EP-206 EXPLORING THE ATACAMA: Embracing Adventures and Culture with Mark Johansen

Listen to this episode from The 10Adventures Podcast on Spotify. In this episode of The 10Adventures Podcast, we explore one of the most fascinating and extreme landscapes on Earth—the Atacama Desert. We’re joined by journalist and author Mark Johansen, whose latest book, Mars on Earth, is both a travel memoir and a deep dive into Chile’s culture, history, and the experience of being an outsider in a foreign land.   Mark shares his journey from New Zealand to Chile, where he has lived for over a decade, and how his desire to better understand the country led him north to the Atacama. We discuss Chile’s complex history, including the 1973 coup and the social uprisings of recent years, and how these events continue to shape life in the country. Mark also paints a vivid picture of the Atacama’s harsh yet captivating landscape, its indigenous communities, and the economic forces—like lithium mining—that are transforming the region.   Join us for an insightful conversation about travel, identity, and the pull of remote places. Be sure to check out Mark’s book and follow him on social media. And if this conversation sparks your wanderlust, visit 10Adventures.com to browse our curated tours and start planning your next great adventure!   Check out Mark's website: https://markjohanson.com/ Find his book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Mars-Earth-Wanderings-Worlds-Driest/dp/1771606762 Connect with Mark on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/markonthemap/     About Us 🌍   10Adventures 🌟 was founded with one goal in mind: to make active travel accessible, promoting mental and physical well-being. 🚶‍♀️🚴 Our mission is to eliminate the stress of holiday planning, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your journey. We offer seamless trip coordination, handling accommodations, meals, transfers, and guides 🗺️ through our network of vetted local tour operators in over 80 countries. For those who prefer a lighter load, we arrange luggage transfers, ensuring a stress-free biking or hiking experience. 🧳🌄   Specializing in private and personalized travel experiences, our team 🧑‍💼🌐 is dedicated to tailoring trips to your preferences. We understand that travel is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to build stronger relationships and create lasting memories. As fellow active travelers, we provide genuine, human support to ensure your journey with 10Adventures is as unique and fulfilling as possible. 🤝✨   To learn more, visit https://www.10adventures.com/ 🌐 Or contact us at https://www.10adventures.com/contact/