The desert is a difficult place in which to live. Yet, 13 percent of the world's people live in desert habitats. Spectacular photography highlights this series about the world's major desert systems. Each title focuses on one desert, describing its topography, climate, plant and animal life, unique geographical features, human cultures, and the problems facing the region. The Atacama Desert The Valle de la Luna, or Valley of the Moon, in the Atacama Desert in Chile is considered to be one of the driest places on Earth. Some areas have not received rain for hundreds of years. Its large craters, miles of desolate sand and rocky surfaces, strangely carved rocks, and volcanic peaks make it comparable to the Moon's surface. In fact, the Atacama's soil is so similar to soil samples from Mars that NASA goes to this desert to test its exploration instruments. Marked by geoglyphs, enormous designs scraped into the ground by the ancient Atacameño people, this strange and wondrous place faces many challenges today, mainly from desertification and mining practices. Book jacket.

A picture is worth a thousand words, but never reproduces the true feeling of being physically in the place that is being portrayed. The photograph does not bring with it the scent of the earth, the wind, the sunshine and the heat of it on our skin. However he is able to show us in a smaller proportion what it would be to be in that place.The Atacama Desert is among the most fabulous tourist places in the world. As a photographer, I consider it the most beautiful place I have visited, especially the altiplanic lagoons and the Puna. Nature has never been so intense and challenging in its extremes. Dry, high, colorful, silent and mysterious is the Atacama Desert. Simply amazing! I invite you to look through this book and get to know some of this fantastic desert.In a second part of the book, you will have access to a tour guide regarding your trip to the Atacama Desert: -How many days do you need to visit the Atacama desert?-How to travel to San Pedro de Atacama? -Going to San Pedro de Atacama by car.-When is the best time of year to travel to Atacama?-Money and Exchange in San Pedro de Atacama-Where can I find an ATM?-Shopping in San Pedro de Atacama-What to take for the trip to the Atacama desert?-Option for the Atacama Desert itinerary? Good reading!