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The Partying Traveler

Survival of the littest.

The Backpacker’s Guide to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Wow. Where do I even begin with San Pedro de Atacama? This remote village in the heart of the desert is one of the most incredible destinations that I have ever traveled to. The natural beauty of this region can feel otherworldly at times, and is almost unfathomably beautiful at times. The small town feels like something out of the Wild West, with the dirt roads, adobe buildings, and desert setting thrusting you back into a bygone era.

San Pedro de Atacama has a vibe that is difficult to describe. As I roamed through the streets, you could feel the dusty aura of an oasis for travelers. Whether you were biking, hitchhiking, van-lifing, or backpacking your way through, this village called and the travelers answered.

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Table of Contents

• How To Get To San Pedro De Atacama

Where To Stay in San Pedro de Atacama

The best things to do in san pedro de atacama, nightlife in san pedro de atacama.

• Budget Travel Tips for Atacama

How to Get to San Pedro de Atacama

There are several different ways to get to San Pedro de Atacama. The usual gateway is through the larger city of Calama about an hour away. Buses to and from Calama leave nearly every half hour during the day, and it is easy to catch one from the Calama terminal. If you flew to Calama, you can also catch a shuttle bus from one of the several companies offering them. The standard fare for a one-way ticket from the airport is $10-12,000 Chilean pesos, or about $12-15 U.S. dollars.

For backpackers that had been traveling through Bolivia, a popular way to get to San Pedro de Atacama is to go through Uyuni. Most tours of the Uyuni Salt Flats will offer the option to get dropped off at San Pedro de Atacama instead of back in the small town of Uyuni. For backpackers taking the Gringo Trail and working their way south from Bolivia, I cannot think of a more convenient option. Definitely take advantage of this if you have the opportunity.

For travelers heading in from Argentina, you will have to take a bus from Salta or Jujuy to get to San Pedro. The bus is about 10 hours from Salta or 8 hours from Jujuy. It involves a border crossing about 2 hours before you reach San Pedro, but it is one of the smoothest border crossings I have ever had. A few different bus companies offer this route, and I went with Andesmar. Buses in Argentina and Chile are unfortunately significantly more expensive than elsewhere in South America, and I paid about $45 U.S. (35,000 Chilean pesos) for the 10 hour journey. Hey, at least we got a muffin and instant coffee to keep us alive during the journey.

And before you go, make sure you have good travel insurance handy while you’re off adventuring across the world. I use  SafetyWing  to keep me covered throughout my travels for as low as $40 a month.

For backpackers, there are a wide variety of hostel options in the area. You’ll find quite a few closer to the center of town but those tend to be a bit more expensive. Places like Hostel Pangea , Hostal Rural , and ANKA Hostel are great options for people who want to be centrally-located and have all of the amenities. However, these are closer to $20-25 per night for a shared dorm.

I roughed it during my few days in San Pedro de Atacama. The tours were quite expensive so I had to get stingy in other aspects, mainly food and accommodation. If you are in the same boat as me, make sure that you get a hostel with a kitchen. I stayed 3 nights at Backpackers San Pedro and 2 nights at Hostal Ckappin . Both were cheap and a lot better than I expected for their price. Backpackers San Pedro had two kitchens, surprisingly good Wi-Fi (when it worked), and always had a social vibe to it. Hostal Ckappin had a huge outdoor common area, a big kitchen, and spacious rooms with big lockers. However, the Wi-Fi was painfully unreliable. Both of these hostels were about a 10 minute walk outside of town.

In San Pedro de Atacama, I don’t think it is crucial to be in town at all. The village is so small that you can walk anywhere within 15 minutes. For budget travelers, it is definitely worth walking a bit longer into town to pay half the price for a hostel.

View all hostels in San Pedro de Atacama on Hostelworld

Ooh boy, where do I even begin. Pictures are worth a thousand words and I took a lot of pictures, so here we go.

Valle de la Luna

This is one of the things that you absolutely cannot miss while in San Pedro de Atacama. Since it is one of the closer attractions to town, it is possible to do this on your own either by car or even by bike. If you choose to go with a tour, make sure that you take the afternoon tour that allows you to climb up Duna Mayor for one of the most incredible sunsets that you will ever see.

Valle de la Muerte

Also close to town is the Valley of Death where you will find surreal Martian landscapes. You can visit this place on your own although it is typically packaged with most Valle de la Luna tours.

Piedras Rojas

Piedras Rojas or Red Rocks is an incredible viewpoint overlooking some ethereal landscapes. Unfortunately, you can’t get the iconic picture on the red rocks anymore but the view is still absolutely stunning.

Laguna Baltinache

A giant field of salt in the middle of desert boasting seven vibrantly colored blue lagoons, including two that you can swim in. Just another day in Atacama, I guess.

Oh yeah, and the abandoned bus that some tour operators will take you to afterwards. I mean, it’s a rusty old bus in the middle of the desert, so don’t expect too much. However, it does make for some great photo opportunities, kinda like the train graveyard in Uyuni but to a lesser degree.

Lagunas Altiplanicos

Laguna Miscanti

Salar de Laro

Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time or money to do nearly everything I wanted to do. I’m definitely going to come back here one day with a bigger budget and a car and just adventure through the desert and altiplano for a few weeks. For now, here are the other things that I would have loved to do, as seen by people who have actually done them.

Rainbow Valley (Valle del Arcoiris)

Laguna cejar.

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ALMA Observatory

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Geysers del Tatio

Volcan lincancabur.

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Volcan Laskar

At first glance, this small village seems like the furthest thing from a party town. There are few establishments that seem like they could keep a party going, and there is some fact to that. If you are looking for the party, you don’t look into the town. You look to the desert. What little nightlife there is within the village itself shuts down relatively early.

However, once the stars come out and everything shuts down, the desert is the place to be. It’s hard to tell whether these nightly desert parties happen because the police don’t know about it or because they turn a blind eye, but they are basically the only party that you will find past midnight. And it is a legit party, too. There are multiple music types, from electronic to reggaeton, and there will be people selling alcohol (and more). This rave-like atmosphere can get wild closer to the weekend, but it happens nightly. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be partying beneath the stars in what is renowned as one of the top stargazing destinations in the world?

I can’t reveal too much on my blog but ask your hostel or any of the hippie locals and they’ll give you the down low on this get-down.

Budget Travel Tips For San Pedro de Atacama

Cook your own damn food.

My last day in San Pedro, I decided I would splurge and treat myself to a meal after having cooked every meal for 5 days in a row. After seeing the prices in town, I bought a $2 empanada and went home. Food in San Pedro is expensive, especially if you eat out. Although grocery shopping is significantly cheaper, it is still more expensive than most places I’ve been to in South America. I lived off of bananas, eggs, rice, and yogurt for five days. I spent a grand total of $10 in 5 days on food, which was worth it because I spent over $100 on tours over a 3-day span.

Book A Hostel Outside of Town

Most of the hostels right in the heart of the village will charge you double the price of a hostel outside of town. I really don’t know why, considering that San Pedro is as small of a town as it gets. Some good budget hostel options that I’ve found are Backpackers San Pedro , Hostal Ckappin , and Sol Atacama . Aji Verde is also good but more on the outskirts than the others.

Volunteer At A Hostel

Volunteering at hostels is definitely not for everyone, but in a place like San Pedro de Atacama, it can be a great way to save money. It would be exhausting to try and go on adventures every day, so alternating between shifts and adventures is a good way to stretch your money out and be able to go on more adventures. With free accommodation, you could easily limit your budget to $1-2 a day on food, allowing the rest to go towards tours and excursions while living in a beautiful place like San Pedro for a while.

Book Tours in Packages

It helps to do some research. Know what you want to do and use that to your advantage. I usually show up to a place and go to a tour agency, ask them what’s good, and then book it there. That worked a lot in Peru when tours were $10, and I wouldn’t feel too bad about going on a crappy tour when I barely spent any money. However, when tours can crack close to $100, that’s when you have to start paying a little more attention.

I did a bit of research and picked three things that I thought seemed like the must-do’s of San Pedro. Although the geysers and thermal pools are the ones that agencies try to sell first, I honestly couldn’t care less about hot water and less impressive Old Faithfuls. I chose my three and haggled a good price for booking all of them at once. Valle de la Luna, Piedras Rojas, and Laguna Baltinache would have cost me a painful $89,000 Chilean pesos, and entrance fees would push that over the 100k mark. Thats about $130 U.S., but I managed to get it down to $66,000 pesos, or a more reasonable $95 after entrance fees. It’s still a lot of money, but that $35 could go a long way when all you eat is rice and eggs.

Seriously, when you see how much there is to do in San Pedro, then food and accommodation becomes secondary. You will want to put as much of your money as possible into seeing everything that this incredible region of the world has to offer. There are few places like this out there. Combined with the neighboring Bolivian Altiplano and Uyuni Salt Flats, you might not even believe you are on the same planet anymore.

I loved everything about San Pedro de Atacama, from the nature to the laid-back vibe and abundance of friendly travelers. And of course, desert raves. I’ll be back soon, SPdA.

If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by  buying me a beer ! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.

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14 thoughts on “ the backpacker’s guide to san pedro de atacama, chile ”.

Lovely images! Thanks for sharing!

It is absolutely a different type of holiday. An adventure that goes beyond travel. Moreover, it is incredible how Chile offers landscapes that I would never have imagined! Very beautifull.

Wow what a beautiful post and I am all about this stunning photos you have here! I for sure would ,love to sim in one of those watering holes and would love to visit Chile! Thank you for sharing and what a post!

Wow these pictures are amazingly beautiful. And matches your description of the place. I love the wonders of nature.

I’ve never been to Chile before, I would love to go one day…The country is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing.

I’ve always wanted to visit Chile. I’ve heard it’s absolutely beautiful!

Wow! What a magnificent destination. I’ve never heard of San Pedro de Atacama. Chile has been my all time bucket list.

There is now no way I could go back to Argentina and not do this. The blue lagoons are to die for!

Your photos are spectacular!! I’d love to visit Chile one day, but not sure when that will happen. The Atacama is breathtakingly beautiful.

