Introduction
The driest places on Earth are regions where rainfall is extremely rare, and living conditions are so harsh that survival requires special skills and adaptation. Yet these areas attract travelers with their unique beauty, unusual landscapes, and the feeling of being on another planet.

Atacama Desert, Chile — the absolute record holder
The Atacama is considered the driest place on Earth. Some areas have not seen rain for over 400 years. The average annual rainfall is less than 1 mm. Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, it has a unique climate barrier. Despite its harshness, the Atacama is famous for its salt lakes, geysers, and the rare blooming desert phenomenon. Access is via Antofagasta or San Pedro de Atacama. The best time to visit is from April to November.

Death Valley, USA — the hottest and driest in North America
Death Valley in California is known as one of the hottest places on the planet. In 1913, a temperature of +56.7°C was recorded here. Rainfall is less than 50 mm per year. Its landscapes include salt flats, sand dunes, and mountain ranges. Visitors come for the unique views and solitude. It is accessible by car from Las Vegas or Los Angeles. The best time to visit is November to March.

Lut Desert, Iran — record surface temperature
The Lut Desert holds the record for the highest ground surface temperature ever recorded — 70.7°C in 2005. Rain is almost nonexistent, and the landscape consists of sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and wind-sculpted formations. Tours depart from Kerman, and the best seasons are autumn and spring.

Sahara, Africa — the largest hot desert
The Sahara covers over 9000000 sq km and spans 11 countries. Rain is extremely rare, and summer temperatures can exceed +50°C. Despite its harshness, it attracts travelers with camel caravans, oases, and ancient cities like Timbuktu. Access is possible via Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, or Algeria.

Namib, Namibia — the oldest desert
The Namib is one of the oldest deserts in the world, estimated at 55 million years old. Rainfall is less than 10 mm per year. Its landscapes feature giant red dunes, especially stunning at sunrise. Access is from Namibia’s capital, Windhoek.

Travel tips
In arid regions, it is essential to carry enough water, wear a hat, and use sunscreen. Check weather forecasts and access conditions before traveling — some areas may be closed due to extreme heat. Budgets vary: in Chile and the USA from 70 USD per day, in Iran and Namibia from 40 USD.

Why visit
The driest places on Earth offer unique landscapes, a sense of nature’s scale, and a personal challenge. Here you can take photos that look like scenes from another planet and gain experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.