How to Elope in the Chilean Desert: Places to Elope for a Chile Adventure | Updated for 2024
Updated March 14th, 2024
Credit: Vinicius Henrique Photography from Unsplash
Unspeakably beautiful with sensuous lines and warm coloring, deserts naturally draw romantics. Perhaps the attraction comes from the constantly changing landscape and promise of adventure. Through the ages, people have crossed these lands steered by the stories of previous travelers and the guidance of stars. In a time where we feel like the Earth has few secrets left, deserts still provide an escape hidden from the crowds and the noise of technology. Couples who crave this special brand of beauty and solitude for their elopement found exactly what they want in the Chilean desert.
Desierto de Atacama—the Atacama Desert in English—is the arid plain in my home country of Chile in South America, encompassing a 990-mile (1,600 km) sliver along the Pacific Ocean coastline, west of the Andes. It’s the largest “fog desert” and the driest nonpolar place on the planet, second only to spots in the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica. It’s so dry and stark, it’s been used for Mars expedition simulations! Yet, the rocky terrain, sands, salt lakes, and mineral-rich felsic lava that comprise this unique ecoregion provide a wonderful backdrop for an adventure elopement few others can claim.
Photos by Andrea Enger unless otherwise credited.
Credit: Gallo Images from Getty Images
Table of Contents
Traveling to the Chilean Desert
I highly recommend planning your Chilean desert elopement in our pleasant summer months of December, January, or February. The days are nice and the nights are warm, making your exploration of the Atacama Desert the most enjoyable. But even in winter during June, July, and August, you’ll find the days still warm at low altitudes, with a jacket needed in the evenings. Winter is also best for avoiding other tourists.
The shoulder seasons of spring (September, October, and November) and autumn (March, April, and May) also offer changing temperatures that are still mild, good rates on travel and hotels, and fewer people around. But no matter when you come, be prepared for changing weather by packing clothes you can layer and jackets for evenings.
Credit: iStock Photo from Getty Images
You cannot fly directly into the Atacama Desert. The best airport to use from abroad is Santiago and then fly onward to the cities of La Serena (for access to the Elqui Valley), Antofagasta, Copiapó, Calama (for access to San Pedro de Atacama, Arica, or Iquique).
Credit: Photo by Julian Hacker on Pixabay
You can find reliable bus transportation to these cities, but expect to spend up to 24 hours traveling.
Credit: Photo by Tyler Gooding on Unsplash
Renting a car from the northern airports upon landing gives you the most flexibility during your visit. Northern airports include:
Desierto de Atacama Airport (CPO) in Copiapó
Cerro Moreno International Airport (ANF) near Antofagasta
Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) in Iquique
Most roads at low altitude are in good shape. At higher altitudes, you’ll need to plan ahead by carrying a good spare tire as service stations are further apart. Check with your rental car company about carrying an extra can of fuel. It is against the law in some places, but recommended (and necessary) in others.
Credit: iStock Photo from Getty Images
Elopement Locations in the Atacama Desert
San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro is the ideal hub for your visit. It’s a charming oasis with a lovely, walkable adobe downtown where you’ll find restaurants serving Andean cuisine, artists selling their crafts, and all kinds of desert outfitters.
Credit: Photo by Vinicius Henrique Photography on Unsplash
Credit: Photo by mbonaparte on Getty Images
Around San Pedro, you’ll be treated to smoking volcanoes, natural hot springs, and otherworldly landscapes.
Credit: Photo by Eyeem from Getty Images
Another great thing about staying close to San Pedro is you can plan your days around exploring the different sights of the surrounding desert.
Credit: Photo by Paula Alvarado on Pixabay
Here are just a few of the unique locales you can see from taking different routes out of town:
El Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon)
Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache (Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache)
Valle de Marte (Mars Valley) AKA Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley)
Salar de Talar (Talar Salt Flats)
Lagunas Altiplánicas (Miscanti Lake and Miñiques Lake)
Laguna Chaxa (Chaxa Lagoon)
Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos (Flamingos National Reserve)
I know a few more!
