Set foot on Mars without leaving EarthSan Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Located in north-west Chile and spanning 105,000 square kilometres, the Atacama Desert is a spectacular landscape of haunting beauty, likened to landing on Mars. Claimed to be one of the driest environments on earth, second only to Antarctica, it’s easy to believe you’re the last person standing in a post-apocalyptic world, littered with sculptural rock formations, dramatic peaks and fascinating moonscapes stretching for kilometres in every direction.
Embarking on a balloon flight allows a rare and spectacular view of this other-worldly landscape. Drift silently over smooth rock faces, sparkling salt lakes and vast desert plains in shades of rose, fuchsia, lavender and dusky pink. Leave at sunrise and be treated to the beautiful play of light on the forms of the landscape and witness vivid shades of pink and red that can only be seen at this time of day. The low humidity means the atmosphere is extremely clear and your views across the landscape are unimpeded by moisture, allowing a clarity and crispness for stunning photographs and video.
You can book this experience through San Pedro Atacama
From A$500 per person
Depends on your feat of heights… and hot air balloons.
Depending on conditions, the duration of your flight may be between 30 and 45 minutes and you’ll be joined by a group of up to 16 people, with 4 compartments of 4 people each in the balloon’s basket.
Operates; Daily (07:00am in winter & 05:30am in summer)