Sign up to get the hottest cruise deals!
Atacama Desert (Antofagasta), Chile
The contrasting landscapes surrounding Antofagasta offer seemingly endless picturesque vistas for you to discover, from the dramatically steep cliffs and warm sandy beaches lining the South Pacific Ocean to the otherworldly terrain of the Atacama Desert expanding to its east. Explore Antofagasta’s well-manicured squares and museums and discover a new favorite dish at a local restaurant or journey into the surrounding landscapes on a wide range of outdoor adventures, from surfing and hiking to sandboarding and exploring archeological sites. Brush off your camera skills and get ready to capture the many picture-perfect attributes of the Atacama Desert.
Atacama Desert Cruise Image Gallery
What you NEED TO KNOW
-
Port Name & Location
Atacama Desert (Antofagasta), Chile -
Time Zone
Chile Daylight Time Zone -
Language
Spanish To ask how much something cost, say, ¿Cuánto cuesta…?” “Por favor” means please while “gracias” is thank you and “much gusto” means nice to meet you. -
Currency & Shopping
Chilean Peso Stroll down the vibrant pedestrian-only street Avenida Arturo Prat and browse the many shops and choose from a variety of restaurants for a delicious lunch. -
Famous For
The city is nicknamed the “Pearl of the North of Chile” and is known for its scenic coastline and access to the spectacular Atacama Desert. -
Important
If visiting the Atacama Desert, remember to bring sunscreen and/or sun-protective clothing as there is little to no shade depending on the area you are exploring. -
Fun Fact #1
Truly feel a world away while exploring the Atacama Desert — the world’s driest desert. From lunar rock formations and salt flats to steaming volcanoes, high-altitude geysers and more, this is an outdoor adventure paradise like no other. -
Fun Fact #2
Get a glimpse into the region’s silver mining history with a visit to Ruinas de Huanchaca — the ruins from a foundry and refinery owned by Bolivian Hunachaca Company. -
Fun Fact: Foodies
Looking for a hearty snack or meal? Try a delicious empanada, which is a dough pastry that’s either baked or fried and stuffed with a variety of ingredients such as seafood or beef, cheese and onion. -
Fun Fact: Landmarks
The power of Mother Nature is on full display at La Portada — a beautiful natural arch located just offshore that has been crafted over millions of years by the wind and waves.