For those who venture into the desolate region of Atacama in Chile, the promise of transformation and discovery awaits. In this barren landscape, where towering mountains and sweeping deserts stretch as far as the naked eye can see, it’s possible to fully disconnect from the happenings of everyday life and experience a profound connection to nature in its rawest form. 

The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, with some areas receiving no rainfall for decades at a time. With a terrain that appears inhabitable and void of life at first glance, Atacama challenges our perception of what’s possible on our planet, creating a sense of outer space on Earth and transporting us worlds away. This same site will welcome our upcoming home, Habitas Atacama, set to open in Summer 2023.

While remote, the Atacama’s otherworldly landscape has been far from ignored by the international eye. For decades, it has been a hot spot for scientists who have taken advantage of the lunar-like environment. Here, the red rock formations and salt flats are reminiscent of the Martian landscape, offering the ideal location to study the Red Planet’s geology and test equipment, such as rovers, for upcoming missions.  

However, Atacama’s landscape isn’t the only thing drawing in the global scientific community. In addition to its Mars-like terrain, the region’s unique combination of high altitude, dry climate, and lack of light pollution makes it one of the world’s best locations for exploring our complex universe. Global organizations have set up advanced and powerful observatories, such as ALMA, CTIO, and ESO, responsible for some of the most groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy.

The factors that have attracted scientists studying the surreal landscapes and star-studded night skies are the same as those that have made it an increasingly popular destination for tourists and adventurers seeking an out-of-this-world experience. 

In recent years, and even more rapidly in a post-COVID world, the Atacama has transformed into a leading sustainable tourism destination through the implementation of environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices that protect the integrity of local communities. Intrepid travelers and nature enthusiasts are coming from around the world to explore the region’s nature, history, and culture.

The Atacama’s rise represents a shift in the group consciousness of travelers who aspire to breathe cleaner air, live authentic adventures, and focus on well-being. Far from quick consumerism and mindless wandering, this part of northern Chile offers peace in the desert’s stillness and clarity that arises from life’s simplicity—a connection that Habitas seeks across our global homes.

This Summer, our upcoming opening in the Atacama Desert is another opportunity to welcome our community to magnificent corners of the world, with the take-over property representing our first home in South America. Where the spirit of Habitas goes, comes a greater possibility to inspire change and strengthen a type of hospitality committed to creativity, sustainability, and community. 

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