San Pedro de Atacama -an oasis located at 8,015 feet above sea level in the middle of the Atacama desert- has continuously been inhabited for the last 10,000 years, and at one point, due to it being a commercial crossroad amongst indigenous groups from Argentina, Bolivia, and the Pacific's coast, it was also the main center of the Atacameño culture. The climate is magnificent throughout the year, with over a 90% of radiant and sunny days, which ensure endless climbing, bicycling, horse riding, trekking, and photo safari excursions and explorations, which range from visiting small villages with plenty of tradition and folklore, to experiencing the power of volcanoes and plateaus at heights of over 13,000 feet. Amongst the great number of attractions of this area we find many archeological places of interest; impressive salt flats; the Tatio Geysers -an amazing geothermal area, surrounded by soaring peeks-; the out of this world, Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), which with its uncanny monoliths raising from the ground, makes you feel as if you had just stepped onto the moon. For wildlife lovers, this at first sight uninhabited place of the world, offers an interesting fauna mainly composed of 4 families of camelidos, and the beautiful pink flamingos.
		© Intrans, 2010