El Niño transforms Atacama desert as thousands of hectares burst into bloom
Heavy winter rainfall driven by an El Niño cycle has sparked the largest floral bloom in Chile's Atacama Desert in thirty years. The rare event covers seventeen thousand square kilometers of the world's driest desert with a vibrant sea of color. Over two hundred native plant species, including aañañuca and garra de leon, have awakened from dormant seeds and bulbs following record precipitation levels, such as one hundred eighty-three and a half millimeters recorded in Vallenar. Local authorities expect record numbers of tourists to visit the rocky terrain.
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- ✓ Unusually heavy El Niño rains have triggered the largest floral bloom in Chile's Atacama Desert in thirty years.
- ✓ Seventeen thousand square kilometers of the Atacama Desert are covered in flowers.
- ✓ Over two hundred native plant species awoke from years underground due to the El Niño cycle.
What changed
Recent reporting confirmed that the ongoing winter rains have triggered the largest floral bloom in the Atacama Desert in thirty years.
Live updates
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El Niño Rains Trigger Largest Atacama Desert Bloom in Decades
Heavy winter rainfall driven by an El Niño cycle has sparked the largest floral bloom in Chile's Atacama Desert in thirty years. The rare event covers seventeen thousand square kilometers of the world's driest desert with a vibrant sea of color. Over two hundred native plant species, including aañañuca and garra de leon, have awakened from dormant seeds and bulbs following record precipitation levels, such as one hundred eighty-three and a half millimeters recorded in Vallenar. Local authorities expect record numbers of tourists to visit the rocky terrain.
Why it matters
The Atacama Desert is globally recognized as one of the driest terrestrial environments on Earth, making extensive biological activity exceptional. Winter precipitation tied to the El Niño supercycle allows long-dormant underground ecosystems to briefly emerge into visible flora and wildlife. This transformation marks the most expansive floral display in the region since 1997.
What is confirmed
- Unusually heavy El Niño rains have triggered the largest floral bloom in Chile's Atacama Desert in thirty years.
- Seventeen thousand square kilometers of the Atacama Desert are covered in flowers.
- Over two hundred native plant species awoke from years underground due to the El Niño cycle.
Still unconfirmed
- Local authorities anticipate record tourism as visitors arrive to see the wildflowers.
What to watch next
- Monitor official tourism turnout figures for Llanos de Challe National Park and surrounding areas in the Atacama region.
- Observe ecological updates regarding how long the fleeting ecosystem of awakened wildlife and plants persists.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.capeandislands.org — A desert stirs to life: Chile's Atacama erupts in its biggest floral display in decades
- theplainrecord.com — Heavy El Niño Rains Trigger Largest Ata… | The Plain Record
- www.europesays.com — Atacama, World’s Driest Desert Experiences a Historic Bloom ...
- ua.news — Chile’s Atacama Desert sees biggest bloom in 30 years — NPR
- ecoosfera.com — Desierto de Atacama florido: 17 mil km² cubiertos de flores ...
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Atacama Desert bloom continues following El Nino rains
Heavy winter precipitation has triggered a massive flowering event across 17,000 square kilometers of Chile's Atacama Desert. Over 200 native plant species, including aanañuca and garra de leon, have emerged from dormant seeds and bulbs. This bloom is one of the most extensive since 1997, driven by record rainfall in areas such as Vallenar, which recorded 183.5 millimeters. Local authorities anticipate record tourism as visitors arrive to see the fuchsia, white, yellow, and red wildflowers covering the rocky terrain.
Why it matters
The Atacama is typically one of the driest places on Earth. Rare weather patterns like El Nino provide the necessary moisture to activate dormant seeds. This biological event creates a temporary ecosystem that attracts significant national and international attention.
What is confirmed
- Record precipitation of 183.5 millimeters fell in Vallenar.
- Over 200 native plant species are currently blooming across 17,000 square kilometers.
- The current bloom is one of the most extensive witnessed since 1997.
