Tourism trends for 2026 highlight the Atacama Desert as a key destination, uniting personalization, sustainability, safety and nature.
Personalized experiences, sustainable tourism, safety and a deep connection with nature stand out among the main tourism trends for 2026. In this context, the Atacama Desert, in northern Chile, consolidates itself as one of the destinations most aligned with the expectations of contemporary travelers, combining unique landscapes, a world-renowned sky for stargazing and a strong Andean cultural identity.
As the sector evolves, traveling in 2026 is less about picking a standard route and more about choosing how to live the experience. Responding to this shift, the specialist operator Horizonte Turismo designs its services around personalization, sustainability and safety, three pillars that increasingly guide the choice of destinations and travel providers.
Personalized trips become the norm
One of the key tourism trends for 2026 is the demand for tailor-made trips, with itineraries that respect each traveler’s pace, interests and style. Interest is rising in private tours, flexible schedules and deeper cultural and sensory experiences that turn the journey into a more meaningful life moment.
Horizonte Turismo has worked with this approach for years in the Atacama Desert, offering regular and private tours with flexible itineraries, personalized assistance and continuous support throughout the stay. Each program is adapted to the traveler’s profile, from first-time visitors to experienced nature and altitude travelers.
Sustainable tourism guides decisions
Sustainable tourism is poised to be a decisive factor in 2026, especially in environmentally sensitive regions such as Atacama. Travelers are increasingly prioritizing companies that follow solid environmental, social and operational practices and that help protect local ecosystems and communities.
In this scenario, Horizonte Turismo holds Chile’s official Q (Tourism Quality) and S (Sustainability) seals, granted by Sernatur, the national tourism authority. These certifications recognize companies that operate with high safety standards, quality service and environmental responsibility, ensuring a more conscious and secure experience for visitors.
Nature and starry skies draw travelers
The Atacama Desert remains one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers who want direct contact with nature. In 2026, interest grows in experiences linked to astronomy, salt flats, high-altitude lagoons, geothermal fields and natural trails in a landscape shaped by silence, extreme dryness and strong temperature variation.
Horizonte Turismo operates complete itineraries to many of the region’s main attractions, including Valle de la Luna, Laguna Cejar, Gêiseres del Tatio, Termas de Puritama, Valle del Arcoíris, Piedras Rojas, Lagunas Altiplânicas, Ruta de los Salares and Astronomical Tour. All tours are led by experienced guides and use equipment and logistics adapted to desert conditions, with specific safety protocols for different traveler profiles.
Safety and comfort as key factors
In the post-pandemic context, a clear pattern has emerged: traveling with safety is just as important as the destination itself. For 2026, travelers pay even closer attention to appropriate transport, trained teams, constant support, clear information on altitude and climate, and efficient logistics between tours.
In Atacama, Horizonte Turismo works with its own fleet, certified guides, bilingual staff and full support from trip planning to the return home. The structure aims to ensure comfortable journeys, guidance on altitude-related care and support in case of unforeseen circumstances, elements that weigh heavily in decision-making.
Slow travel and meaningful experiences
Another strong trend for 2026 is slow travel, a concept that values longer, unhurried trips, with greater connection to the destination, local culture and natural environment. Rather than ticking boxes, travelers seek time to slow down, observe and truly experience each place.
The Atacama Desert is naturally aligned with this movement, thanks to its contemplative landscapes and intense silence. Horizonte Turismo designs itineraries that prioritize time for contemplation, strategic stops and immersive encounters — especially on private tours, aimed at those seeking a more transformative journey in tune with the tourism trends of 2026.
With these trends consolidating, the Atacama Desert strengthens its position as one of the most complete destinations in South America for 2026. At the same time, Horizonte Turismo stands out as an operator aligned with new market demands, offering experiences that combine personalization, sustainability, safety and a genuine connection with nature and Andean culture.