What beautiful photography. It looks like a wonderful trip. Places I have never even heard of.

Laguna Baltinache seems like an interesting place, located in the middle of desert. I hope it is not too pack with tourist.

Good guide for traveling to Chile. I like the pictures of the mountain terrains and the blue lagoons. – Dan “Jay” Reyes

Sounds like a great adventure! The scenery is gorgeous I would love to travel here!

Wow! This place looks so surreal. The landscape seems to be from outer space.

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26 Fun Things to Do in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

San Pedro de Atacama is a small-town oasis surrounded by one of the driest places on the planet. People come from around the world to experience the Atacama Desert, and there are plenty of fun things to do in San Pedro de Atacama, the gateway to exploring this otherworldly setting.

Planning your trip to San Pedro de Atacama last minute?

San Pedro is a small town and most popular tours and hotels book up fast. Book ahead to avoid disappointment!

🔭 Top Experiences and Tours in San Pedro de Atacama:

• Stargazing Tour with an Astronomer (Absolute must!)
• Puritama Hot Springs (My favorite thing I did!)
• El Tatio Geysers Tour (Better on a tour than on your own)

🛌  Top-Rated Hotels in San Pedro de Atacama:

• Cas a Lickana B&B (I stayed here and loved it!)
• Hotel Desertic a (Upscale + great location)
• La Casa del Pueblo Hostal (Great budget option)

🚗 Renting a car from Calama Airport near San Pedro? Find deals on car rental rates here.

My husband Charlie and I chose to visit Atacama Desert on our monthlong Chile-Argentina-Uruguay honeymoon. Why? Volcanoes, salty lakes, erupting geysers, giant sand dunes, and bizarre rock formations — not to mention the flamingos, guanacos, and vicuñas!

Right away, we knew San Pedro de Atacama would be the best base for exploring the Atacama Desert in Chile. A small town with a bohemian feel, sitting at 2,400 meters above sea level and surrounded by the Andes mountains, San Pedro is full of character (and characters) — a fun place to return after exploring the desert each day!

Here are the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama — gateway to some of the most visually striking places in Chile, a country that punches above its weight in terms of natural beauty.

This post was published in February 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Hannah Cooper.

Table of Contents

Safety in San Pedro de Atacama

Please don’t skip this section, it’s important!! I’m adding in a section on safety in San Pedro de Atacama because I feel like the dangers of the desert are so underplayed.

First off, the Atacama Desert is a high-altitude desert, which is a tough on your body. You’ll be experiencing the effects of a desert climate (dry eyes, nose, lips, and skin) as well as possibly the effects of altitude (fatigue, dizziness, headaches), especially in highest-altitude places like the El Tatio geysers.

Secondly, you need to decide whether to 1) rent a car and explore independently, or 2) book tours. Charlie and I rented a car, but knowing what I know now about the driving conditions, booking tours is far safer.

There is only one gas station in the area — in the town of San Pedro de Atacama — and if you break down, your situation could quickly turn deadly. There is no phone signal outside the town. Many roads are unpaved and in bad condition. It is incredibly hot during the day and quite cold at night. There are safety trucks patrolling the most traversed roads, and they often have to save stranded tourists.

At one point we realized we had a deflating tire that had to be inflated each morning, and my heart was in my throat until we got back to Calama Airport safely.

If you’re driving on your own, check your tire pressure, keep a full tank of gas, and take water and food with you. Don’t drive on your own if you’re traveling solo. Don’t drive while tired. Drive slowly, take no chances, and keep an eye out for wildlife.

Best Things to Do in San Pedro de Atacama

Visit the valle de la luna.

Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) is one of the most popular attractions in the Atacama, and I think it’s a good place to visit on your first day in San Pedro de Atacama, as it’s a good afternoon destination. The main activities here include the mysterious Three Marias rocks, an abandoned salt mine, and a 40-minute walk through the colossal dunes.

Valle de la Luna is an easy 25-minute drive from San Pedro (which you will soon learn is EXTREMELY close by Atacama standards). Many tourists cycle there, although you must arrive before 11:00 AM. 

Instead, I recommend arriving in the afternoon when the light is softer, and then hanging around for sunset at the La Piedra del Coyote viewpoint. You should buy admission tickets via Punto Ticket — you will need to arrive at a specific time.

Otherwise, you can book a Valle de la Luna tour from San Pedro . This tour brings you to the sites listed and concludes with watching the sunset nearby.

Watch the sunset at La Piedra del Coyote

La Piedra del Coyote (aka Mirador de Kari) is one of the best places to see the sunset in the Atacama. This is one of the most popular photos of the Atacama, and one that you’ve likely already seen: a huge plateau overlooking the Valle de la Luna where the jagged rocks and the Andes mountains light up in different colors as the sun sinks into the horizon.

Note that admission to this point is only possible with a Valle de la Luna ticket and must be on the same day; you can’t visit otherwise. Also, you should know that there isn’t really anywhere comfortable to sit here; there are a few cement blocks you can sit on, but they might all be taken, leaving you to pick out a rock.

Once the sunset wraps, the staff will shoo you out. That’s around 8:30 PM in summer and 5:30 PM in winter. 

Go sandboarding in the Valle de la Muerte

Sandboarding in Valle de la Muerte (the Atacama’s Death Valley) is one of the most adventurous things to do in San Pedro de Atacama! This valley is only five minutes from town and features dunes ranging from 40 meters to 200 meters. 

Valle de la Muerte reopened for sandboarding in 2023 after being shut down. Sandboard San Pedro is one of the best tour operators offering equipment, guides bilingual in Spanish and English, and transport. They run morning, afternoon, and full-moon sandboarding tours. 

Note that this region is sometimes referred to as Valle de Marte (Mars Valley). 

Go stargazing

Did you know that the Atacama Desert is home to the best stargazing on the planet? Seriously! The bone-dry, high-altitude climate allows exceptional visibility.

Astronomical tours are one of the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama, and allow you to learn about astronomy and view celestial objects through a telescope.

Tours generally cost around $40-45 USD and include a professional astrophoto, like the one you see above. A few options worth checking out are this stargazing tour with an astronomer (the cheapest small-group tour), this astronomical and astrophotography tour (with more emphasis on photographing the stars) and the premium “Under the Atacama Night” (with a cultural focus). 

However, don’t make the mistake I did — don’t book a trip to the Atacama during the full moon if you can help it! The light from the moon wipes out the stars. It was a clear night and we were still able to see some stars (as well as Jupiter and Saturn, both very cool), but a night with the new moon would have been infinitely better.

Star-gazing can be done year-round in San Pedro de Atacama. You should know that clouds are rare in the Atacama but tour-canceling cloudy skies are most common in the months of January and February. The Milky Way is visible during the winter months (June, July, and August).

It used to be possible to visit the ALMA Observatory , however, public visits are currently suspended.

Explore the town of San Pedro de Atacama

The town of San Pedro de Atacama is as touristy as it comes — but that’s a good thing here! The town has a bohemian, hippie feel, and reminds me a lot of places like Pai, Thailand, and Holbox, Mexico. You’ll find a smattering of good restaurants, tons of tour companies, souvenir shops galore, bike rental companies, and impromptu pan flute jams.

Pedestrian-only Caracoles is the central walking street in San Pedro, and it’s especially pleasant around sunset, when the fierce daytime temperatures drop and everyone comes out to stroll. It’s like the passeggiata in Italy!

Here are a few of my favorite spots in San Pedro de Atacama:

ChelaCa bur — This bar has a fun atmosphere, a big beer list, offbeat decor, and great music. Oddly, I felt at home right away! Their chelada — a light beer with lime juice, ice, and salt — hits the spot after a day in the desert, replacing all the electrolytes you’ve lost.

Roots Café & Ba r — This alternative cafe boasts the best coffee in town. It also felt like the coolest people in town happened to be working here! Charlie and I each ordered an iced coffee on a hot day – followed swiftly by a second iced coffee. They were that good.

Emporio Andino — This bakery serves fantastic empanadas and they’re big enough to have one as a meal. So good that we had them for dinner on multiple occasions! I especially loved their caprese empanada with queso mantecoso, tomato, and basil.

Heladería Babalú — Visiting this beloved ice cream shop in San Pedro is practically a rite of passage! Here you can find both classic flavors and some unusual options inspired by the local herbs, like “flor del desierto” and “rica-rica.” My favorite was the maracuya (passion fruit).

Visit the stunning Lagunas Altiplánicas

Sitting at maximum altitudes of 4,100 meters, the cobalt-blue Lagunas Altiplánicas are individually called Miscanti and Miñiques. These sparkling lakes are linked by a walking trail designed for landscape photography and birdwatching, and I was impressed by their beauty.

If you’re planning to visit Lagunas Altiplánicas independently, you will need to buy timed tickets via the Socaire website . I strongly recommend buying the ticket package that includes both the Lagunas Altiplánicas and Piedras Rojas, as they’re close to each other.

Socaire is about an hour’s drive from San Pedro, so factor this into choosing your time slot. You’ll have to check in at the town of Socaire on the way and collect a paper ticket. Officially, check-in is one hour before your timestamp. We arrived a bit early and it wasn’t an issue, but it’s wise to stick to the time slot. 

We had a lot of issues with the site timing out when trying to buy the tickets. It was like pulling teeth. Overall, I recommend going with a tour for this activity rather than going on your own.

This top-rated tour takes you to Piedras Rojas, the Altiplanic Lagoons, and Salar de Atacama . If you book a tour, the entrance fee must be paid separately in Chilean pesos; your guides will collect the fee on the drive. 

Another bonus: the turn-off to the dirt road leading to Lagunas Altiplánicas has lots of vicuñas, a llama-like creature! We saw a whole family.

Walk around Las Piedras Rojas 

After leaving the Lagunas Altiplánicas, the Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks) are a 45-minute drive further south. Also known as the Aguas Calientes Salt Flat, these rust-colored boulders edge another high-altitude salt lake. The pale blues and greens of the water with the deep pink and red hues of the rocks lead to an otherworldly atmosphere.