What to watch next
- Official tourism arrival figures for the bloom period
- Reports on the longevity of the flowering event as temperatures rise
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.el.gr — EL - Αρχική
- www.ejemplos.co — ¿Se escribe: "el" o "él"? - Ejemplos de cada uso
- en.wiktionary.org — él - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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El Nino Triggers Historic Wildflower Bloom Across Atacama Desert
An intense El Nino weather pattern has transformed Chile's Atacama Desert into a vast carpet of wildflowers, creating one of the most extensive blooms seen since 1997. Heavy winter rains, including record precipitation in localities like Vallenar where 183.5 millimeters fell, awakened dormant seeds and bulbs across 17,000 square kilometers. More than 200 native plant species, such as aanañuca, garra de leon, pata de guanaco, and flor del jote, now cover the red and rocky ground in fuchsia, white, yellow, and red. Authorities expect tourism figures to reach record levels as visitors travel from across the country to witness the rare phenomenon.
Why it matters
The Atacama Desert typically averages only 2 millimeters of rain annually without the influence of El Nino. Water from the exceptional winter storms awakened vegetation across roughly 23 percent of the Atacama Region. While most species will disappear by November, drought-resistant varieties can persist until January.
What is confirmed
- An intense El Nino pattern triggered heavy winter rains that turned the Atacama Desert into a wildflower bloom covering 17,000 square kilometers.
- The flowering desert event spans more than 200 native species, including aanañuca, garra de leon, pata de guanaco, and flor del jote.
- Localities such as Vallenar recorded up to 183.5 millimeters of precipitation between July and September, compared to a normal annual average of 2 millimeters.
- The Corporacion Nacional Forestal notes this event covers 23 percent of the Atacama Region, making it one of the most intense and extensive episodes since 1997.
Still unconfirmed
- Global impacts of El Nino include floods in Argentina, deadly fires in Peru, and drought in French Guiana, prompting a UN call for speedy action against an unprecedented wrecking ball this year.
What to watch next
- Monitor whether the most drought-resistant plant species persist into January as predicted by authorities.
- Track final tourism figures to see if the region achieves record-breaking visitor numbers.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (10)
- Phys.org — El Niño watch: The impacts around the world this week
- diariolocal.com.br — Deserto do Atacama floresce com El Niño e chuvas | Diário Local
- clickpetroleoegas.com.br — Chuvas ligadas ao El Niño transformam partes do Deserto do ...
- elpais.com — Fenómeno El Niño en EL PAÍS
- www.cronista.com — Heavy rains turn the world’s driest desert into a carpet of ...
- efe.com — El desierto de Atacama, el más árido del mundo, vive una ...
- prensamercosur.org — El Niño desató una floración histórica en el desierto más ...
- www.cooperativa.cl — [Fotos] El desierto florido ostenta un histórico brote ...
- www.elheraldo.co — El desierto más árido del mundo, en Chile, vive una histórica ...
- elcomercio.pe — Atacama | El desierto más árido del mundo, en Chile, vive una ...
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Atacama Desert Blooms in Largest Event in Three Decades
An intense El Nino weather pattern has triggered a massive wildflower bloom across Chile's Atacama Desert, blanketing the driest non-polar desert on Earth in colorful blossoms. Abnormal winter rains caused this rare natural phenomenon, which typically occurs only once or twice every decade. Purple, white, red, and yellow flowers now stretch across more than 17,000 square kilometers, achieving the greatest splendor seen in 30 years. Tourists and scientists are flocking to the region to observe the resilient flora, including species like Nolana and Aphyllanthes monspeliensis, while researchers study how these plants adapt to extreme arid environments and climate change.
Why it matters
This rare event, known as the Desierto Florido, transforms one of the harshest environments on Earth into a floral oasis. The sheer scale of the current 30-year record bloom offers scientists a vital opportunity to study botanical resilience amid shifting global climate patterns. Conservationists must also manage the influx of tourists drawn to the massive natural display across the desert.
What is confirmed
- An intense El Nino weather pattern caused abnormal winter rains that triggered a massive wildflower bloom across the Atacama Desert.
