Chilean desert blooming expected to cover 15,000 km²

The blooming desert phenomenon is projected to occur this year across the Atacama, Coquimbo, and Antofagasta regions of Chile, potentially covering more than 15,000 km². The flowering is expected to intensify after mid-September and continue through October, with some coastal areas seeing blooms as late as November.

Experts emphasize the need for responsible tourism to protect this fragile ecosystem. Visitors are urged to stay on designated paths and avoid picking flowers or extracting seeds to prevent altering the natural balance of the area.