The driest non-polar desert on Earth stretches along Chile's northern coast. Its barren moonscape, copper mines, and salt flats are visible on South American Pacific coast routes.
Routes that pass it41
Tip: Visibility depends on cloud cover, time of day, and how close the flight path comes. Sit on the listed side for the best chance of a view. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see Atacama Desert from a plane?
Yes — 41 flight routes pass within 200 km of Atacama Desert. The closest routes include Cordoba to Lima, Calama to Santiago, Santiago to Calama. Sit on the Both side, with the landmark passing about 2 km away.
Which side of the plane is best for viewing Atacama Desert?
The best side varies by route. For the most common routes near Atacama Desert: on a Cordoba to Lima flight, sit on the Both side; on a Calama to Santiago flight, sit on the Both side; on a Santiago to Calama flight, sit on the Both side.