- The Atacama Desert bloom spans more than 17,000 square kilometers, reaching its greatest splendor in 30 years.
- Resilient and rare flowers including Nolana and Aphyllanthes monspeliensis appear during the phenomenon.
What to watch next
- Further scientific studies on how desert flora adapt to extreme arid environments and climate change during this record bloom
- Conservation measures implemented to address new environmental challenges posed by tourist influxes
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- enfoquedigital.cl — Desierto florido en Atacama: floración récord en 30 años
- www.mikegravel.org — What are the rare flowers in the Atacama Desert? - Mike Gravel
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El Nino Rains Transform Atacama Desert Into Vast Wildflower Bloom
An intense El Nino weather pattern has triggered a massive wildflower bloom across Chile's Atacama Desert, blanketing thousands of hectares of the driest non-polar desert on Earth in colorful blossoms. Abnormal winter rains caused the rare natural phenomenon, which typically occurs only once or twice every decade. Purple and white flowers stretch across the ground, with red and yellow blooms appearing in other areas. Scientists and botanists are studying the resilient plant species to understand how desert flora adapt to extreme arid environments and climate change, while conservationists address new environmental challenges.
Why it matters
The Atacama Desert is recognized globally as the driest non-polar desert on Earth. The rare appearance of thousands of hectares of wildflowers offers researchers a unique window to observe how desert flora adapt to extreme arid environments and shifting climate conditions.
What is confirmed
- El Nino rains turned Chile's Atacama, Earth's driest nonpolar desert, into a wildflower carpet of about 17,000 sq km with 200+ plant species in 2026.
- Parts of the Atacama Desert in Chile are covered in wildflowers, featuring purple and white flowers along with red and yellow blooms.
Still unconfirmed
- The flowers started appearing in August after abnormal winter rains.
What to watch next
- Further scientific studies on how desert flora adapt to extreme arid environments and climate change
- Assessments by conservationists regarding the new environmental challenges created by the floral explosion
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.hindustantimes.com — In 2026, rare rains were projected to produce a 17,000-square ...
- travel.yahoo.com — World's Driest Nonpolar Desert is in Bloom Right Now
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El Nino Transforms Atacama Desert With Massive Wildflower Bloom
An intense El Nino weather pattern has triggered a massive wildflower bloom across the Atacama Desert in Chile, blanketing thousands of hectares of the driest non-polar place on Earth in colorful blossoms. Abnormal winter rains caused the rare natural phenomenon, which typically occurs only once or twice every decade. Scientists and botanists are studying the resilient plant species to understand how desert flora adapt to extreme arid environments and climate change, while conservationists address the new environmental challenges created by the sudden floral explosion.
Why it matters
The Atacama Desert usually receives minimal precipitation, making large-scale floral displays exceptionally rare events. Researchers are utilizing the current bloom to gather critical data on plant survival mechanisms under severe climatic stress. This cycle follows historical patterns where ocean-warming events disrupt weather systems globally, bringing unexpected moisture to hyper-arid terrain.
What is confirmed
- Intense rains linked to El Nino have covered the Atacama Desert in flowers.
- The phenomenon has generated a natural spectacle and new conservation challenges.
What to watch next
- Further observations by botanists studying plant species adaptations in the region
- Updates on potential desert superbloom patterns in other regions affected by the same El Nino weather pattern
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- enfoquedigital.cl — Desierto de Atacama florece por lluvias de El Niño
- creators.yahoo.com — A record-breaking El Niño is coming — and it could mean a ...
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El Nino Triggers Massive Wildflower Bloom in Atacama Desert
An intense El Nino event has transformed the Atacama Desert in Chile into a massive wildflower bloom, covering thousands of hectares in colorful blossoms. Researchers indicate that abnormal winter rains driven by El Nino caused the rare natural phenomenon across the driest non-polar place on Earth. The event typically occurs once or twice every decade, but scientists predict this year could bring the most magnificent display since 1997. Botanists are studying plant species in the region to gather insights on how desert flora adapt to extreme arid environments and climate change.
