Alto Andino Nature Tours in the Atacama Desert

Flora Sampler: 3,000 masl, east of Arica
A little-known phenomenon here at 18 deg S latitude is the flowering desert that follows the Bolivian winter, which is actually the austral summer.  Confused?  Yes, although this is the southern hemisphere we have the rainy winter in February, then comes our spring (or is it fall?) in March, April and May with wonderful desert wildflowers popping up all over.  Photos taken in March and April after the rainy season just east of the Atacama Desert, between 3,000-3,200m.  Putre is nestled at the base of cerro Taapaca, in the background of the photo at the right.