Atacama Desert: Balloon flight to another planet

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 moon-scapes stretching for kilometres in every direction. Drawing on years of experience operating the famous balloons over the temples of Bagan in Myanmar, Tempo Holidays’ and their highly-trained team of on ground experts now offer sunrise hot-air balloon flights over this extraordinary region.

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.

Leaving from your hotel in nearby San Pedro, you will be transferred to the Atacama Desert for your early morning balloon flight. 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. If you enjoy having a more hands-on experience, you’ll have the opportunity to help the team with the final stage of inflating the balloon itself and see how these amazing inventions operate – just request the Premium Experience when you book. On return from your adventure into the stratosphere, you’ll sail comfortably back to land and enjoy a post-flight breakfast with your group and a chance to recount your adventure.

There is no other place quite like the Atacama Desert on earth. Returning to land after witnessing the landscapes of this spectacular region can be likened to returning to Earth after visiting another planet. Make sure you do it in style with an expert team – call Tempo Holidays to find out more.

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