Machuca

Machuca is a vast, rural community in a region of many impressive natural sights. Its proximity to some of Chile’s most spectacular sites draws scores of vacationers. See the village itself, where farming llamas is the main activity. The town has a small church and about 20 houses.

Visit the Machuca Church and enjoy its simple design with a white façade, blue-green portals and straw roof.

Clear weather and a lack of light pollution provide excellent viewing opportunities of the night sky. Gaze up at the Milky Way and identify the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere. The tranquility in this quaint commune contrasts with the skyscrapers and traffic of city life. Local residents rely on solar power for energy.

As you venture through this dry land, spot llamas, alpacas, ducks, Andean gulls and flamingos. Try the local cuisine, such as empanadas and llama or alpaca meat.

Travel to the El Tatio Geyser Field, which is just north of Machuca. Arrive in the morning to see steam rising above the oozing pits breaking the surface and generating a post-apocalyptic atmosphere. Bathe in one of the milder natural springs.

Machuca is 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) above sea level, so you may have difficulty breathing at times. Come prepared: Bring medicine for altitude sickness and drink plenty of water. January and February are the hottest months, although the area stays pleasant with blue skies year-round and very little rain.

The borders with Argentina and Bolivia are very close to this rural town in northeastern Chile. Fly from the country’s capital, Santiago de Chile, to the small airport of Calama, which is a 90-mile (145-kilometer) drive west from Machuca. The area is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north along a main highway from San Pedro de Atacama. The journey should take a little less than 2 hours by car.

Leave the noise of the city behind as you venture through the arid mountains of Machuca.