There is an easy, mostly flat walking trail taking you around the salt lakes. But you should know that you’re at 3,800 meters above sea level — expect to be a bit out of breath when doing this walk. Dress warmly, as it will be chilly and windy. I was wearing a denim jacket, which wasn’t quite warm enough for this area. My Uniqlo ultra light down jacket would have been a better choice.

The guides said that the walking trail would take around 90 minutes; Charlie and I walked it quickly and did it in 40 minutes.

If you want to visit Piedras Rojas on a tour, I recommend the same Piedras Rojas, the Altiplanic Lagoons, and Salar de Atacama tour listed above.

Note: if traveling independently, by this time you’ll probably be ready for lunch. There are a few places to eat in Socaire.

Pose at the Tropic of Capricorn Sign

The Tropic of Capricorn is located just south of San Pedro de Atacama, and there is an Instagram-ready sign marking it! You can find Tropic of Capricorn signs on either side of Highway 23, about 45 minutes’ driving time south of San Pedro de Atacama, just north of Socaire.

There’s nothing else to do here — but it’s definitely worth stopping for a quick photo on your way to or from the Lagunas Altiplánicos and the Piedras Rojas.

This wasn’t my first time at the Tropic of Capricorn — I also drove through it near Shark Bay in Western Australia .

See El Tatio Geysers at dawn

Situated at a sky-high 4,300 meters, El Tatio is the highest geyser field in the world. These 80 hot water and stream eruptions reach heights of 10 meters. But if you want to see the bubbling explosions in action for yourself, you’ll need to visit VERY early in the morning — just before sunrise.

Yes, that means you’ll need to leave San Pedro de Atacama at about 4:00 AM to get there on time. For this reason, I strongly recommend visiting on a tour rather than driving there on your own. The roads are not in great condition and you don’t want to be driving them in the dark — plus the altitude here can lead to headaches and nausea.

Instead, I recommend booking this tour to the El Tatio geysers , on a bus with big windows. You’ll be picked up around 4:00 AM and can snooze the whole drive there. You’ll visit the village of Machuca and the Rio Putana wetlands afterwards.

You should also know that it’s extremely cold at the El Tatio geysers before the sun comes up — below freezing. Wear all of your warmest clothes. It will get better once the sun comes up.

Still intent on driving yourself? Some visitors to San Pedro de Atacama wait for an excursion van and tailgate them all the way to the geysers. Drivers hate this, but it will help you see where you’re going. Allow two hours for the drive (90 minutes if you have a 4X4). But if you’re on your own, you can visit the Puritama Hot Springs on the way back (more on that below).

The entrance fee at the El Tatio geysers is 15,000 CLP ($16 USD) in cash and must be paid by all visitors, regardless of tour.

Stop off at Lagunas Flamingos

The Lagunas Flamingos are located just south of Mahuca, on the way back from El Tatio. These lakes are named for the cotton candy-colored birds who wade in the shallows – go figure!

It’s worth stopping for a few photos on the way back from El Tatio Geysers. However, I don’t think it’s worth making a special trip to these lakes. Stick to the Puritama Hot Springs instead. Which brings us to our next item…

Soak in the Puritama Hot Springs (Termas de Puritama)

Now THIS was my favorite experience in the Atacama Desert! I love visiting hot springs around the world, from Iceland to Italy, but the Puritama Hot Springs might have the most unique setting of all: a verdant canyon in the middle of the desert. 

It looks like nothing when you arrive — just a parking lot. But hidden from the road is a pathway that slowly descends into the canyon.

Here you can enjoy a chain of seven pools, all of them linked with waterfalls. The water is warm, not hot, but these pools are absolute PARADISE after spending a few days in the driest place in the world!

There are restrooms and single-sex group changing rooms (no private stalls) at the complex. You’ll need to bring your own lock if you want to use the lockers, and there is no food or drink. I recommend bringing flip-flops for walking the paths between the pools, and take it slowly on the walk out of the canyon — the high altitude makes uphill climbs extra challenging!

It takes 30 minutes to drive to the Puritama Hot Springs from San Pedro. Without a car, you can book this tour to take you.

Tickets cost 35,000 CLP ($38.50 USD) per adult and must be purchased online in advance for either the morning, afternoon, or sunset slot. (Note that there are mid-day closures between the time slots.) Even if you book a tour, you still need to buy admission via this website. 

Find flamingos at Laguna Chaxa

Laguna Chaxa is one of the best spots on the Atacama salt flats for seeing flamingos. This shallow lake is the habitat of Chilean, Andean, and James flamingoes. 

It takes 1 hour and 40 minutes to drive to the Chaxa Lagoon from San Pedro. Once you leave the main road it switches to gravel, like many of the roads in the region, but it is drivable in a regular car. 

I think Laguna Chaxa is best visited on the way back from Lagunas Altiplánicas and Piedras Rojas, as it’s an easy detour from that main road. This Atacama Salt Flat and Piedras Rojas tour is a full day out and stops at all three.  

Float in salty Laguna Cejar

Laguna Cejar is another part of the Atacama salt flats where you’ll see flamingos. Plus, you’ll have the chance to float in the saline-loaded waters — this lake is saltier than the Dead Sea!

Cejar Lagoon is the first stop on the short walking path. However, the lake you’ll actually swim in is Laguna Piedra. (Pretty much all locals refer to both lakes as Laguna Cejar, which can be a bit confusing.)

It’s cold when you first enter the water, but you’ll soon warm up. Swimming is capped at 20 minutes for safety reasons, after which you’ll need to shower the salt off before leaving.

Lagunas Cejar and Piedra are an easy 25-minute drive from San Pedro. You can buy an entry ticket for 20,000 CLP ($22 USD) online .

But like all things in this part of the world, random closures can happen. Unfortunately Laguna Cejar happened to be closed when Charlie and I showed up. Oh well — next time!

Want to do it on a tour? This top-rated tour to Laguna Cejar, Ojos del Salar, and Laguna Tebinquinche is available. Admission to the lagoons is payable in cash to the guide, and the outing includes a picnic.

Catch sunset at Laguna Tebinquinche

The Atacama Desert is fascinating from a biological perspective — and Laguna Tebinquinche contains a unique microbial ecosystem that isn’t found anywhere else on the planet.  And it’s another visually spellbinding destination.

Touching the water and salt deposits is forbidden, but you can enjoy views of the layers from the footpath. Tourists must leave before sunset, but you should stay as long as possible to enjoy the glorious light and color changes.

It’s a 20-minute drive from Laguna Cejar with a stop at the two sinkholes known as Ojos del Salar (Eyes of the Salt Flats). The aforementioned tour to Laguna Cejar finishes off at Laguna Tebinquinche. 

Check out the Yerbas Buenas petroglyphs

Yerbas Buenas is a great place to learn about the human history of San Pedro and the surrounding area.  This area is rich with petroglyphs from 10,000 years ago.

This rock art depicts animals of the Atacama, including vicuñas and Andean foxes.

It’s a 50-minute drive from San Pedro de Atacama to the Yerbas Buenas petroglyph. This six-hour tour to Valle del Arcoíris , the Atacama’s Rainbow Valley, includes a stop on the way back. And like any place featuring ancient art, it’s good to have a guide explain it to you.

Climb Cerro Toco

If you’re physically fit, acclimated to the altitude, and up for a challenge, climbing a dormant volcano in the Andes mountains is one of the most adventurous things to do in San Pedro de Atacama .

Cerro Toco reaches 5,604 meters and is one of the top places for spectacular desert views (in a region that seems to have spectacular views around every corner!).

You’ll need to book a guided Cerro Toco summit trek with a certificated high-mountain guide. Proper trekking gear is mandatory, and keep in mind that the high altitude makes this far more difficult than if it were at a lower elevation. Do not even think of doing this if you’re not accustomed to hiking in altitude.

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Visit Museo de Meteorito

Inspecting meteorites collected from the desert is one of the most unexpected things to do in San Pedro de Atacama in the evening before dinner. Museo de Meteorito contains achondrites, chondrites, mesosiderites, and pallasites.

An audio tour is available in multiple languages. At the end, you’ll have a hands-on demo for detecting meteorites from regular rocks.

The Meteorite Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 6:00-9:00 PM. Cash-only admission is 5,000 CLP ($5.50 USD).

Ride a Hot Air Balloon

Are you a baller? You can’t get much more baller than riding a hot air balloon over the Atacama Desert! And it’s hard to imagine a better view than from the sky.

Yes, it’s expensive — but I would file this under “once in a lifetime” travel experiences.

You can find and book hot air balloon flights in San Pedro de Atacama here, and they take place in the early morning between September and May. 

Off the Beaten Path near San Pedro de Atacama

Here are a few more destinations in San Pedro de Atacama worth visiting:

Salar de Tara — Located within the Los Flamencos National Reserve in Northern Chile, this phenomenal salt flat borders both Bolivia and Argentina. Besides flamingoes, you’ll see sand-carved “cathedrals.”

Laguna Baltinache — More salty lakes, you say? Why not! Not a lot of people visit the Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache , preferring Lagunas Cejar and Piedra, which makes them a lovely escape.. Swimming is permitted in two of the seven. 

Valle del Arcoíris — The Atacama’s “Rainbow Valley” contains stripey mountains and rock formations formed by wind erosion. It’s the first stop on this six-hour tour to Valle del Arcoíris followed by Yerbas Buenas. 

How Much Time to Spend in San Pedro de Atacama

I think three days in San Pedro de Atacama is the perfect amount of time. If you arrive midday on the first day, that’s fine — you still have time for the Valle de la Luna, sunset at La Piedra del Coyote, and even some stargazing.

A four- or five-day itinerary would give you enough time to do everything on this list.

There are a few points of consideration into how many days to spend in San Pedro de Atacama. First of all, it’s in the middle of nowhere, so you’ll probably have to plan flights on either side, and second, the high-altitude desert environment can be tough to get used to.

Be sure to take it easy and slowly increase your elevation. Most guides recommend starting easily with the Valle de la Luna and saving El Tatio geysers for your last day because it’s at a much higher altitude.

