The driest place on earth

As the UK’s miserably moderate winter effects its usual miraculous transformation into a reliably average cold and wet Spring, isn’t it time to look for something extreme? South America’s Atacama Desert’s annual rainfall averages less than 1mm, so you can leave sandbags and wellies at home for this overland journey through one of the world’s most spectacular, dramatic and dry landscapes!

Dragoman Overland’s 16-night Andes & Atacama adventure from Santiago to La Paz, across the coastal Atacama Desert, through the Altiplano and scaling the high plateau of the Andes, next departs Santiago 14th July 2008.

From the modern European streets of Santiago follow the Pan Americana Highway, via artist Mario Irarrázabal’s extraordinary 'Hand in the Desert', into the Atacama Desert. Camp at an oasis or go wild in the bush. Whichever it is, stunning 360-degree desert sunsets are on offer from any Atacaman hilltop.

Travel the length of the Atacama, 100 times more arid than California's Death Valley, made up of salt basins (salares), sand and lava flows. Visit the tiny colonial village of San Pedro de Atacama, with its pretty 16th century adobe buildings. Later, cross into Bolivia, travelling through remote mountains to the Altiplano beyond.

Watch flocks of pink flamingos and herds of grazing Alpaca on the shores of colourful Laguna Colorado and Laguna Verde in the High Altiplano. Finally, descend towards to La Paz and discover the witchcraft markets of Bolivia’s capital, perhaps rustle up a suitable climatic incantation in time for your return home.

The overland costs from £430 p/p plus kitty of USD$300 (£150 approx) including travel aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes Benz truck, wildcamp and hostel/hotel accommodation (55%/45%) all camp meals, many activities, entry fees and the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew and a local guide. Flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more information, visit Dragoman.com.