El Niño rains trigger massive spring bloom in Chile's Atacama Desert
Unprecedented rainfall from a record-strength El Niño has triggered a massive spring bloom in Chile's Atacama Desert. Over 200 plant species, including the iconic garra de león, are flowering across hills and ravines that had remained barren for decades. The phenomenon, known as Desierto Florido, is expected to draw nearly 300,000 overnight visitors to the region by November, boosting tourism significantly.