Why it matters
The Atacama Desert spans northern Chile and is recognized as the driest desert on earth due to its perpetual lack of rain. Local plants survive by maintaining dormant seeds, underground bulbs, or specialized drought-shedding mechanisms until sufficient precipitation triggers rapid germination. Three years ago, the government established a national park in the region to protect the unique ecosystem and geological landscape.
What is confirmed
- The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is currently covered with carpets of colorful blossoms following an El Nino event.
- The rare natural phenomenon occurs once or twice every ten years on average.
- The Chilean government named the region a national park three years ago.
- Researchers at the University of La Serena desert ecology laboratory predict this may be the grandest desert bloom since 1997.
- Chilean National Forestry Corporation forecasts the total area of the desert flower sea could reach 17,000 square kilometers.
Still unconfirmed
- Some areas of the desert flower bloom may continue to persist until late November.
What to watch next
- Observations confirming whether the bloom extends into late November as predicted by forestry officials.
- Verification of the final total area covered by flowers against the 17,000 square kilometer forecast.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.thestar.com.my — Earth’s driest desert is covered in wildflowers right now
- theworld.org — Chile sees another floral bloom in ‘flowering desert ...
- www.nabamart.com — A marvel of nature The driest desert in the world transforms ...
- www.20min.ch — El Niño transforme le désert d'Atacama en un tapis floral ...
- www.mikegravel.org — Does it ever rain in the Atacama Desert? - Mike Gravel
- news.cctv.cn — 厄尔尼诺作用下 “世界旱极”再现“沙漠开花”景观_新闻频道_央视网 (cctv...
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El Nino Transforms Atacama Desert Into Massive Bloom
An intensifying El Nino event in the Pacific has transformed thousands of square miles of Chile's Atacama Desert into a massive wildflower bloom. Aerial views near Copiapo captured on September 18, 2026, show carpets of pink, yellow, and white flowers spanning thousands of hectares. Over 200 plant species have emerged in one of the driest places on Earth, drawing tourists and nature enthusiasts to the rare phenomenon. Meanwhile, authorities in Atacama have coordinated damage assessments and financial aid programs for families affected by severe weather fronts, utilizing the basic emergency housing evaluation form.
Why it matters
The Atacama Desert bloom represents a striking manifestation of broader global climate shifts driven by the Pacific weather pattern. While parts of Chile experience this massive flowering event, other regions face severe agricultural threats, including crop failures and water stress across tens of thousands of hectares of farmland. Government officials are concurrently managing disaster response and social support measures for vulnerable populations impacted by the severe weather systems.
What is confirmed
- An aerial view near Copiapo, Chile, showed patches of blooming wildflowers on September 18, 2026.
- A 'Godzilla' El Nino is intensifying in the Pacific.
- Government authorities coordinated a damage assessment process in Atacama following a frontal system, utilizing the Basic Emergency Form.
Still unconfirmed
- Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman estimates that El Nino has caused crop failure across up to 50,000 hectares of rice fields, up from about 30,000.
What to watch next
- The peak and eventual end timeline of the intensifying Pacific El Nino event.
- Further deployment of emergency aid and housing evaluations by the Ministry of Social Development and Family in Atacama.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.euronews.com — When will El Niño peak and end? A full timeline of the weather phenomenon taking the world by storm | Eu....
- article.wn.com — Photos: Wildflowers Bloom in the Atacama Desert - WorldNews
- elnoticierodelhuasco.cl — Confirman bono de hasta $1,5 millones para familias afectadas ...
- www.dailyguardian.com.ph — El Niño threatens 96,000 hectares of Antique farmland
- jawawa.id — 50,000 Hectares of Rice Fields Hit by Crop Failure Amid El ...
