Best places to visit in the Florid Desert in Atacama

Every few years, the arid landscape of northern Chile is transformed into an unparalleled natural spectacle. Flowers bloom all over the desert, valleys, dunes and ravines of the region. This wonder occurs when unusual rains awaken thousands of seeds dormant beneath the sand, giving life to an explosion of colors.

This 2025, the blooms have already begun, and the first flowering fields herald an exceptional season. Between October and December, visitors can witness one of the most amazing phenomena on the planet, with endemic species that only bloom in this corner of the world. Planning a responsible and well-informed visit is key to enjoy the experience without damaging the fragile desert ecosystem.

When and where to see the Desert Florido?

The Desert Florido occurs mainly between the regions of Atacama and Coquimbo, although its epicenter is located in the area near Copiapó, the regional capital of Atacama, which has an airport.

The best period to visit is between October and November, when the winter rains have been sufficient to stimulate flowering. In those months, the landscape is filled with añañucas, sighs, malvillas and guanaco paws, which dye the ground with pink, yellow, white and lilac tones.

To enjoy it to the fullest, it is advisable to travel in your own vehicle or rent one in Copiapó, since the most colorful sectors are distributed along Route 5 North and interior roads. Let's take a look at the places where you will be able to see all kinds of flora.

Llanos de Challe: a national park full of color

Llanos de Challe National Park is one of the most emblematic places to appreciate the Desert Florido. Located about 60 kilometers northwest of Vallenar, this protected park combines beaches, dunes and flowery hillsides that form a dream landscape.

In addition to the flowers, you can observe species such as guanaco, chilla foxes and sea birds. The trails are well marked and allow you to walk through the area without damaging the vegetation. It is important not to leave the designated paths and avoid stepping on the flowers to protect this unique ecosystem.

Sugarloaf National Park: flowers in front of the sea

Another must-see is the Pan de Azúcar National Park, where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean. This park, located between the regions of Antofagasta and Atacama, offers an unusual scenario: flowering fields in front of the sea.

During the blooms, malvillas and naranjillos can be seen among the coastal ravines, along with views of the Pan de Azúcar islands, home to penguins and sea lions. Access is possible by car from Chañaral, and the park has camping areas and natural viewpoints ideal for photography.

Quebrada de Pajonales: the heart of the Desert Florido

The Quebrada de Pajonales, located near the town of Caldera, is one of the most famous and visited sectors during the flowering season. Here you can see large extensions covered with sighs, coronillas del fraile and red añañucas.

Access is from Route 5 North, with signposted detours leading inland. Visitors must respect the trails and avoid entering areas of dense vegetation. Every step off the path can damage hundreds of flowers.

Domeyko and Vallenar: blooming between hills and valleys

In the southern sector of the Atacama region, the surroundings of Vallenar and Domeyko also offer spectacular blooms. The hills are tinged with pink and violet tones, especially in the areas near the Huasco Valley.

These routes are ideal for those who prefer less traveled roads and quieter experiences. From Vallenar it is possible to access by rural roads, but always respecting the natural limits and CONAF's recommendations. Flora observation should be done without collecting or touching the plants.

Tips to enjoy the Desierto Florido in a responsible way

Visiting the Desert Florido requires ecological conscience. Flowering is a delicate and temporary phenomenon. Therefore, do not step on the flowers or leave the marked paths. Do not collect plants or seeds, and avoid driving outside the marked routes.

Bring enough water, sunscreen and a hat, as temperatures can be high during the day. If you go by car, try to use offline maps, since in many areas there is no mobile signal. In Copiapó and Caldera there are car rental options that make it easy to visit the main points of interest.

It is also advisable to check with CONAF or Sernatur Atacama before your trip to find out which sectors have the greatest flowering. This will allow you to plan an efficient and safe tour, respecting the most sensitive areas of the ecosystem.

Visit the Desert Florido

The Desert Florido in Atacama is one of the most beautiful expressions of Chilean nature. Its combination of colors, aromas and landscapes leaves an indelible mark on those who visit it. This year, the flowering promises to be one of the most intense of the last decade, with multiple points accessible from Route 5 and the main cities of the north.

Whether traveling on your own or on a guided tour, this experience invites you to reconnect with nature and appreciate the strength of life in one of the most arid places on the planet. Come and discover the Atacama Desert Florido, a natural treasure that only Chile can offer.