Altiplano
Space: Atacama takes place in the high Atacama Desert, an area that forms part of the South American Altiplano, or high Andean plateau, which includes northern Chile, Bolivia and southern Peru.
The geography, geology and topology of this remote region is unique and extraordinary. The average height of the Altiplano is about 12,000 feet. And yet this area was once covered by vast lakes. Long since dried up, this has given rise to its many large salt pans – vast flat areas of earth that extend for many miles. These spaces glisten white with many layers of crusted salt crystals. It is the driest desert in the world, with many parts having no recorded historical rainfall. And yet amid this extremely dry and hostile environment, pockets of vegetation and life thrive, fed by microclimates, underground streams and snowmelt from the surrounding mountains and volcanoes of the Andes mountains.
The thin, crystal-clear air of this remote high-altitude environment seems to compress space visually. At times it’s as if you could reach up and touch distant mountains with your hands. Atmospheric perspective, which in most places of the world causes distant objects to appear to fade to grey, is virtually nonexistent here. Colors are rich and ever present.
Otherworldly rock formations are constant reminders of history and time. The towering boulders and cliffs, with smoothly sculpted surfaces, shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity, hot desert winds and ancient seas, at times seem to come to life. The imagery of this mysterious landscape stays with you long after you’ve left.
Space Atacama Chile is an opportunity to experience this fascinating landscape up close and intimate, with a group of fellow travelers – and at times, alone in silence – with an eye towards understanding and expressing that encounter creatively and artistically.