- www.euronews.com — French debt | Euronews
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El Niño brings massive bloom to Atacama Desert
A powerful El Niño event has triggered the largest bloom in nearly three decades in Chile's Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. The phenomenon has transformed 6,560 square miles of the desert into a flowering landscape, with over 200 plant and flower species growing in shades of pink, yellow, and white. This rare event has attracted attention from tourists and nature enthusiasts.
Why it matters
The Atacama Desert is known for being one of the harshest environments on the planet, typically receiving only 15mm of annual rainfall. The current bloom is a significant event, especially considering the desert's arid conditions. The Chilean national park service, CONAF, expects 300,000 visitors to enter these fragile habitats.
What is confirmed
- The El Niño phenomenon is bringing the most extensive bloom in nearly three decades to the Atacama Desert in Chile.
- Heavy rains from a powerful El Niño have triggered an extensive floral display across one of the driest places on Earth, awakening millions of dormant seeds.
- The Atacama Desert has been covered in flowers after the El Niño weather pattern brought record rainfall.
- A massive portion of the Atacama Desert has been covered in flowers after the El Niño weather pattern brought record rainfall.
What to watch next
- The peak and end of the El Niño weather phenomenon
- The impact of tourism on the fragile habitats of the Atacama Desert
- The duration of the bloom and its effects on the local ecosystem
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (15)
- www.tellmeinspanish.com — El vs Él: Key Differences in Spanish - Tell Me In Spanish
- www.spanishdict.com — Él | Spanish to English Translation - SpanishDictionary.com
- colombiaone.com — El Niño Triggers Atacama Desert’s Largest Bloom in 30 Years
- www.latimes.com — Earth’s driest desert is covered in wildflowers right now
- www.mundowire.com — Wildflowers bloom in Chile's Atacama Desert - MundoWire
- spanishstep.com — “él” in Spanish: Meaning, Usage, Examples, and Pronunciation
- www.euronews.com — El Niño | Euronews
- en.wikipedia.org — El (deity) - Wikipedia
- elpais.com — EL PAÍS: el periódico global
- www.youtube.com — él vs el in Spanish | HOLA SPANISH - YouTube
- www.spanishdict.com — "El" or "La"? An Introduction to Spanish Articles ...
- uk.news.yahoo.com — When will El Niño peak and end? A full timeline of the weather phenomenon taking the world by storm - Ya....
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Record El Niño rains trigger 6,560 square mile bloom in Atacama Desert
A Super El Niño has transformed 6,560 square miles of Chile's Atacama Desert into a flowering landscape known as Desierto Florido. Record rainfall triggered the growth of over 200 plant and flower species in shades of pink, yellow, and white. CONAF expects 300,000 visitors to enter these fragile habitats. This event occurs in one of the world's harshest environments, which typically receives only 15mm of annual rainfall.
Why it matters
The Atacama is recognized as the driest nonpolar desert on Earth. These rare blossoms typically emerge once every 10 years when exceptional moisture hits the region. The current scale is driven by an exceptionally strong Super El Niño.
What is confirmed
- Record El Niño rains turned 6,560 square miles of Chile's Atacama Desert into wildflower bloom.
- The bloom includes more than 200 species of plants and flowers in pink, yellow, and white.
- The Atacama Desert normally receives 15mm of rainfall per year.
- The phenomenon is known as Desierto Florido.
Still unconfirmed
- CONAF expects 300,000 visitors to the fragile habitats.
- The event was driven specifically by a Super El Niño.
What to watch next
- Environmental impact reports on the 300,000 expected visitors
- Duration of the bloom before the region returns to arid conditions
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- theprimary.com — Chilean desert bloom spans 6,560 square miles after record ...
- www.dailymail.com — Super El Niño turns the Atacama Desert into a sea of flowers
- www.livescience.com — Colorful wildflowers bloom across Chile's Atacama Desert
- scienceglobal.academy — Colorful wildflowers bloom across Chile's Atacama Desert in ...
