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/

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