The secret gems of Atacama

Before heading back to Argentina, we planned a round trip. We started in San Pedro de Atacama, a very touristy place. But we were only staying briefly to get some water – a true luxury in the desert, since large amounts are needed for mining. Our first destination was the green valley with the Pukará de Lasana ruins – a hidden gem, just our kind of place. By chance, a traditional parade took place in the neighbouring village, which we were lucky to witness. After that, we continued on to the coast and camp on dreamlike beaches.

 Our next adventure brought us back to the desert. Along narrow and partly challenging paths, we carefully navigated our Axor. In the evening we were richly rewarded: a spectacular sunset followed by a crystal-clear starry sky. As the crowning moment, we even spotted a comet! The next day, we set out on a hike at sunrise. The trail, with its several hundred meters of elevation gain, is demanding – but the destination is worth it: Rock paintings depicting life by the sea and inland – a fascinating testament to the past.

We spent the remaining days relaxing along the coast. Thanks to cruise control and air conditioning in our Axor, we thoroughly enjoy the ride. Eventually, we reached a vast dune field where we stayed for a few days and enjoyed the silence, before heading back toward the Andes.

Andrea and Mike Kammermann have been on the road in their Expedition Axor since June 2020. From the northernmost point of Norway to the Canary Islands, the Swiss couple has visited large parts of Europe and even made a detour to Tunisia. Distance covered on the road: 83,000 kilometres!

Especially due to pandemic-related restrictions, further destinations were unreachable — until now: From now on, Andrea and Mike will be discovering South America. Stay tuned to see what happens next! The current tour is the second one that the Swiss couple has embarked on in their Axor. In 2018 and 2019, they travelled to more than 20 countries and covered a good 47,000 kilometres.