Finally — thanks to our crusty noses, dry lips, and a few headaches, Charlie and I were relieved to leave the desert after three days. Our next destination was Puerto Varas in the lush, green Los Lagos region and it felt like paradise!

How to get to San Pedro de Atacama

The closest airport to San Pedro de Atacama is in the city of Calama. El Loa Airport in Calama has several flights to Santiago each day, which take about two hours. From Calama it’s a one-hour drive to San Pedro.

There are several kiosks at the arrivals terminal selling bus transfers to San Pedro. A single fare is 15,000 CLP ($16.50 USD). If you’re traveling during the peak travel months (November through March), I recommend you pre-book a shared transfer .

You can also rent a car in Calama and drive to San Pedro de Atacama, as we did.

Not up for flying? There is a bus to San Pedro de Atacama from Santiago, but it takes a whopping 22 hours! Chile is a looooong country.

You can also look at traveling to or from San Pedro by bus from other South American destinations. Tours of the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia often finish in San Pedro de Atacama, and there are buses from the city of Salta, Argentina, that take 10 hours.

Recorrido and Busbud are the best places to scope out routes and fares.

Where to Stay in San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama is a relatively small town. I recommend staying close to Caracoles, the main walking street in town, which is home to lots of restaurants, shops, bars, and tour companies. Everything is close by when you stay near Caracoles.

For that reason, I selected the top-rated hotels in San Pedro that are close to Caracoles:

Top-Rated Luxury Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama: If you’re happy to splash out, you’ll appreciate the exceptional Hotel Desertic a for its pool. Abode rooms are tricked out with natural materials and have swanky private bathrooms. 

Top-Rated Mid-range Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama: Cas a Lickana B&B  is where I stayed and I’m happy to recommend it based on location, security, and value for money! The rooms aren’t huge, but they have private outdoor patios, and breakfast is included (including hot dishes like scrambled eggs). The staff are lovely and kind, though you shouldn’t expect any of them to know any English (which is not unusual in Chile).

Top-Rated Budget Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama: La Casa del Pueblo Hosta l is a fuss-free budget option that offers economical double rooms and family rooms with either a private or shared bathroom. Breakfast is included in the price and rental bikes are available.

Find deals on places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama here.

Best Time to Visit San Pedro de Atacama

It’s possible to visit San Pedro at any time of year. It’s warmest during summer: that’s December, January, and February in the southern hemisphere! October, November, and March are best for decent weather, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates.

A very short but pretty intense rainy season occurs in February. It brings a heavy onset of rainfall for a week or so near town. However, most parts of the Atacama have never seen a drop of rain. (EVER! Seriously! How does life exist here?!)

The winter months of June, July, and August are bone-chillingly cold at night, although they have the perk of clear skies and minimal crowds. This is also when you can see the Milky Way in the Atacama Desert.

Mornings, evenings, and nights in the Atacama are always cold, but temperatures in San Pedro are blisteringly hot during the early afternoon. Certain tourist spots are subject to colder/windier daytime conditions at all times of the year, like El Tatio before dawn, where temperatures are often below freezing. Bundle up!

Is San Pedro de Atacama Worth It?

Okay, I’ll be honest with you — San Pedro de Atacama was worth it for me personally, but I don’t think it’s for everyone. The environment is visually spectacular, but visiting this area involves a lot of long distance drives on rough roads to “just look at things,” as my husband put it.

The Puritama Hot Springs and stargazing tour were much more interactive, but he was right — besides those things, there was a lot of “drive two hours to a thing, take a photo, and there’s nothing else to do there, so you leave.” That, on top of the dryness, peeling lips, and altitude fatigue.

San Pedro is quite a far distance from everything else in Chile, so if you’re not 100% set on visiting, you may want to consider whether your limited time in Chile would be better spent hiking in Patagonia, exploring towns in the Lakes region, or enjoying art and culture in Valparaíso.

But if you love deserts, unusual landscapes, photography, and star-gazing, I think you’ll love the Atacama! This truly is a special part of the world, and I’m so glad I got to experience it.

More on Chile:

• Staying at Ecocamp Patagonia: A Sustainable Resort in Chile

More on South America:

• Solo Female Travel in Colombia: Is it safe?
• What’s it really like to travel to Guyana?
• 16 Epic Things to Do in Ushuaia, Argentina
• 25 Epic Things To Do in El Calafate, Argentina
• 18 Wild Things to Do in El Chaltén, Argentina
• El Calafate vs. El Chaltén: Which Town in Argentine Patagonia Better?
• 32+ Fun Things To Do in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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14 Incredible Things to Do In San Pedro de Atacama and the Atacama Desert

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 19th December 2023

The Atacama Desert is one of northern Chile’s most exciting places to visit, comprising as it does incredible landscapes of salt flats and saline lakes, high-altitude geysers, softly smoking volcanoes, and lunar rock formations.

However, when I visited San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, I struggled to find much information about how to see the region’s main highlights without paying for costly tours.

But it is possible: read on and I’ll show you how with this guide to the top things to do in San Pedro de Atacama and the Atacama Desert.

IMPORTANT: From March 2023, many of the Atacama Desert’s main attractions must be booked in advcance. For the Lagunas Altiplanicas here , for Piedras Rojas here and Laguna Chaxa here . You also must book the Valle de la Luna at least 24 hours in advance; you can do it here .

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Why you should hire a car and go self-guided around the Atacama Desert

Although most backpackers in San Pedro de Atacama march the streets looking for the best deals on the Atacama Desert tours being offered along the high street, one of the easiest (and most affordable) means of visiting the region’s main sites is by renting a vehicle.

We found that having our own wheels made access to the region’s top attractions cheaper, but also that venturing to the remotest sections of the Atacama Desert easier and considerably more fun.

How to rent a car in San Pedro de Atacama

Plan ahead and instead rent a car in Calama, the biggest town in the region and about an hour’s drive from San Pedro de Atacama.

It’s also the main transport hub for visitors to the region, so you’ll likely fly into Calama El Loa Airport or arrive at its bus terminal.

There are at least three international car rental companies in the city and I recommend using Rental Cars as they hook you up with the cheapest provider in the area – and all your insurance information is in English.

Make sure you book at least a month in advance if visiting during high season (December through February).

We found almost all of the vehicles to have been booked when we were there in early January and instead ended up renting very last minute with the Europcar office in San Pedro which charged us over $70,000 CLP ($113 USD) per day – hardly the cheapest way of doing it.

Expect to pay upwards of $300,000 CLP ($485 USD) for a one-week rental of a 4×4. Although it is possible to tour in a 2×4 (just don’t try and go off-road, we actually had to pull someone out of a sandbank who had), a 4×4 allows for more of an adventure, if at a higher price.

From Europcar we received a useful (but hand-drawn) road map of San Pedro de Atacama and its surroundings. This allowed us to plan where we were going as it included additional information about the various attractions, as well as distances between them.

I’ve tried to include as much of this information in this article. However, I would also suggest you download maps.me (and the other free apps that recommend for travel in South America ) as having an actual map and using GPS is always advisable.

FAQs about visiting San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama lies at the heart of the Atacama Desert and is known for its remarkable high-altitude landscapes, which are often compared to Mars. Home to vast salt flats, saline lagoons, and the third-highest geysers in the world – all of which are surrounded by a ring of volcanoes – the Atacama Desert is famed as a truly otherworldly place to visit. 

Tours can take you out to the region’s top attractions, including the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), Géiseres EL Tatio (El Tatio Geysers), Laguna Chaxa (Chaxa Lagoon), and the Lagunas Altiplánicas (Altiplanic Lagoons). San Pedro de Atacama is also known for its clear night skies – on average, they number 320 per year – which makes it one of the best places in the world for stargazing. 

Yes! While it gets exceptionally busy with tourists, particularly during the months of January and February, San Pedro de Atacama is worth visiting for the remarkable natural landscapes that surround the town and is considered one of the unmissable things to do on a trip to Chile .

Photographers and those who thrive on beautiful scenery will love the Atacama Desert, while those seeking high-adrenaline adventures such as sandboarding and horseback riding will find plenty to do here. 

The best way to visit is by  hiring a rental car  to explore the region independently. Alternatively, you can book tours through one of a whole host of operators based in San Pedro de Atacama. 

You need a minimum of four days in San Pedro de Atacama. It’s a two-hour flight from the Chilean capital, Santiago, to Calama, the nearest city to San Pedro de Atacama. From here, it’s a one-and-a-half-hour drive to reach the town itself, from where trips out to various natural landmarks within the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos and the wider Atacama Desert begin. 

There are plenty of activities in the Atacama Desert that you can do from San Pedro de Atacama. With four days, you’ll be spending half a day at each end getting to and from San Pedro de Atacama, which leaves you around three days in total. This should be with enough time for a dawn tour to see the Géiseres EL Tatio (El Tatio Geysers) and an afternoon tour to see the flamingos in Laguna Chaxa (Chaxa Lagoon), swim in the salty waters of Laguna Cejar (Cejar Lagoon) and see the sunset at Laguna Tebinquinche (Tebinquinche Lagoon). 

You’ll also be able to spend a day exploring the Salar de Tara, plus a day seeing the beautiful Lagunas Altiplánicas (Altiplano Lagoons) and the vast red scenery of Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks). You can also catch the sunset at Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) and go stargazing at one of the observatories surrounding San Pedro de Atacama.

Top things to do in San Pedro de Atacama and the Atacama Desert

1. visit piedras rojas (red rocks) and the salar de talar, ruta 23.

This was actually one of our final day trips and definitely my highlight from this list of things to do in the Atacama Desert. Surrounded by a ring of volcanoes, Las Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks; enter between 9am-4pm; site closes at 6pm; $18,000 CLP entrance fee; book in advance here ) are an expanse of red-hued rocks that look like a set of huge natural cobblestones.

You can walk on top of this weird natural formation while watching the gentle lapping of the neighboring saline lake and the blinding white of the Salar de Talar , a much smaller and cleaner salt flat than you will have seen previously in the Atacama Desert.

How to get to Piedras Rojas and the Salar de Talar

By rental car.