Credit: iStock Photo from Getty Images
Altiplano
The high plateau of Altiplano sits an impressive 13,125 feet above the desert floor. This is the iconic Atacama Desert teaming with llamas, salt flats, and blue lagoons.
Credit: Photo by Hugo Kruip on Unsplash
You can get here via San Pedro, but there is additional access through the parks, like the Parque Nacional Lauca (Lauca National Park) adjacent to Arica. Get in a visit to the indigenous Aymara village of Putre, one of many such communities in the Altiplano above Arica.
Credit: Photo by Alain Bonnardeaux on Unsplash
Mountain climbers from all over come to Parque Nacional Nevado Tres Cruces (“Snowy Three Crosses” National Park) for the challenge of ascending Ojos del Salado (“salty eyes”) which is the world’s tallest volcano. This park sits above Copiapó and is known for flamingos, hot springs, and incredible mountain views. For a Chile desert wedding, this region would make an unforgettable and dramatic setting.
Credit: Photo by Getty Images
Atacama Desert Beaches
You wouldn’t normally think of a desert having beach towns, but they exist in Chile in the region of the Atacama Desert stretching south called the Elqui Valley.
Credit: Photo by Adobe Stock
Credit: Image by Eduardo Miranda on Pixabay
Iquique is a good-sized city tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the looming Atacama Desert ranges. The incredible dark turquoise waves attract surfers from around the world. But this coastal resort also offers a glittering casino plus loads of activities in and out of the surf. Brave the bustling duty-free shopping zone. Then chill out as you stroll through the historic district and soak in the 19th-century Georgian architecture preserved from when Iquique was a prosperous mining town.
Credit: Photo by Emiliano Arano on Pexels
Arica is another haven for surfers, but this desert resort town is also adjacent to Azapa Valley’s mummified remains, which are the oldest in the world, and some amazing Incan ruins. The temperature is always pleasant with year-round sun so visiting the pretty beaches is always an option when you’re not exploring Azapa Valley, the War of the Pacific battlefield at El Morro, or taking a walk around Arica’s pedestrian mall. Beautiful Parque Nacional Lauca is also close by.
Credit: Photo by ihervas on depositphotos
Credit: Photo by Daniel Franco on Unsplash
Credit: Photo by Abriendomundo on Adobe Stock
Antofagasta lies to the south of Iquique and Arica. It’s a true city within the Atacama Desert complete with high-rise buildings. Antofagasta offers a few unique features, like its huge Mano del Desierto (Hand of the Desert), a sculpture of a hand pushing through the sand! It also has a beautiful natural stone arch off the shoreline and the Ruinas de Huanchaca (Huanchaca Ruins) Museum with geological and historical exhibits.
Credit: Photo from Voy de Viaje
Bahía Inglesa will stun you with its gorgeous landscape of sugar-white sandy beaches, impossibly turquoise water, and fiery sunsets nestled in the barrenness of the Atacama Desert. There’s just no other place like it. It’s an easy place to relax with a pisco—Chile’s brandy—and a heaping plate of fresh seafood. Bahía Inglesa offers plenty of sweet beachy hotels too. If you’ve always dreamed of getting married on a beach in the tropics, consider eloping in this desert paradise instead.
Credit: Photo by Ralf Liebhold on Dreamstime
Credit: Photo by Marc on Adobe Stock
Things to do in the Atacama Desert
Credit: Photo from Atacama Balloons
I love all the hiking, but there’s so much more to do:
Sandboarding in Death Valley
Hot air balloon rides at sunrise (I’m breathless thinking about a sunrise hot air balloon desert elopement)
Mountain- or fat-biking in the ethereal Valley of the Moon
Exploring the ancient petroglyphs near Valle del Arcoiris (Rainbow Valley) or the geoglyphs near Iquique
Finding the world’s largest prehistoric anthropomorphic figure, the Gigante de Atacama (the Atacama Giant) also near Iquique
Soaking in the lagoons
Camping
Visiting the historical Chacabuco Nitrate Ghost Town
Looking for flamingos
Paragliding in Iquique or another beach town
Searching for ghost towns, especially the UNESCO Humberstone (which tells the tale of how the late 1800s and early 1900s saw Chile prosper with the Nitrate Boom)
Surfing, swimming, and lazing at one of the beaches
Stargazing which is unmatched here near San Pedro and in the enchanting and mystical Elqui Valley
Credit: Photo by Clara Moskowitz on SPACE.com
Credit: Biosphoto from Getty Images
Where to Stay for Your Chile Desert Wedding
The Atacama Desert offers comfortable accommodations for backpackers, luxury-seekers, and everyone in between.
