It defies all logic that one of Earth’s most barren and monotone corners could morph into prismatic fields of flowers.
Yet that’s exactly what happens in Chile’s Atacama Desert when rare winter rains awaken the dormant seeds of endemic perennials. Suddenly, the world’s driest (non-polar) desert transforms into a vibrant palette of pinks, periwinkles, ambers, and golds – almost like a Monet painting come to life.
The Phenomenon of Desierto Florido
This sporadic phenomenon is known as the desierto florido (or flowering desert), and it occurs in the austral spring (mid-September to mid-November). Vast carpets of color change gradient by the day as some of the more than 200 species of flowers wither away and others with longer germination periods bloom anew.
This “flowering desert” used to be a rare event, occurring, on average, every five to ten years. However, due to climate change, rains along the Atacama’s southern fringe are increasingly common, making it possible to see at least some flowers in the Llanos and Chañarcillo sectors almost every year.
A New National Park for Conservation
Chilean President Gabriel Boric announced in October that a new national park, Parque Nacional Desierto Florido, will be established to protect the ephemeral biodiversity of this otherwise desiccated landscape. The 141,000-acre reserve will be one of just six in the northern half of Chile, whose 44 national parks generally lie in more remote areas.
Parque Nacional Desierto Florido is expected to open later this year, located about 20 miles south of Copiapó, a city known as a gateway to other natural wonders such as Parque Nacional Nevado Tres Cruces and Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest volcano.
The Importance of Protection
Details regarding the park’s specific offerings remain scarce; however, it is hoped that it will attract more year-round visitors to the lesser-known attractions of the southern Atacama, which is about 500 miles south of the more frequently visited San Pedro de Atacama. Consequently, Copiapó is a starting point for exploring salt flats, volcanoes, and high Andean lagoons. Moreover, this area is known for its exceptional stargazing and mountaineering opportunities, in addition to its beautiful beaches like Bahía Inglesa.
The creation of the new park was crucial, the government indicated, as tens of thousands of tourists travel from all over Chile to witness the fleeting floral spectacle. Previously, there were no regulations, leading to uncontrolled visitor interactions that damaged the fragile ecosystem.
The Ecological Impact of Super Blooms
Situated between the vast Pacific Ocean and towering Andes mountains, the Atacama Desert receives minimal rainfall. However, when it does rain, typically in the winter, the resulting blooms serve as a vital support system for local wildlife.
Every super bloom significantly impacts the desert’s ecology, sparking increases in insect populations, birds, and other wildlife such as colocolo wild cats, lizards, foxes, and guanacos (wild relatives of llamas). By designating a national park, the government can ensure these species retain access to their habitat without being inhibited by visitor crowds.
Kati Muñoz, a Chilean biologist, observed the most recent super bloom in September and October 2022. She witnessed the transformation from singular patches of color to multihued fields over a few weeks. While this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the litter left by visitors saddened her, highlighting the need for land protections.
She expressed hope that the park could safeguard this unique natural phenomenon and all species that rely on it, stating, “My hope is that it can create parameters for visitors and trails for them to walk on so that they can contemplate nature while at the same time protecting it.”