Ruta 23 leaves San Pedro de Atacama heading towards the south and is paved right until Socaire, 90 kilometers (56 miles) away, where you are now required to check in with a pre-purchased ticket (buy it here ) one hour in advance of the time you’ve booked. I’m not entirely sure how long this gives you at the state, but I imagine it’s a one-hour slot.

Yes, that seems insane, but Chileans love beauracracy. From Socaire, the road is a dirt track until you arrive at Salar de Talar and Piedras Rojas.

In total, the journey should take around two and a half hours. You can combine a visit here with sunset in Valle de la Luna or at Laguna Tebinquinche.

It’s also possible to continue along Ruta 23 as Laguna Tuyajto, 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) further along the road, often contains large groups of flamingos feeding in the shallows.

Don’t go too far along this road as you’re right on the Argentine border and you need special insurance to legally drive across.

Tours to the Piedras Rojas and Salar de Talar generally also include the Lagunas Altiplánicas (below) and Laguna Chaxa (also below), both of which are on the same road out from San Pedro de Atacama. Expect to spend around $55,000 CLP for a tour to all of these destinations.

2. See the dawn at El Tatio Geysers

With 80 active geysers on 10 square kilometers (2,470 acres), the El Tatio geyser field (5am- 5pm daily, $15,000 CLP entrance fee; more information here ) is the third largest in the world, and at 4,320 meters elevation (14,170 feet), it’s also the highest.

Rising before dawn is the prerequisite to see them at their most photogenic – which is worth the bone-rattling two-hour journey on an unpaved road.

If you time it right, as the early light of dawn saturates the night sky, the fumaroles (steam from the geysers) are visible as they escape the earth in huge puffy columns, some of which can reach six meters in height. Get here too late and the steam doesn’t contrast as noticeably, making it less impressive.

The prime attraction is the spurting steam, but wildlife is also plentiful, and more observable after the deluge of tourists has departed. Vicuñas, viscachas, Andean foxes, and birdlife such as Andean gulls, black-billed shrike tyrants, and the bright yellow black-hooded sierra finch are found here.

Want to avoid the hassle of organizing your flights, accommodation, and tours to San Pedro de Atacama?

EcoChile Travel is a brilliant local tour operator with whom I’ve traveled on several occasions and I love their commitment to sustainability and supporting local communities. Their four-day San Pedro de Atacama itinerary costs from $1,895 USD per person and takes you to some of the region’s top attractions, as well as to meet local weavers in a traditional adobe village to learn more about the culture of the Atacama. You’ll get 5% off if you mention Worldly Adventurer.

There’s also a rustic thermal bath that’s heated by the geysers, albeit at a cooler temperature. The hot water arrives through shafts in the bottom of the pool, meaning the water is not a consistent temperature, nor is the ambient air particularly warm.

Bring plenty of warm clothing for after your swim and wrap up warmly anyway, as temperatures are well below 0°C before dawn.

How to visit El Tatio Geysers

It can be difficult to find the route in your own vehicle in the dark, but since all the traffic leaves San Pedro at the same time to reach the geysers for dawn, it’s not too hard to follow the line of vehicles.

The road is unpaved, so a high-clearance vehicle is essential. Experience driving in high altitude conditions is recommended, as the road weaves up into the mountains and gains significant altitude.

With a tour

Tours to El Tatio generally leave around two hours before dawn in order to be at the site for its most photogenic period. You can expect to pay around $40,000 CLP for a tour, which won’t include the entrance fee for the site.

Bring something soft to act as a pillow on the ride there (although you’ll need to be a heavy sleeper to snooze through the rough drive) and travel sickness medication if you experience motion sickness.

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3. Visit Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miñiques

Located only a short distance from Piedras Rojas and the Salar de Talar are two gleaming lagoons, Miscanti and Miñiques (enter between 9am-4pm; site closes at 6pm; $10,000 CLP adults and $8,000 CLP children entrance fee; book in advance here ).

Salt-rimmed and flanked on all sides by gently undulating rusty-colored volcanoes and rough, sun-baked shrubs, these lakes (also known as the Lagunas Altiplánicas) are perhaps the most beautiful in the whole of the Atacama Desert.

It is a true introduction to the barren landscapes of the Andean altiplano but the combination of motionless water and the brightest blue sky you will have even seen more than make up for the stark, inhospitable nature of the surrounding area.

How to get to Laguna Miscanti and Miñiques

From San Pedro de Atacama, it’s 90 kilometers (56 miles) to Socaire (around one hour). As with the Piedras Rojas, you are now required to check in with a pre-purchased ticket (buy it here ) in Socaire, one hour in advance of the time you’ve booked. I’m not entirely sure how long this gives you at the state, but I imagine it’s a one-hour slot.

From Socaire, it’s a further 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) to reach the turn-off to the lakes (which I think is signposted).

Be aware that they’re located at an altitude of 4,320 meters (14,170 feet) above sea level so make sure you bring plenty of water to stay hydrated on the trip.

Tours to the Lagunas Altiplánicas also tend to include Laguna Chaxa (below), the Piedras Rojas, and Salar de Talar. Expect to pay around $60,000 CLP for a tour to all of these destinations or just $35,000 CLP without the latter two.

4. Go off the beaten path at the Valle del Arcoíris (Rainbow Valley) and the petroglyphs of Hierbas Buenas

Perhaps the least visited of the places on this list of things to do in the Atacama Desert, Valle del Arcoíris ($5,000 CLP entrance fee) and the nearby Yerbas Buenas petroglyphs ($5,000 CLP entrance fee) are two other places that I strongly recommend, particularly if you’ve rented a car.

Your first stop will be the petroglyphs, where a series of rocky outcrops house carvings that have left relief images of guanacos, foxes, men, and cross-legged shaman.

It’s the best site for seeing cave paintings in the whole region and it’s not hard to see how these carvings have been so well-preserved – the fierce dryness of the desert is excellent at keeping things in place – and it’s worth considering the indigenous groups who survived in such a hostile place when you’re admiring these incredible etchings.

Valle del Arcoíris (Rainbow Valley) is next: an aptly named tapestry of multicolored rocks that weave through a series of hills through the river basin of Río Grande. They are hued in mint green, dusty red, and even splashes of white, caused, no doubt, by the mineral content of the rock.

We arrived for sunset and the shadows cast over the valley added an extra sense of magic. We didn’t see any other tourists during our visit – if you want to find things to do in the Atacama Desert far away from the gringo trail then a trip to Valle del Arcoíris definitely fits the bill.

How to get to Valle del Arcoíris (Rainbow Valley) and the petroglyphs at Yerbas Buenas

Take Ruta 23 north-west out of San Pedro de Atacama until at around 35km (30 minutes) you reach a right-hand turning onto a dirt road which is signposted towards Río Grande.

After around another half an hour you should arrive at Yerbas Buenas and the petroglyphs where you must pay $5,000 CLP entry. From there, continue along the main road and take the left turning towards Lican before you reach the bridge.

All of this is unpaved and only suitable for vehicles with high suspension. Continue along this road and after about 15-20 minutes you should start seeing the colors of the valley. They now charge $5,000 CLP for entrance to the valley; I’m not sure where you pay this, but there will likely be a booth by the side of the road.

Again, I would strongly recommend you download maps.me  (literally my favorite adventure travel app) on your phone before you leave as it’s not the easiest place to find and there’s also the possibility of getting lost in the valley as there are several dirt tracks that pass through.

An easier way to reach Valle del Arcoíris and the petroglyphs is with a tour from San Pedro. This should cost around $35,000 CLP for a half-day tour.

5. Go stargazing in the Atacama Desert’s remarkably clear skies

Because of the lack of light pollution and the average 330 clear nights that the region experiences annually, the Atacama Desert is one of the best places on the planet to appreciate the night sky .

Not only will you be able to see various constellations visible from the Southern Hemisphere, but you’ve got a very strong chance of seeing the Milky Way in all its glory. For the best opportunity, you’ll find the most favorable stargazing conditions are in October-November; avoid January-February, which can see electric storms and clouds, and August-September, when high winds cause dust storms.

I’ve both driven out into the desert for some independent stargazing and taken a tour and, if you want to learn about the stars and get a really good view of them, I highly recommend the latter.

How to go stargazing in the Atacama Desert

Stargazing tours.

San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations (SPACE) are regarded as the best in San Pedro de Atacama as they have 15 telescopes on-site, including a 720-centimeter telescope, the largest public telescope on the continent.

They conduct tours in English, Spanish, and French and are so popular that you will need to book; they’re often fully reserved a week or so in advance.

However, if you are traveling on your own then it’s possible to visit the office about 5/6pm to see if there have been any cancellations.

This happened to me for a Spanish-speaking tour on the same evening and a guy I met got on an English tour using the same method.

After leaving San Pedro (Domingo Atienze and  Caracoles) and a 15-minute journey to the observatory, six kilometers (four miles) south of town along Ruta 23, the tour starts beneath the stars with an informative and entertaining overview, including beliefs of our ancestors and how stars got their names.

You’ll then be shepherded toward the telescopes and told about what they’re trained on and given a cup of hot chocolate and a Q&A  session, before being driven back to San Pedro.

One of the best parts of hiring a car to visit the Atacama Desert is the freedom it gives you to drive off into the wilderness. Not only did we spend an afternoon taking tiny dirt roads just to see where they went, but we drove out of San Pedro and to a spot a few kilometers away where we could enjoy some stargazing .

Although I would certainly recommend taking a proper tour (see below), it was still a lot of fun taking the truck out, finding a spot without any light pollution, and enjoying the stars.

The police did come and ask us what we were doing (I think a person in a nearby house had alerted them to our vehicle) but “estamos viendo las estrellas” (“we’re watching the stars”) was enough explanation.

Need more inspiration?

You’ll find even more detailed itineraries, off-the-beaten-path gems, hiking routes and accommodation, restaurant and tour recommendations to suit your travel style in my brand-new guidebook, Moon Chile.

We took the road off towards El Tatio Geysers and pulled off down a dirt track and parked up by the side of the road.

You don’t have to get far away from the town to escape the light pollution and to realise why the Atacama Desert is one of the globe’s most spectacular places for admiring the constellations.