San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro is so convenient for experiencing the Atacama Desert because it offers the comforts of a city while close to the best of the desert.
Credit: Photo by Leonardo Diaz on Nayaraaltoatacama.com.
Nayara Alto Atacama - An all-inclusive resort near the plaza of San Pedro, the Nayara Alto Atacama offers a spa, 6 swimming pools, dramatic desert range views, and a tour desk to book guided desert excursions.
Terrantai Lodge Andino - Once a house, the Terrantai Lodge Andino has been preserved and transformed into a beautiful lodge and cultural center. It stands in the heart of San Pedro where it overlooks a church with easy access to shopping and restaurants.
Poolside at Terrantai Lodge Andino. Image from Terrantai.com.
Terrantai Lodge Andino. Image from Desertodoatacama.com.
La Casa de Don Tomás - Adorable and convenient, La Casa de Don Tomás is close to the famous sites in San Pedro de Atacama and offers a concierge, swimming pool, free parking, and a complimentary breakfast. It’s also within walking distance to the famous Geyser del Tatio.
La Casa de Don Tomás. Image from Dontomas.cl.
Elqui Valley
If sandy beaches and cool ocean water sounds more enjoyable, the coastal towns in Elqui Valley offer many breezy options.
Nautel - A laid-back charmer in Bahia Inglesa, Nautel offers plenty of amenities like a front desk staffed 24-hours, wifi, free parking, private bathroom with a hair dryer, and complimentary breakfast. It has the feel of a beach guest house and you’re on the water.
Nautel Guest House. Image from Agoda.com.
Hotel Apacheta - Arica’s Hotel Apacheta is located on Playa Feliz, a fifteen minute walk to the city center. It offers many activities like surfing, kayaking, paragliding, birdwatching, horseback riding, and sandboarding. They also offer guided tours.
Hotel Apacheta. Image from HotelApacheta.com.
Room at Hotel Apacheta. Image from HotelApacheta.com.
Holiday Inn Express Iquique - Modern convenience coupled with amazing ocean views, the Holiday Inn Express Iquique is located on Playa Brava. It’s close to historic downtown, duty-free shopping, and the Dreams Iquique Casino. Amenities include an outdoor pool, whirlpool, and a fitness center. Daily breakfast is complimentary.
Poolside at Holiday Inn Express Iquique. Image from IHG.com.
Copiapó
Copiapó is an entertaining Atacama Desert city that is convenient to the beaches and the Altiplano.
Antay Casino & Hotel - The Antay Casino & Hotel is centrally located and close to famous sites in Copiapo. The hotel’s air-conditioned guest rooms offer a minibar and free wifi. Other features include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, room service, rooftop pool, restaurant, and free parking.
Double Room at Antay Casino & Hotel. Image from Antaycasinohotel.cl.
Pool and Patio at Antay Casino & Hotel. Image from Antaycasinohotel.cl.
Atacama Suites Hotel - The Atacama Suites Hotel’s guest rooms come with kitchenettes, air conditioning, and free wifi. This all-suites hotel also offers a 24 hour front desk, room service, a concierge, swimming pool, free parking, and daily complimentary breakfast. The location is convenient to popular city sights as well.
Atacama Suites Hotel. Image from Booking.com.
