The Atacama Desert is a place to see, to feel, to understand. The nakedness of the desert gives us the full appreciation of the cycles that are still occurring to this day. Rich mineral deposits and ancient river beds are on full display. The activity is constant; the Lascar volcano has erupted several times in the last 10 years.


The calmness of the mountains at sunset and the violence of an erupting volcano are in full evidence if you stay long enough.


This is one of the most interesting places in the world to witness geological formations and activity, offering an open laboratory that shows the true strength and beauty of the volcanic Andes mountain range. The Tatio geysers are just one example of this activity, produced by the sub-duction of the Nazca plate beneath the continent.


During time, the events in this region have been part of a more complex geologic history that includes the elevation of the altiplanic plateau and in a more regional scope, the evolution of the Andes range. Rock traces of these events were found in the Lila range, and have been dated back to an estimated 440 million years of age. And more locally, the Domeyko mountain range formed between 70 and 50 million years ago, with the area surrounding San Pedro forming 22 million years ago.