6. See the sunrise or sunset over the Mars-like Valle de la Luna

Ten kilometers west of San Pedro de Atacama, the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley; 9am-7pm Sun.-Fri., $10,000 CLP adults, $5,000 CLP children entrance fee; book at least a day in advance here ) is a jarring set of red and white rock formations created by tectonic forces four million years ago. This is easily the most popular of the region’s attractions, thanks to its proximity to San Pedro.

These canyons are special at dawn or dusk when the shadows lengthen and the soft light paints this bizarre lunar landscape and the Andes beyond in hues of pale pink. Take plenty of layers as the temperature drops rapidly at night.

How to explore the Valle de la Luna

To explore the salt caverns and climb the sand dunes, take Ruta 23 toward Calama on the northwest edge of town and turn left 600 meters after the bridge over the Río San Pedro. Follow the signs to Valle de la Luna and a toll booth where you show your ticket.

Hiring a bicycle and pedaling to the valley is a low-cost alternative, possible during the day (bring plenty of water) or, better still, on nights with a full moon, as the main highway lacks street lamps. From San Pedro, it’s a 30-minute ride to the ticket booth and another 15 minutes to the caverns.

Rent a bike from one of the agencies in San Pedro (along Toconao, south of Caracoles). Rentals cost $10,000 CLP for the whole day; ask to keep the bike overnight for an additional $15,000 CLP.

The popularity of this location means you’ll be sharing the sunset with at least a few other travelers. It’s relatively quiet during the day, so consider visiting earlier to avoid the crowds.

Tours normally involve walking through the valley, visiting some of the vast salt caverns, and sitting atop a sand dune to watch the sunset.

You can expect to pay around $20,000 CLP for a tour, which typically leave in the afternoon around 3pm to catch the moment the sun drops behind desert.

7. Drive out to the bewitching and remote landscapes of the Salar de Tara

Although we were told at the time that visiting the Salar de Tara was among the things to do in the Atacama Desert that you can only experience with a tour, it is actually possible to reach this huge stretch of salt flats and lagoons using your own vehicle.

As one of the least visited places in the Atacama Desert, you’re unlikely to spot any other tourists during your day trip and have this whole unique landscape all to yourself.

At the center of the salt flats is a vast salt-rimmed lagoon, home to an array of wildlife, including breeding flamingos, vicuñas, Andean foxes, and birds such as the puna plover and Andean goose.

Don’t miss the Monjes de la Pakana (the Pakana Monks), a series of rock pillars weathered by wind erosion to resemble the silhouettes of monks, although they are also known as the Moais of Tara, a reference to their similarity to the monolithic moai statues found on Rapa Nui.

How to visit the Salar de Tara

Most people visit the Salar de Tara with a tour, as the lack of defined roads to reach it makes it a hazardous journey if you’re not familiar with the area. Tours typically cost around $70,000 CLP and leave San Pedro at 8am and return by 4pm.

Groups visit Salar de Tara as an independent destination, as it’s not easy to combine with the region’s other attractions in the same day.

Part of the issue with visiting the Salar de Tara is that there are no clearly defined roads on the map and you definitely do need a 4×4 to arrive. I would recommend that you speak to the owner of your hostel and see if they can provide you with a map for how to get there.

From Ruta 27 from San Pedro de Atacama, it’s about 100 kilometers (62 miles) to reach Monjes de la Pacana and then from here it’s off-road – at which point you will need instructions to get to the Salar de Tara.

8. Try sandboarding

Two kilometers north of Valle de la Luna, the undulating Cordillera de la Sal continues before it becomes Valle de la Muert e, a name derived from confusion over a French accent.

It was originally named Valle de Marte – Mars Valley – by a Belgian man living in the region. His accent was misunderstood and it became known as Valle de la Muerte.

With its slopes of golden sand and strips of red rock, it’s as otherworldly as Valle de la Luna, but significantly quieter, with fewer visitors. Most come as part of sandboarding tours from town, with the rippling waves of sand providing an adventure playground for adrenaline seekers.

How to visit the Valle de la Muerte

Because you’ll need to hire equipment, it’s not possible to go sandboarding without a tour. You’re unlikely to be whizzing down the dunes as fast as the pros, but a 3.5-hour tour with  Sandboard San Pedro is excellent cardio and a brilliant way of seeing the desert from a new perspective.

Tours are for beginners and upwards and for CH$45,000 you get equipment that includes a helmet, an English-speaking guide, a souvenir video, and transport to the sand dunes from their office. Tours leave at 9am and 4pm daily, but you will need to reserve in advance. (reservation required).

During the full moon and occasional Saturdays, they run nighttime excursions at 9pm ($50,000 CLP). Tours focus on the dunes in Valle de la Muerte; those to Valle de la Luna have been suspended due to erosion. 

9. Catch the sunset at pink-hued Laguna Tebinquinche

The ultimate destination for sunset, Laguna Tebinquinche (4pm-8.30pm summer, 3pm-8.30pm winter, $5,000 CLP entrance fee) is a large saline lake bordered by stretches of hardened salt that turn a soft pink as the light drops.

The view is made even more magical by the orange hue of the mountains in the east, making this one of the most unique places to catch the sunset in the Atacama Desert.

While there are plenty of tour groups catching the very same view at the very same time, it was still my favorite place to see the sun go down – and a pisco sour (which is normally included in the tour) only added to the enjoyment!

How to visit Laguna Tebinquinche

Laguna Tebinquinche is very easy to reach independently. Turn left off Ruta 23 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of San Pedro de Atacama and head east and then due south along the dirt road to reach Laguna Cejar and then, a couple of kilometers further, Laguna Tebinquinche.

Most tours continue from Laguna Cejar south for a couple of kilometers to spend sunset on the lake’s pastel-hued shores. For $33,000 CLP, you’ll see get a pisco sour and nibbles to toast the dusk, but remember to wrap up warm when the sun finally sinks behind the Cordillera de la Sal.

10. See all three species of flamingos at Laguna Chaxa

When it comes to the region’s most famous water-loving residents – flamingos – there’s one place to head. Laguna Chaxa (8am-1pm, 2pm-6pm daily, $8,000 CLP adults, $4,000 CLP children entrance fee; book in advance here ) is one of the best destinations for spotting flamingos in the Atacama Desert as it’s home to large colonies of all three altiplano species: James’s, Andean, and Chilean.

It’s located within Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos (Los Flamencos National Reserve) and the vast Salar de Atacama, which stretches south from San Pedro de Atacama for over 100 kilometers (62 miles) and is the third largest salt flat on the globe.

It was formed by water deposits from the Andes Mountains collecting in this natural basin and evaporating to leave a crust of salt; bear in mind that the sediment – dirty and resembling dead coral – is significantly less impressive than El Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat across the border in Bolivia.

The best time to see the flamingos at Laguna Chaxa is when they’re most active. At sunrise, you’ll see them busy slurping the water for algae, but whatever the time of day, you’ll find this lake picture-perfect, with their pink bodies reflected in the water against a backdrop of pastel-hued mountains.

How to visit Laguna Chaxa

Laguna Chaxa is reached by taking Ruta 23 out of san Pedro south to the settlement of Toconao; continue 3.5 kilometers (two miles) south of the town and take the dirt B-355 west for another 20 kilometers (12.5 miles).  

You’ll generally find that tours visiting Piedra Rojas and the Lagunas Altiplánicas stop at Laguna Chaxa on the way to or from San Pedro de Atacama. It should cost around $60,000 CLP to see all three destinations.

11. Find out what it feels like to be weightless at Laguna Cejar

Going to space might not be an option for most of us, but if you’re wondering what it feels like to be weightless then head out to Laguna Cejar ($15,000 CLP adult, $5,000 CLP children, 9am-1pm open to the public; 2pm-6pm open to tour groups; book in advance).

This sinkhole has a salt concentration of 28 percent, which means that when you enter, you can float weightlessly. The water is cold, but it’s refreshing in the blazing heat of the desert and the feeling of bobbing around on the surface of this tranquil lake is more than worth the discomfort.

Bear in mind that the chemicals in sunblock have done damage to the fragile ecosystem of the water, so you’re not allowed to enter the water with any chemicals on your skin – so you’ll want to be careful about how long you spend in the water to prevent getting sunburn.

How to visit Laguna Cejar

To reach Laguna Cejar on your own, take Ruta 23 south from San Pedro for 17 kilometers (10.5 miles), then take a sharp right along the dirt track. It’s around a 30-minute drive from town.

It’s only open to the public between 9am and 1pm and you’ll need to book tickets in advance through this website . It’s also possible to persuade the people at the gate to let you enter for free for 30 minutes to take photos.

Organized tours typically start mid-afternoon from San Pedro de Atacama, stopping at the Ojos del Salar (one saltwater and one freshwater pool, the latter of which you can swim in) before heading to Laguna Cejar around 4pm and onwards to sunset at Laguna Tebinquiche.

Expect to pay around $33,000 CLP for this tour.

12. Take a dip in the Termas de Puritama hot springs

The Atacama Desert isn’t known for its cool daytime temperatures, so you might be surprised to learn that one of the most popular things to do here is to visit a series of natural hot springs in the Rio Puritama, a 30-minute drive north of San Pedro de Atacama.

The eight, crystal clear hot springs at the Termas de Puritama (9am-6:30pm daily, $30,000 CLP, $16,000 CLP 5.30pm-6.30pm; book in advance) have temperatures of between 25°C and 30°C, with the purportedly relieving rheumatism and arthritis due to the high concentration of sodium sulfate. However, when the air temperature is warm, they can feel less than refreshing.

The pools are in graduated sections of the valley and connected by small waterfalls. Each pool is accessible via a wooden walkway. The entrance fee is steep and gives you three hours in the pools; so it’s worth spending an entire morning or afternoon to get your money’s worth – or arrive for the sunset swim at 5.30pm instead.

How to visit the Termas de Puritama

The springs are 30 kilometers (19 miles) north of San Pedro on the road toward Géiseres del Tatio and are clearly signposted from the road. The road from Guatin is bumpy to say the least, so drive slowly. You must book your tickets in advance here .

