Deserts aren’t just dry, empty spaces—they’re some of the most surreal, jaw-dropping places on the planet. From rolling sand dunes to cracked salt flats and otherworldly rock formations, desert landscapes can feel like you’ve landed on another planet. If you’re craving something dramatic, vast, and wildly beautiful, here are the top 3 desert destinations that will seriously blow your mind.
Atacama
Chile’s Atacama Desert is the driest place on Earth outside of Antarctica—and one of the most bizarrely beautiful. Think red Mars-like valleys, geysers that shoot steam into the sky, and salt flats that reflect the sun like mirrors.
Want to feel like you’re walking on another planet? The Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) makes that dream real. And if you’re into stargazing, this is the place. With zero light pollution and crystal-clear skies, the Atacama has some of the best night skies on Earth.
From bubbling hot springs to flamingo-filled lagoons, the Atacama is full of surprises. It’s remote, quiet, and absolutely wild.
Sahara
The Sahara Desert isn’t just the biggest hot desert in the world—it’s a masterpiece of nature. Stretching across North Africa, this endless sea of sand dunes, known as ergs, will leave you speechless.
One of the most iconic places to explore the Sahara is from Merzouga, Morocco. Here, you can ride a camel into the dunes, sleep under the stars in a Berber tent, and watch the sunrise over golden waves of sand.
The sheer scale of the Sahara is humbling. It’s peaceful, powerful, and perfect for anyone wanting to disconnect and experience silence on a whole new level.
Wadi Rum
Also known as the Valley of the Moon, Jordan’s Wadi Rum is a cinematic landscape of sandstone mountains, deep canyons, and rusty red sand that looks straight out of a sci-fi film. In fact, it’s been used as the backdrop for movies like The Martian and Dune.
What makes Wadi Rum special is its raw, rugged beauty. You can look into by 4×4, hike to ancient petroglyphs, or camp with Bedouins who’ve lived in the region for generations. Sunsets here light up the rocks in shades of orange, pink, and purple—it’s absolutely unreal.
And when night falls? Get ready for a sky full of stars in total silence.
| Desert | Country | Best Experience | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atacama | Chile | Stargazing & salt flats | Otherworldly, dry, surreal |
| Sahara | Morocco | Camel rides & dune camping | Massive, quiet, golden |
| Wadi Rum | Jordan | Jeep tours & Bedouin camps | Cinematic, rugged, Mars-like |
These desert landscapes aren’t just scenic—they’re experiences. They awaken your senses, challenge your perspective, and remind you how wild and wonderful our planet can be. Whether you’re chasing silence, stars, or sand dunes, these places are next-level epic.
FAQs
Is Atacama the driest desert?
Yes, it’s the driest non-polar desert on Earth.
Can you camp in the Sahara?
Yes, desert camps near Merzouga are popular.
Is Wadi Rum safe to visit?
Yes, it’s safe and popular for adventure tourism.
What’s special about Wadi Rum?
Its Mars-like landscape and Bedouin culture.
Can you stargaze in Atacama?
Absolutely—it’s one of the best places for it.
