Atacama Desert, Chile, 2003
The Atacama Desert of northern Chile is one of the dryest places on earth. Situated on the border of Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina, it is anchored by the town of San Pedro de Atacama on the shores of an ancient sea that has withered to a series of salt lakes and flats frequented by flamingos. Ribbons of green created by freshwater streams coming down from Andean volcanoes cut into the earth to create some interesting slot canyons. There are also several hot springs and a geyser field. We explored these areas in Chile before climbing Licancabur Volcano at 19,400 ft (5940 m) from the Bolivia side.
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