Flowering Desert Special - Chile

The flowering desert is happening AGAIN this year!!!

The trip in 2022 was unforgettable. View 2022 trip report  View2025 trip report

We are one of the few botanical holiday companies that can run this unique tour. Chris counts himself fortunate to have seen this wonderful display five times before and for the last two occasions her has been accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable professional botanist Nicolas Lavandero, who will be leading this year's tour for us.

A 12-day tour with Nicolas Lavandero

Day 1.    Arrive Santiago (28 September)

After arriving in Santiago in the morning we will drive north. Although we have to travel there will be the chance to stop for a large colony of the wonderful orchid Bipinnula fimbriata. Drifts of Leucocoryne coquimbensis and Schizanthus splendens fill fields as we near our destination. Overnight Ovalle 

Please note flights need to arrive by mid-morning on 28 September.

Day 2.    Combarbarla & Huentelauqen (29 September)

Inland we find the sumptuous purple-pink of Phycella amoena, Leucocoryne violascens and coastal areas with drifts of Schizanthus carlomunzonii, Solanum trinominum and other early spring colour. Overnight Ovalle

Day 3.    Tongoy (30 September)

Between Ovalle and Tongoy we will stop for various populations of Leucocoryne coquimbensis in different colour forms as well as lovely L. purpurea, delicate Trichopetalum plumosum and sprawling masses of Loasa tricolor. Overnight La Serena

Day 4.    Chungungo (1 October)

A long day but one with lots to see, beginning with dense tangles of Tropaeolum tricolor smothered in fiery flowers, the amazing turquoise flowers of Puya bertroniana, Alstroemeria pulchra and floriferous mounds of Calceolaria collina. In the afternoon we need to push on to the Atacama coastline to overnight in Caldera.

Day 5.    Around Caldera (2 October)

Hidden valleys have an amazing display of Alstroemeria violacea, abundant Argylia radiata, orangey Helichrysum linariifolium and the white trumpets of Nolana acuminata, whilst other little side turns reveal dainty Alstroemeria graminea. Big leaved Nicotiana solanifolia comes as a lush surprise in the desert. Overnight Taltal

Day 6.    Paposo (3 October)

Hopefully the rains have been kind and this more northerly outpost of the flowering desert will have a vibrant display. If not there are still remarkable cacti popualations including Copaipoa cinerea subsp. columno-alba and magnificent sweeping coastlines patrolled by sea lions and pelicans. Overnight Taltal

Day 7.    Pan de Azucar (4 October)

Beginning our return south we will spend the day at the scenic Pan de Azucar with fragrant Helichrysum pycnophyllum, drifts of pretty Leucocoryne appendiculata and more amazing cacti. Depending on the season (it's different very time) there may be the first big drifts of Cistanthe longiscapa painting the spectacular coastal landscape. Overnight Caldera

Day 8.    To Vallenar (5 October)

A relatively short distance but one packed with flowers including vast drifts of Nolana baccata, sky-blue Zephyra elegans and gullies packed with gorgeous Alstroemeria philippi, Balbisia peduncularis and Mirabilis elegans, Overnight Vallenar

Day 9.    Llanos de Challe (6 October)

A full day in these amazing flowery plains with Myostemma bagnoldii, Cistanthe longiscapa and with luck the first stunning globes of Bomarea ovallei, the Garra de Leon or lion's paw. Rocky slopes are filled with snow white Schizanthus candidus. Overnight Vallenar.

Day 10.    To La Serena (7 October)

Cutting across country we discovery a hidden world strung with the lovely vines of Tropaeolum kingii and blue T. azureum, impressive polyploid forms of Leucocoryne narcissoides and finish with some dazzling desert gardens before pushing on south. Overnight La Serena

Day 11.    To Santiago via Los Molles (8 October)

There will be stops as we progress along the coast including a charming little nature reserve offers a window into the coastal flora with stands of endemic Puya venusta, rocks peppered with little barrels of Eriosyce chilensis with rich pink flowers and close to the waves, the waxen beauty of Alstroemeria peregrina will hopefully have begun flowering. Overnight Santiago Airport.

Day 12.    Flights (9 October)

Return flights.