- www.wral.com — It's spring in the Southern Hemisphere and even Chile ... - WRAL
- www.newser.com — El Nino Brings Change to Earth's Driest Desert - Newser
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El Niño brings rare bloom to Chile's Atacama Desert
Thousands of hectares of wildflowers have bloomed across Chile's Atacama Desert following El Niño rains. The Atacama, one of the driest places on Earth, has been transformed into a sea of colorful flowers. This phenomenon occurs approximately once every 10 years, bringing sudden life to the arid region. The bloom has drawn visitors to this fleeting natural spectacle.
Why it matters
The Atacama Desert is known for its extreme aridity, making such blooms rare and short-lived. El Niño, a complex weather pattern, has brought unusually heavy rainfall to the region. This event has significant implications for the local ecosystem and tourism industry. The blooms provide a unique opportunity for scientists to study the desert's hidden ecosystem.
What is confirmed
- The Atacama Desert has been transformed into a vibrant carpet of wildflowers following El Niño rains.
- The phenomenon occurs approximately once every 10 years.
- Millions of seeds and bulbs from about 200 species, lying dormant underground, have been brought to life by the heavy rains.
- The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth.
- The bloom has drawn visitors to this fleeting natural spectacle.
Still unconfirmed
- A head tank collapse killed a family of five and a grandmother after torrential rainfall.
What to watch next
- Further developments on the impact of El Niño on the Atacama Desert ecosystem
- Reports on the duration and spread of the wildflower bloom
- Assessment of the economic impact on local tourism
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (13)
- flipboard.com — Head tank collapse kills family of 5, grandmother after torrential rainfall
- flipboard.com — El Niño transforms Atacama desert as thousands of hectares burst into bloom
- www.dailykos.com — Overnight Science News from deep beneath our feet to light years beyond our heads - Daily Kos
- gulfnews.com — Rare Desert Bloom Turns Chile’s Atacama into Vibrant Carpet ...
- www.euronews.com — desert - euronews
- bengalinsight.com — Chile's Atacama Desert gets a floral makeover as El Niño ...
- www.euronews.com — Chile - euronews
- article.wn.com — Rare Desert Bloom Turns Chile’s Atacama into Vibrant Carpet ...
- www.yahoo.com — Rare Rain Transforms One of the World's Driest Deserts Into a ...
- www.turkiyetoday.com — Flowers carpet Chile's Atacama Desert after El Nino rains
- www.euronews.com — Fat Bear Week returns as Alaska's biggest bears compete for the crown
- eu-space.europa.eu — Desert bloom transforms Chile’s Atacama Region | EU Space ...
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El Niño Rains Trigger Massive Bloom in Atacama Desert
Thousands of hectares of wildflowers have bloomed across Chile's Atacama Desert following rains caused by El Niño. This rare event has transformed the arid region into a sea of colorful flowers. The phenomenon occurs approximately once every 10 years, bringing sudden life to one of the driest places on Earth. Current reports confirm the desert is experiencing a widespread floral burst, altering its typical landscape into a vivid display of biodiversity.
Why it matters
The Atacama Desert is known for its extreme aridity. Rare precipitation events, often linked to El Niño weather patterns, trigger the germination of dormant seeds. This cyclical process creates a temporary ecosystem known as the blooming desert.
What is confirmed
- Thousands of hectares in the Atacama Desert have burst into bloom.
- El Niño rains caused the Atacama Desert to blossom.
- The flowering occurs in Chile's Atacama Desert.
Still unconfirmed
- The blooming phenomenon happens once every 10 years.
What to watch next
- Duration of the bloom period
- Impact of current rainfall on local wildlife populations
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- Euronews.com — El Niño transforms Atacama desert as thousands of hectares burst into bloom
- The Atlantic — Photos: Wildflowers Bloom in the Atacama Desert
- Phys.org — Chile's Atacama Desert blossoms with life after El Niño rains
- The Times of India — Atacama, the 'blooming desert', gets painted in a sea of colourful flowers following the rare phenomenon that happens once every 10 years
- Inbox.eu — El Niño transforms Chile's Atacama Desert as thousands of hectares bloom
- Orange County Register — Travel: Chile’s Atacama Desert is an otherworldy destination
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