A rare and vivid bloom has spread across Chile’s Atacama Desert, where patches of white and purple flowers now cover stretches of one of the driest places on Earth. The natural event, triggered by recent rainfall during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, has drawn scientists and visitors alike to witness the desert’s temporary transformation.
Known as the Desierto Florido, or flowering desert, this phenomenon happens only when specific weather conditions align. Typically, the desert seeds—dormant beneath the sand for years—respond to spring rains.
But this year, the flowers have appeared early, an unusual occurrence linked to the effects of El Niño. The climate pattern brings warmer temperatures, which increase evaporation and, in turn, lead to greater rainfall across the region.
El Niño behind rare bloom
Jorge Carabantes, who oversees protected areas for Chile’s National Forestry Commission (CONAF), explained that the desert can host up to 200 native plant species when rainfall is sufficient.
These plants bloom for a brief period before returning to dormancy as the landscape reverts to its arid state.
#Astromelias o #liriosdecampo. Estan empezando a abrir las variedades moradas, pero se dan en varios colores, tamaños y diseños. Floracion 2022. pic.twitter.com/Jrxww3JRJk
— Guillermo Ortega Muñoz (@guilleatacama) September 29, 2025
Despite the eye-catching display, the bloom has not yet reached the scale required to be classified officially as a Desierto Florido.
Cesar Pizarro, head of biodiversity conservation at CONAF, noted that while the flowers are present, their spread is still limited. However, forecasts suggest more rain could expand the bloom’s coverage in the weeks ahead.
A rare cycle of life in the desert
The Atacama has experienced around 15 such blooming events in the past four decades, according to a 2022 study by the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. These events remain unpredictable and are often separated by years of dry conditions.
Tourists have already begun gathering at Llanos de Challe National Park, a protected area that has become one of the best spots to view the bloom.
Ronald Lagos, a visitor, expressed the importance of preserving the site, calling the scenery remarkable. Alan Martinez, a schoolteacher, said he made the trip knowing how rare the bloom is and wanted to experience it while it lasts.
In response to the ecological value of these events, the Chilean government announced the creation of a new national park in 2022, aimed at protecting the fragile desert ecosystem.
The flowers support a variety of species, including birds, insects, and reptiles that rely on the brief period of growth for food and habitat.
The early arrival of this year’s bloom has served not only as a visual wonder but also as a reminder of the delicate balance that allows life to briefly flourish in the world’s driest place.
