San Pedro de Atacama, Desert oasis town in Antofagasta Region, Chile
San Pedro de Atacama is a settlement in northern Chile built from clay bricks and surrounded by dry highland terrain. The streets are unpaved and low buildings line the few main routes through this arid environment.
The region was home to the Atacameño people for centuries before coming under Chilean control during the war of 1879 to 1884. The shift in ownership altered border patterns across the South American highlands.
The R.P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum exhibits a collection of ancient artifacts, ceramics, and tools from pre-Columbian desert cultures.
Travelers arrive through a connection from the airport in Calama, which lies around ninety minutes away. The climate is dry and the altitude can require adjustment, so a slow start after arrival helps.
Observatories in the area use the low humidity and nearly constant clear weather for research. The region ranks as one of the best locations worldwide for watching stars because artificial light is absent.
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