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Driest nonpolar place in the world? Certain parts with no rain in over 500 years? Praised for astronomical observations? Spot on - 100 Points! This is the Atacama Desert in Chile.
While we now know some of the key facts, let´s review some of the DO´s and DON'Ts in this fascinating place:
DO´s
Aiming high? Take note of the reduced oxygen levels, especially in the 4500m+ Altiplanos; this holds for motorbikes (those with carburetors, like our ‘oldies’ DR650 + KLR650) and humans (maybe save that happy dance for lower altitudes)!
Be aware of Pumas, when deciding to wild camp and checking out those praised stars (we were told after the fact…)
Stay at Corvatsch in San Pedro de Atacama, you will not regret this decision (while you are at it, please say hello to dog Canela 🙂)
DON’Ts
Do not lose your drone connection mid-flight + low battery, except if you feel like walking through a desert landscape for a couple of hours, looking for that dear drone of yours
Do not mess around with water in this water-starved region - this includes avoiding a leaking water bladder in your backpack (thank you, duct tape) and enjoying only quick showers to dust off the desert
Do not ever (under any circumstances) forget your stylish looking hat (bonus points for the adventurer version!) – while a Northern European summer can shine with an UV index of 7-8, then the average summer day in the Atacama sees the scale climbing easily up to 16 – hot and burning stuff!
Have thoughts or comments? Feel free to leave them here and follow us on Instagram and Youtube @motofarana 🙂
Links:
Hostel/Hotel Corvatsch: https://www.corvatschchile.cl/en/