Ibis Copiapó - Minutes from Plaza de Armas, Ibis Copiapó is a moderately priced hotel offering friendly personalized service and comfortable guest rooms with wifi and air conditioning. The hotel has an on-site lounge and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Ibis Copiapó. Image from Expedia.com.
Pica
Visitors who want more rural accommodations while they explore the Atacama Desert will find them in Pica near Iquique.
El Huarango - Four guest rooms, a cottage, and 15 campsites form the sustainable El Huarango lodge in the Pica oasis. The owners and other staff are knowledgeable and so friendly. Enjoy home-cooked meals and a nap in a hammock between desert hikes. Plus, the pisco sours are incredibly fresh because of the limes grown in the area. A stay here will be one of the highlights of your desert elopement.
Matrimonial Room at El Huarango. Image from Elhuarango.cl.
El Huarango Exterior. Image from Elhuarango.cl.
Hotel Rucarú - An excellent, more traditional hotel option in Pica is the Hotel Rucarú. You’re close to sights and recreation without sacrificing full service and array of amenities. Breakfast is complimentary and parking and wifi are free.
Hotel Rucaru. Image from En.Rucaru.cl.
Resort Santa Rosa - The full service Resort Santa Rosa draws families on the weekends, but during the week it’s lovely and peaceful. The grounds and fruit trees are pretty and the huge pool is refreshing.
Resort Santa Rosa. Image from Resortsantarosa.cl.
Putre
High above Arica and on the edge of Lauca Park and the border with Bolivia is the Aymara village of Putre. This is a great place to get used to the high altitude before your explorations.
Terrace Lodge - A small B&B serving Italian hospitality and food! You can also book your tours there. Breakfast is included at the Terrace Lodge and parking is also free.
Terrace Lodge. Image from Terracelodge.com.
Hotel Q’antati - Enjoy incredible views, warm friendly service, fresh breakfast, and birdwatching at the Hotel Q’antati. You’ll feel at home in the simple comfortable guest rooms even at 11,000 feet.
Double Room at Hotel Q’antati. Image from Hotelqantati.blogspot.com.
Hotel Q’antati. Image from Hotelqantati.blogspot.com.
Hotel La Chakana - Hotel La Chakana offers cabins with basic necessities and complimentary breakfast plus amazing views of the mountains and a sweet garden for the llamas to roam.
Hotel La Chakana. Image from Youtube.com.
What to Bring to the Chilean Desert
You’ll want to pack items you can layer because temperatures will range from sunny and warm days to bone-chilling freezing nights depending on your altitude. I like to bring plenty of long and short sleeve t-shirts, a packable jacket, good socks, and my hiking boots of course! I’m happy to give you my recommendations based on where you’ll spend your time and your plan for a Chilean wedding.
I’m not just your wedding photographer (yet), I’m also Chilean with personal experience in the Atacama Desert. So I’m more than prepared to help you have a comfortable, photo-worthy, Instagram-ready Atacama Desert elopement experience.
The Legal Side of Your Patagonian Wedding
It’s best, and easiest, to get legally married in your country of origin and then hold the ceremony in Chile. Be sure to share your plans with me in our initial consultation, and know that I’m here to answer any questions you may have.
Once you arrive in Chile, you’ll be on your way to having a ceremony that’s spiritual, meaningful, and so memorable. You’ll leave Chile with fantastic memories of your wedding, your travels through the Atacama Desert, and gracious Chilean hospitality.
My guide on how to elope in the Chilean Desert is just the beginning. I’d love to talk to you in more detail about how to make this adventure a reality. Start your epic journey by reaching out to me. I can’t wait to hear about your dream destination elopement.
Elopement photographer Andrea Enger (photo by Realm Studios)
Ready to Celebrate Your Day Your Way?
Find out how I can help make that happen!
Reach out and schedule a time to chat! If you’re ready to check availability for your date and reserve your Boulder elopement photographer, you can fill out the form below, email me directly at andrea@andreaengerphotography.com, or call/text me at (720) 739-0784. I’d love to hear from you!
If you’re still in the research phase, I hear ya! Here are some more resources that my couples have found helpful. I hope you do, too!