in South America," reaching 30 awards in the World Travel Awards since 2015.

The victory of Atacama was a pleasant surprise, especially considering the destinations it surpassed. In the category of Most Romantic Destination in South America, contenders included Buenos Aires (Argentina), Cartagena de Indias (Colombia), Fernando de Noronha (Brazil), Galápagos Islands (Ecuador), Lima (Peru), Paraty (Brazil), and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).

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Why is the Atacama Desert so romantic?

The Atacama Desert stands out as the most romantic destination in South America, challenging the conventional perception of aridity. Ascending over 4,000 meters in the Andean highlands means entering small villages that safeguard their traditions, ancestral cultures, and oases.

The gateway to this desert paradise is San Pedro de Atacama, a town located in one of the world's clearest sky zones. This central point serves not only as the starting point to explore the unique landscapes of the region but also provides unparalleled opportunities for stargazing at the numerous astronomical observatories in northern Chile.

Some places in the Atacama Desert that you can explore for a romantic day include:

• Atacama Salt Flat: In the heart of the desert lies the Atacama Salt Flat, the country's largest salt deposit. Despite its high salinity, it hosts unique biodiversity, including a large colony of flamingos. The recommendation is to visit it at sunrise or sunset when scarlet and orange hues paint a picturesque landscape.
   
• Valley of the Moon: Just 13 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama, the Valley of the Moon captivates with landscapes reminiscent of the lunar vastness. Wind and erosion create surreal rock formations, giving the sensation of exploring an unreal territory. For a complete experience, a sunrise hot air balloon ride offers an incomparable view.
   
• Rainbow Valley: The name doesn't deceive: Rainbow Valley unfolds an unparalleled chromatic palette with ochre, reddish, beige, green, and white tones. The diversity of rocks and minerals in this enclave turns every corner into a magnet for photography enthusiasts.
   
• Red Stones: The color range in the Atacama Desert extends beyond earthy tones. The Red Stones, named for the scarlet hue of their rocks, offer a breathtaking contrast between reddish terrain and blue skies. A landscape that will leave you breathless.

If you want to explore these and other natural treasures that the vast Atacama Desert holds, you can book through the provided links or contact czuniga@gochile.cl for more information.

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