Why Chile’s Natural Wonders Are Out of This World

Chile: a land of towering peaks, vast deserts, and endless coastline. Stretching from the southern icy landscapes of Patagonia to the arid expanses of the northern Atacama Desert, this slender country is full-to-the-brim with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. To uncover the secrets of Chile’s extraordinary natural wonders (including why the country is crowned the ‘international capital of astronomy’), we sat down with Travel Director, and this week’s Insightful Trivia expert, Paul. Passionate about his homeland, Paul shares his expert insights into why Chile is a truly out-of-this-world destination.

Chile’s unrivalled star power

Chile has natural wonders in abundance, and chief among them are its extraordinarily clear night skies. “The combination of extremely low humidity, minimal light pollution, and high-altitude locations creates near-perfect conditions for observing the stars”, says Paul. Its uniquely cloudless skies have also attracted some of the world’s most advanced observatories, with Chile expected to be home to more than 50% of the world’s astronomical infrastructure by 2030.

Welcome to the Atacama Desert

Chile boasts several world-renowned stargazing spots, each offering breathtaking views of the cosmos. These areas are free from light pollution and benefit from Chile’s uniquely dry and stable climate, making them ideal for both amateur stargazers and professional astronomers. But which takes top spot for exploring the firmament? “Number 1, of course, would be San Pedro de Atacama in the northern desert area of Chile”, says Paul.

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is the driest non-polar desert on Earth. It’s also a place of extraordinary beauty and diversity. Despite how dry the desert is, you’ll find it still rich in life and history. It is home to the ancient Atacameño people, whose culture is influenced by nearby Incan and Andean cultures. The desert also offers stunning natural wonders like salt flats, geysers, and high-altitude wetlands teeming with llamas, flamingos, and unique bird species. With its otherworldly landscapes and some of the clearest night skies on the planet, the Atacama is a destination like no other. Although it’s not alone in providing a clear view of the night skies.

“Other good spots stargazing spots in Chile would be the La Sila and Tololo observatories in the 4th region of Chile. It’s so remote, you’d have to drive about 7 hours north from the capital to get there.”

Why is the Atacama Desert so dry?

So, we’ve learned that we have the Atacama Desert to thank for Chile’s crystal-clear skies – but what exactly is it that allows for over 300 days a year of cloud-free skies? Paul explains: “Essentially, the Andes Mountains block the humidity that comes up from the Amazon Rainforest. Meanwhile, the cold Humboldt Current which comes from Antarctica keeps the temperatures low so we don’t get that much coastal fog. But even if we did, we have the coastal mountain range which would block most of it. The result is the driest desert in the world.“

It may be a desert, but the Atacama is far from barren

Its dry air, high altitude and lack of man-made infrastructure that makes the Atacama Desert so good for stargazing. But that doesn’t mean that this is a place of Mars-like uninhabitability. Not only is there a surprising amount of evidence of human activity through the ages, there are examples of incredible wildlife spectacles, too. We asked Paul about his favorite aspects of the Atacama Desert.

“Personally, I’m stunned by the archeology. The local Licanantay tribes built a culture that survived the rough conditions of the driest desert in the world; they also mingled with Incas and other Andean tribes so they have a rich culture. There’s also some astounding fauna over there, we can see lots of Llamas and vicuñas (which is another type of Andean camelid), flamingoes, and so much more. I love the wide range of birds that we can appreciate in the high wetlands when people return from the Tatio Geysers.”

Incomparable Patagonia

Patagonia in Chile, a vast and untamed wilderness, is a land of jaw-dropping natural wonders. Towering mountains, sprawling glaciers, turquoise lakes, and windswept plains define this remote region at the southern tip of South America. Among its most iconic features is Torres del Paine National Park, home to the towering granite peaks of the Cordillera del Paine, pristine hiking trails, and unique wildlife like guanacos, condors, and pumas. Patagonia is also home to massive icefields, including the Grey Glacier and the expansive Southern Patagonian Ice Field, offering visitors a chance to witness nature’s raw power and beauty up close.

The region is one of the least populated places on Earth, preserving its untouched beauty and serene atmosphere. Patagonia is also a haven for adventurers, offering activities like trekking, kayaking, and even ice climbing. It’s a place where the winds can reach over 100 miles per hour, yet the silence in its remote corners feels infinite. The unpredictable weather and unspoiled beauty create an otherworldly experience that keeps visitors coming back for more.

What can you expect on a tour of Chile with Insight Vacations?

We’ve learnt that Chile is an incredible place for nature lovers with an interest in the night skies, but what can Insight Vacations guests expect when they explore the country on a ‘Business Class’ Tour? Paul tell us. “Firstly, you’ll learn – and laugh – a lot. I’m a food, art, and culture enthusiast, so we can go long and spread over those topics. I love Chile, so it’s my utmost pleasure to be an ambassador for all of our guests, my aim is to make their experience in Chile one for their books. I enjoy what I do and I think people can tell.

Paul’s personal highlights in Chile

Chile is an incredible place, but what does Chilean local expert Paul love most about his home country? “You can go skiing in the morning, go to a winery for lunch and go to a UNESCO-listed city next to the Pacific Ocean to see the sunset all in one day. Wine and food are superb. We have the clearest sky and the world and we’ve been declared a few times number 1 destination in the world for special interest tourism, you name it and we probably have it. Just to name few activities practiced in Chile. Hiking, fly fishing, stargazing, archeological museums,  food oriented tours, and much more. Visit us, you won’t regret it.”

DISCOVER MORE ON

Best of Chile from Atacama to Patagonia TOUR

View Tour

Chile is a land of contrasts and wonders, where every corner reveals something extraordinary—from the icy peaks of Patagonia to the celestial skies of the Atacama Desert. Its natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality make it a destination that leaves a lasting impression. To truly experience the magic of Chile, there’s no better way to do than with an experienced guide like Paul. Join him and the rest of the Insight team on an unforgettable journey, where our passion and local expertise will bring this remarkable country to life.