Tours to the Géiseres del Tatio typically stop at the thermal springs on the way back from San Pedro de Atacama for no additional cost.

13. See meteorites from space at the Museo del Meteorito

While stargazing is a highly recommended activity in San Pedro, it’s also worth looking a little bit closer to home to learn more about space.

The Museo del Meteorito (6pm-9.30pm Tues.-Sun., $5,000 CLP adult, $4,000 CLP child) is housed in two large geodesic domes and offers fascinating insights into the arrival of objects from space.

It was born from the passion of two local brothers and now displays 77 of a collection of over 3,200 meteorites that have landed in the Atacama Desert; some have been dated to 4.5 million years old.

A free 45-minute audio guide, available in five languages, provides technical descriptions of the meteorites but most of the fun is admiring the rocks on display.

Ever touched something millions of years old? You’ll have the chance here, as two plastic cases with holes allow you to inspect the rocks close up and even touch them.

How to visit the Museo del Meteorito

Independently.

The museum is just north of the main streets of San Pedro de Atacama, making it within easy walking distance.

14. Sample wine from one of the highest-elevation wineries in the world

A desert – and the world’s driest nonpolar desert in the world – probably doesn’t sound like a likely place to grow vines. At least, that’s what I thought until I visited the indigenous Toconao community and their vineyards.

At 2,468 meters (8,097 feet) elevation, the vineyards of Viña Santa Romina (10.30am-5.30pm summer, 9.30am-4.30pm winter), are the highest in Chileand among the highest in the world. But one of the most remarkable features is seeing how neat rows of vines grow out of parched sand – all against the backdrop of the arid Salar de Atacama.

Visiting Santa Romina is a chance to learn about how exactly you grow grapes in a desert, before sampling their Ayllu wines, which have taken on the unique climatic conditions and volcanic soils of Atacama to produce bold flavors.

The vineyard itself is operated by a cooperative of indigenous Lickanantay people from the community, who have been cultivating wine since the 16th century. It’s a very unusual place, but still one of my favorite wineries in Chile !

How to visit Viña Santa Romina

No tour operators currently run trips to Viña Santa Romina, so you need to have your own transport. Book a tour directly here , which includes a tour of the vineyard and winery, plus a tasting of three of their wines for $44,990 CLP.

Useful information about visiting the Atacama Desert

Comprising more than 73,000 hectares in seven sections south and southeast of San Pedro, the spellbinding Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos contains many of the sights mentioned above

Most of the reserve’s seven sections have their own entrance station and there is no general park admission fee, so you’ll need to bring cash with you to pay for individual entry fees at the CONAF ranger station at the entrance.

Altitude is one of the biggest challenges of exploring the Atacama Desert, as many of the attractions are situated at elevations above 3,000 meters (9,850 feet). To avoid contracting altitude sickness, it’s best to work your way from the lowest- to the highest-elevation sights, particularly if you’re driving, as the effects of altitude can cause accidents.  

If you’re planning on cycling to the Valle de la Luna or around San Pedro de Atacama itself, take plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to avoid heatstroke.

Where to stay in San Pedro de Atacama

Accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama is very expensive, even by Chilean standards.

Following my visits to San Pedro de Atacama, the following places are my top picks.

I stumbled upon Ckuri Atacama ($80 USD) double) online and this is definitely the nicest place you will find in San Pedro. They only have three rooms and it’s best if you’re a couple (they’re only double rooms), but they all include a bathroom with shower, large double bed and a small dining area with fridge, cutlery and plates.

Breakfast isn’t included but you can easily buy what you need and eat in your own personal dining area! The owner, Edgar, is really really friendly and can help you out booking tours or with suggestions for dinner. They also have bikes that are free of charge to borrow and are in the process of building an upstairs terrace where they’ll have a telescope for star gazing.

If you’re looking for more space and facilities, the ten large bedrooms, decorated with thatch ceilings, adobe walls, and beautiful Andean textiles, make up the gorgeous  Hotel Pascual Andino  ($219 USD double). It’s situated just outside of the center of San Pedro de Atacama, making it within a stone’s throw of all of the town’s restaurants but without the unwelcome noise pollution.

Each room has a shady outdoor patio with rattan furniture as a place to relax during the cool evening, although each has access to an outdoor lounge and a small pool, which will likely become your go-to location during the heat of the day.  

The hotel’s free bikes are also handy if you fancy heading out to Valle de la Luna for a spectacular sunset, or just as a means of exploring the town on two wheels. 

Where to stay in San Pedro de Atacama on a budget

Just a short, 10-minute walk from the main street in San Pedro de Atacama lies one of the town’s best budget choices: Hostal Pablito ($85 USD double). With its large, year-round swimming pool and comfortable, impeccably clean bedrooms, this guesthouse feels like a real bargain. The staff are very welcoming and can be flexible with early breakfasts where required for pre-dawn tours.

Another option is Backpackers San Pedro Hostel ($14,000 CLP ($16 USD) dorm, $33,000 CLP ($38 USD)). It’s clean and had plenty of communal space (including two large kitchens) but is a little out of town (which shouldn’t be too serious but it is hot and difficult walking at 2,400 meters above sea level in a desert!). It’s a more relaxed option than many of the other hostels in town, although noise can still be an issue here.

Remember that, as in most of South America, there are a lot more hostels on the ground than you’ll find on the internet, so be prepared to take a wander around looking for accommodation that you might otherwise have missed.

Transportation to and from San Pedro de Atacama

From San Pedro de Atacama, buses leave for Salta, Argentina (11 hours). These generally only depart in the morning and as this is a popular crossing for backpackers, it’s recommended to book a couple of days in advance.

From nearby Calama (one hour’s drive from San Pedro), you can find buses to Bolivia (eight hours) (again only leaving in the morning and not necessarily every day) as well as buses to Santiago (24 hours).

Flights from Calama de Santiago can often be only a little bit more expensive than buses and take a tenth of the time. Flights start from $57,000 CLP ($92 USD) but it’s worth booking a few weeks in advance.

Compare prices on Skyscanner.com and try Jetsmart (super budget) or Sky Airline (budget) for the cheapest flights.

From Calama, minibus transfers leave directly after flights arrive and cost a fixed rate of $15,000 one-way and $28,500 return:

• TRANSVIP (tel. 55/2267 7300)
• Transfer Pampa Expedition (tel. 9/5256 0722 or tel. 9/5226 0720, [email protected] )

They all offer shared transfers to and from hotels in San Pedro, one and a half hours away.

You can organise for them to pick you up from your hostel if you have a flight back from Calama. An easier way is to rent a car directly from Calama Airport through  Rental Cars .

Other inspiration for places to visit in Chile

While there are plenty of adventure travel destinations in Chile , particularly in the north of Chile, no trip here would be complete without heading to the far south and Patagonia – a true adventure playground for travelers!

From the ultimate Chilean road trip along the Carretera Austral to penguin colonies and wild Patagonian scenery , there are plenty of reasons to head south after your trip to the Atacama Desert. Get inspired with these four Patagonia travel itineraries for short trips !

Tuesday 5th of December 2023

Hi, thanks for your very useful website. Can you please tell if Piedras Rojas is a separate ticket or I am covered if I have the ticket to Aguas Calientes Salt Flats + Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons? I couldn't tell if Piedras Rojas is simply the name of the road or a separate point of attraction. If it's a separate ticket, can you please re-post the link?

Steph Dyson

Sunday 14th of January 2024

Hi Pushkar, it's the same ticket as far as I'm aware. Steph

Giselle Valdeiro

Wednesday 1st of November 2023

Hello Steph - I am visiting Atacama in January and used the link in your post to book tickets to Piedras Rojas... The Socaire Chile website had a tab for 'visit SALAR DE AGUAS CALIENTES SUR "Red Stones". Is that the same as Piedras Rojas?

Best regards Giselle

Thursday 23rd of November 2023

Hi Giselle, yes it is! Steph

Tuesday 18th of July 2023

Hi there nice blog thanks for the tips! But some info is not correct and should be updated. >It is not possible to visit ALMA anymore (closed for 3 years already). >Also SPACE does not have an office anymore, you can only reserve by e-mail, the response is slow and tours will get full quickly, so plan at least 1-2 weeks in advance. Both were disappointments for us, so hope this update will help other travelers.

Thursday 18th of May 2023

Do you still need to prebook things in the Atacama desert during the off season? We are going the 20 of May. Ww are considering renting a car (which I know is your recommendation) but don’t want to prebook. Someone told me that if you go by car you can only visit places in the morning as the afternoons are reserved for tours. Please let me know. Thanks

Monday 5th of June 2023

Sorry I didn't respond to this earlier Sue. I hope you got it sorted!

Sunday 13th of March 2022

You can book the "Valle de la Luna" tickets on https://www.puntoticket.com/ ..just type in valle de la luna to find it!

Monday 21st of March 2022

Thank you Victoria! Steph

San Pedro de Atacama: Ultimate Guide To Exploring The Atacama Dessert

The Atacama Desert is one of the driest and inhospitable places on earth. But with stunning landscapes and these amazing things to do in San Pedro de Atacama and the Atacama Desert, a journey here is an experience that you won’t soon forget.

The small town of San Pedro de Atacama in the Antofagasta Region of Chile seems like an unlikely place for life-changing experiences. But a trip to this remote and desolate town in the Atacama desert reveals a wealth of hospitality and natural beauty that draws thousands of visitors year after year. In fact, explore the amazing things to do in San Pedro de Atacama was one of my favorite experiences while traveling through Chile.

With nearby experiences including the Valley of the Dead, the Moon Valley, flamingo-filled salt lakes, towering mountains topped with geothermal steam baths, and a local food scene that serves up incredible flavors that, alone, might make the journey to San Pedro de Atacama worth it, this town has a wealth of offerings.

The town is nearby to pre-Columbian ruins and alien landscapes that might make you feel as though you’re walking through a science fiction movie. And the nearby oasis nestled into the sheltered surroundings of a high plateau is something that all visitors must experience.

