This trip was nearly a trip to Iceland. I was craving nature, but nature of an unusual kind. Geysers, strange rock formations, reflective lagoons, snow-capped volcanoes. You can see where Chile's Atacama Desert might have some commonalities.

The Atacama Desert is high up in the Andes Mountains of Northern Chile. Part of my plan was also to go to see Salar de Uyuni in nearby Bolivia, just a quick ride over the cordillera. This would turn into what should be on record as the shortest trip to Bolivia in history.

Come along, then, as we explore the sand dunes, geysers, lagoons, salt canyons, ancient cactus forests, petroglyphs, and mountains of Northern Chile. And spend a weekend exploring the abandoned mines of Humberstone near Iquique. Near there, you'll visit the driest location on Earth. You'll get some sand in your shoes and shiver in the cold air-depleted high altitudes of the Andes, but you'll have fun.

Follow the llamas.