Best time to travel to Chile

Flowers in the Atacama Desert​ in Chile

Once every 5 to 7 years the driest place on the globe is transformed into a pink carpet of wildflowers

Best time: September

Flowers in the Atacama Desert​
Flowers in the Atacama Desert​
Flowers in the Atacama Desert​
Flowers in the Atacama Desert​

The Chilean Atacama Desert, which is considered to be the driest place on Earth, becomes the site of incredible natural wonder. This land may not see a drop of rain for years. However, a true miracle happens in the driest of all deserts when the long-awaited spring rainfalls come and resurrect the sleeping life and thousands, or even millions of bright pink wildflowers cover the area.

More than 200 flower species bloom in the Atacama including red Garra de león, pink Pata de guanaco, yellow and pink Añañuca, blue Azulillos and other flowers. Some of the flowers are even endemic to this dry place. The super bloom is usually concentrated in the region around Huasco. Follow 5 North road between Vallenar and Copiapó. You can also see local flora in Pan de Azúcar National Park on the Pacific coast of the Atacama Desert which lies closer to Antofagasta regions.

The last time Chile saw this unbelievable beauty was between September to November of 2015 and the next flowery spring is expected no sooner than in 5–7 years, sometime between 202​0 and 2022.

Practical info

When do the wildflowers bloom in the Atacama Desert's super bloom?

The Atacama Desert's wildflower super bloom happens every 5 to 7 years, taking place during September to November. The desert comes to life when spring's long-awaited rainfalls resurrect the sleeping life, causing thousands, or even millions, of bright pink wildflowers to cover the area. The next super bloom is expected to happen between 2020 to 2022, making it a great time to witness this natural wonder. Show more

Which areas offer the best spots to see Atacama Desert's wildflowers?

Huasco is the ideal region to see the Atacama Desert's wildflowers. It is located around 5 North road between Vallenar and Copiapó. Pan de Azúcar National Park, closer to the Antofagasta regions on the Pacific coast of the Atacama Desert also offers great spots to see the local flora. Nonetheless, the super bloom can occur anywhere in the desert with the right conditions. Show more

How many flower species are known to bloom naturally in the Atacama Desert?

Over 200 unique flower species are known to bloom in the Atacama Desert, including the pink Pata de Guanaco, red Garra de león, blue Azulillos, and yellow and pink Añañucas. This wide range of flowers, some of which are endemic, makes the blooming season a unique and stunning natural spectacle to witness in the desert's typically barren landscape. Show more

What are the different colors wildflowers bloom in during the Atacama Desert super bloom?

The Atacama Desert's wildflowers blossom in a variety of colors, including bright pink, red, blue, and yellow. Yellow and pink Añañuca, one of the endemic species, is among the many flower colors seen during the super bloom. The flowers cover the desert landscape during this rare occasion, creating a stunning pink carpet that is a beautiful sight to see. The various colored blooms during the super bloom make it an exceptional natural wonder. Show more

When is the next estimated year the Atacama Desert will experience a super bloom of wildflowers?

The next expected super bloom of wildflowers in the Atacama Desert is between 2020 to 2022. Although rare, the desert's blooming season is worth the wait, which can typically take between 5 to 7 years. The sight of millions of bright pink wildflowers covering the desert is a natural wonder and an excellent opportunity to witness the miracle of nature. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin