Armchair Traveler: Atacama Desert (Chile)

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Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. arid / ˈær ɪd / (adj.) – very dry or having very little rain or water
    Example:

    You can rarely see plants in arid deserts.


  2. vent / vɛnt / (n.) – an opening at the Earth’s surface that emits steam, gas, or lava
    Example:

    If you ever visit a place with a vent, be sure to look at it from a safe distance because it’s really hot.


  3. be loaded with (something) / bi ˈloʊ dɪd wɪθ / (idiom) – having a huge amount of something
    Example:

    Most fast food meals are loaded with salt, sugar, and oil.


  4. stargazer / ˈstɑrˌgeɪ zər / (n.) – a person who looks at or observes the stars
    Example:

    Stargazers will surely have a great view of the meteor shower tonight. According to the weather forecast, we’re going to have clear skies.


  5. pitch / pɪtʃ / (v.) – to set up a tent or camp
    Example:

    We pitched our tent near the river.


Article

Read the text below.

Chile’s Atacama Desert is the world’s driest desert. It has been arid for 150 million years, and some parts are thought to be like Mars. NASA even tests equipment here for future missions to the Red Planet.


But don’t get the idea that there’s nothing to see. Not all of the desert is Mars-like. Once you start looking, you’ll see there are attractions everywhere.


Start at the town of San Pedro de Atacama, your gateway to the main sights. Rent a car and drive about 80 km north to El Tatio. This is a massive field of geysers, the third largest in the world. With the Andes mountains in the distance, explore dozens of vents, fountains and mud pools. Be careful though: Some of the geysers can suddenly send hot water into the air! For a safe and comforting experience, dip your toes into a hot spring.


Between El Tatio’s geysers and San Pedro, stop in at the Puritama Hot Springs. It’s a small set of hot springs that seem out of place in such a dry desert.


Southwest of San Pedro is the Salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile. Here you’ll find the large salt lake Laguna Chaxa, a favorite gathering place for flamingos and other birds.


A bit further west, the Lagunas Escondidas, or Hidden Lagoons, are popular swimming spots. The water is loaded with salt, making floating effortless.


Finally, stargazers will love the night sky in the Atacama Desert. Far from any city’s bright lights, you can easily see the Milky Way. Pitch a tent and wait for the stars to march across the heavens. It’s an inspiring sight. (T)


This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Some parts of the Atacama Desert are thought to be like Mars, and NASA even tests equipment there for future missions to the said planet. Do you think it’s good to continue allotting millions of dollars for Mars exploration despite it being a desert-like place? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Despite being the driest place on Earth, the Atacama Desert still has a lot of tourist spots. Why do you think people like to visit a place like this (ex. it’s a different experience, it’s on their bucket list)? Would you also like to experience a tour of the Atacama Desert? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • The Puritama Hot Springs is a set of hot springs that seem to be out of place in such a dry desert. Where are hot springs in your country usually located? Do you think you would enjoy bathing at the Puritama Hot Springs? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • We can easily see the Milky Way at night in the Atacama Desert since it’s far from any city. Have you ever tried stargazing? Would you also like to pitch a tent and do stargazing in the desert? Why or why not? Discuss.