Among the snow-capped peaks of the Altiplano and the roads leading to active volcanoes, salt flats, and high-altitude lagoons, the Atacama region is seeking to establish itself as an internationally recognized mountain destination. As the Southern Hemisphere summer approaches, representatives from both public and private sectors gathered in Santiago to officially present the “Cordillera Atacama” initiative, designed to highlight the tourism potential of the Chilean Andean territory.
A Territory Organizing for Development
The Integrated Territorial Program (PTI) Mountain Tourism Ojos del Salado, in collaboration with Sernatur, the Atacama Productive Development Committee, and Corproa, coordinated this presentation to position the Cordillera of Atacama as a sustainable and competitive destination.
The program’s progress and the region’s assets were detailed. This area is home to some of Chile’s most unique landscapes: the “Six-Thousand Route,” with more than 18 peaks above 6,000 meters; the Maricunga and Pedernales salt flats; and a series of parks and reserves protecting unique Andean ecosystems in the heart of the world’s driest desert.
A Strategy to Strengthen the Destination
“The presentation of the Cordillera Atacama destination is part of the PTI Mountain Tourism work plan, which aims to enhance our mountains and the uniqueness of their landscapes. We thus contribute to increasing the territory’s visibility, strengthening the region’s presence, and attracting more visitors through effective coordination between local providers and promotion channels,” said Rosa Román, regional director of Corfo Atacama.
Her words reflect the spirit of an initiative that, since 2022, encourages the diversification of tourism offerings in northern Chile. Led by Corfo — Chile’s national agency for productive development — the program focuses on mountaineering, astrotourism, and high-altitude expeditions, while offering training for local operators and developing sustainable circuits that combine nature, heritage, and economic benefits.
Collaborative Management Built Over Time
The development of the Cordillera Atacama destination relies on close cooperation between public institutions and private actors. This model has aligned promotion, sustainability, and training strategies, ensuring that tourism growth also generates opportunities for local communities. More than an administrative framework, it represents a collective way of working that strengthens the destination’s identity and long-term vision.
From the heights where Chilean mountain tourism began, the Cordillera of Atacama continues to write its story. The initiative represents less an endpoint than a starting point: a shared project aimed at transforming the region’s potential into an authentic travel experience, carrying the Andean identity that is its strength.
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Photos: Visit Chile | Turismo de Montaña Ojos del Salado