What To Do In San Pedro de Atacama

Table of Contents

There are a LOT of questions when traveling to San Pedro de Atacama, and I promise we’ll get to those. Christina and I had an unforgettable time in the town as a side-trip from our big adventures through Santiago, Valparaiso, and ultimately on to Easter Island .

Back when Christina still had time to write for our little website, she shared her experience of being barefoot and pregnant in the Valley of the Dead . That’s right, when we traveled to San Pedro de Atacama, she was six months into the journey that would bring us our first son. So, does that mean that we traveled to San Pedro de Atacama with kids ? Well, not quite, but we still tell C that he made the journey.

It was inspiring to witness Christina tackle the epic hikes and altitudes of the Atacama desert and Altiplano plateau while pregnant. And, while it did affect her ability to enjoy some of the more intense things to do in the Atacama Desert there were some experiences that tuckered her out more than others.

Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)

Not far from San Pedro de Atacama is the accurately-named Valle de la Luna , or “ Moon Valley ” for us anglophones. Valle de la Luna is one of the most popular places to visit in San Pedro de Atacama . This is not only due to its proximity and easy access but also because it is stunningly beautiful.

Although this is one of the most popular attractions in the Atacama Desert , don’t let that fool you into thinking about crowds. A traffic jam in the Atacama would be three vehicles within a mile of each othe r.

Some of the most popular tours of Atacama’s Moon Valley include hiking tours, c ycling tours, and road trips that take you to various parts of this beautiful place. You can also easily access the park independently by bicycle or by renting a car.

Valle de la Luna is a place where visitors are free to roam and explore . You’ll find dried-up riverbeds, sand dunes, and rock ridges that will take your breath away.

For a real treat, head to the tall dunes just outside of town (any local can point you in the right direction). It’s here that you can catch one of the most beautiful sunsets that you’ll find anywhere in the world.

You can check out the Valle de la Luna tour prices below:

Pukara de Quitor (Quito Fort)

The ancient fortress of Pukara de Quitor was a site that I didn’t even know existed when I did my travel to San Pedro de Atacama. Christina and I stumbled on it while exploring some of the landscapes just a couple of miles from town. And it wasn’t until talking to some locals that we learned what we had stumbled upon.

Dating back to the 12th Century , Pukara de Quitor is one of the most incredible and ancient man-made attractions in San Pedro de Atacama . These pre-Columbian ruins are the remains of a fortress built of stacked stones and defensive walls and offer up a jaw-dropping view of the Atacama oasis.

At the time of our visit, it wasn’t open to outsiders, but that has now changed. You can reach Pukara de Quitor by heading north along the Rio San Pedro from town.

Salar de Tara

While they don’t have the same vast expanses as the salt flats in Bolivia, the Salar de Tara is still a stunning example of the earth’s changing dynamics.

These massive salt plains spread for miles in every direction. This is a magical spot filled with contrasting colors as the water seeps from the mountains and streams and collects on the plains creating beautiful reflections .

It’s large enough that you can play with the same fun depth-of-field photos that make visiting the Salar de Uyuni so famous. And it takes only a f ew hours to drive to it from San Pedro de Atacama . So, it’s relatively easy to get to as well.

Don’t be surprised to see hundreds of flamingos skimming the waters for the salt-rich brine that they love to dine on.

Tours of Salar de Tara are often combined with a few other areas of the Atacama Desert . You can check those out below:

Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley)

Although it shares the same name with a similar desert region in California, the ominously named Valle de la Muerte is a completely different experience. The valley is full of f laming red rocks and raw terrain that makes the story behind its name easy to understand.

Death Valley in the Atacama is located not far from the Moon Valley. And it’s easy to see why it has been the l ocation of many sci-fi movies set on Mars. Similar to other red sand destinations such as Wadi Rum in Jordan, the iron-rich sand and rock has been oxidized turning the landscape into the current gorgeous rusty-red.

The Valle de la Muerte is a popular a dventure destination for horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and more . You can read more about our time in the Valley of the Dead here.

Valley de la Muerta tours are often combined with Valle de la Luna tours . You can check those prices out below:

El Tatio Geysers

Located at a breathless altitude of 14,173 feet (4,320 meters) and requiring a winding drive up steep mountain paths has not stopped the El Tatio Geysers from becoming one of the most popular places to visit in the Atacama Desert .

I know that “alien landscapes” tend to be a trope in this guide to the Atacama Desert, but honestly, it’s true for the El Tatio geysers as well. It’s just a ridiculously wild place to be .

Most tours to the El Tatio Geysers begin very early for the slow, 55-mile (89 km) journey up the steep mountain passes. The best time to visit El Tatio is first thing in the morning when you can take in the brilliant sunrise over the mountains . This is when the hot water from the geothermal pools steams up magnificently into the air.

You can self-drive to El Tatio. But be warned that the roads up are very steep . Even many of the tour buses struggle along some of the sections. You will be stuck in traffic and you’ll want an engine with a bit of oomph to counteract the lower oxygen levels and steep inclines.

Alternatively, you can book an organized tour to El Tatio from San Pedro de Atacama and rest for the journey. You probably won’t be running on much sleep anyway as most tours begin between 3-4 o’clock in the morning .

Bring a bathing suit and a towel, as some of the geothermal pools are safe to swim in . And you won’t want to miss the experience of having a natural bath at the top of the world. You can read about our time in the El Tatio Geysers here .

Tours to the El Tatio Geysers are usually stand-alone tours . Although ambitious travelers can often add an afternoon tour in as well.

Laguna Cejar

Throughout our travels, we’ve floated on the salty waters of the Dead Sea in Jordan and lazed about in the salt ponds of the Siwa Oasis in Egypt . But, there is something so extraordinary about floating on mineral-rich salt ponds at the high-altitudes of the Atacama Desert.

The peaceful surroundings and brilliant blue waters of Laguna Cejar make for a destination that is hard to tear yourself away from. You can easily spend a few hours floating effortlessly upon the waters. Although I recommend bringing some jugs of fresh water to rinse yourself off afterward . You’ll thank me when your thighs don’t chafe.

Laguna Cejar tours are normally only offered as part of a larger, multi-day package that includes many of the best sites to see in the Atacama Desert. You can check those out below.

Lagunas Miscanti y Miniques

The brilliant blue waters of Lagunas Miscanti y Miniques belie the desolate surroundings of the arid Atacama landscapes. At a quick glance, everything surrounding the Lagunas Miscanti y Miniques seems dry and dead. But a closer look shows off the brilliant yellows, reds, and browns that make up the flora surrounding the waters.

This is also where Christina was followed for nearly an hour by a curious fox . We think the fox must have smelled that she was pregnant and curiously tailed us along the paths, even sitting a safe distance off while we rested for a while near the parking lot.

It’s worth the drive out to Lagunas Miscanti y Miniques for the brilliant colors and views of the lagoon. And if you see the fox, make sure to say hi for us.

Lagunas Miscanti y Miniques is typically combined with a full-day tour from San Pedro de Atacama that covers many of the Atacama places to visit. You can check the prices out below:

Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks)

This popular Atacama attraction, about 100 miles (160 km) from San Pedro de Atacama towards the border with Argentina , can be a bit of a confusing drive . But there are plenty of Piedras Rojas tours due to the popularity of the experience. These tours usually include Laguna Chaxa as well as the towns of Socaire and Toconao .

The rocks here are a brilliant shade of red and the surrounding landscapes offer dramatic contrasts of yellows and browns combined with the brilliant blues of the high-altitude skies that make Piedras de Rojas a marvelous sight to behold.

The site sits at 13,123 feet (4,000 meters) above sea level . And the region is ringed with snow-capped volcanoes . If that alone doesn’t make the journey worth it for you, visiting the friendly desert towns along the way sure will.

Piedras Rojas tours are usually combined with a full-day tour from San Pedro de Atacama . You can check out the prices below.

Termas de Puritama and the Valle de Jere

The eight connected geothermal pools that make up the Termas de Puritama were one of our favorite parts of exploring the Atacama Desert in San Pedro de Atacama.

The flowing stream that connects the pools and waterfalls is a popular spot on the tours that explore the salt flats and mountain villages. They have been used for centuries by the Atacama people due to their comfort, beauty, and healing properties of the mineral-rich water.

You can easily spend the whole day relaxing in the warm waters and bathing in the beautiful mountain surroundings.

Tours to Termas Puritanas and Valle de Jerre can be combined with full-day Atacama tours or done as a stand-alone tour that includes nearby villages.

ALMA Observatory

With the perfect combination of high altitude, remote location, and brilliant dark skies, the Atacama Desert is one of the best places in the world for stargazing .

Because of this amazing combination of factors, astronomists have built one of the world’s leading observatories in the Atacama desert . The ALMA Observatory works in harmony with other observatories such as the ones on Mauna Kea on Hawaii’s Big Island and Haleakala on Maui to help scientists paint ever-more accurate pictures of the Universe that surrounds us.

There are few places on Earth where you can see as many stars with the naked eye as you can in the Atacama . The ALMA Observatory is the largest and most powerful observatory that is open to the public .

The guided tours will give you a glimpse into the life and science behind the observatory. And, of course, a glimpse into the universe as well.

Observatory tours are o ften paired with night sky viewing and astromony tours in San Pedro de Atacama . You can check out the prices below.

Town of Tocanao

Located just 24 miles (38 km) south of San Pedro de Atacama is the quaint town of Toconao . This quiet village is a prime example of the mud and brick architecture that has been a staple here for centuries.

In the center of town is a tall church bell tower that dates back to 1750 . You’ll also find delicious homemade local food and snack stands alongside rustic washrooms that are a welcome sight after long days in the desert.

A visit to Toconao is often paired with a tour of the Atacama salt flats . You can check those prices below.

Laguna Chaxa

The salty waters of Laguna Chaxa are one of the best places in the Atacama to see massive flocks of pink flamingos . In fact, there are three different species of flamingo that spend much of the warmer months wading and feeding in the massive salt lake that glitters under the blue skies.

Flat footpaths meander through the rocky salt fields and mirror-like ponds that make up Laguna Chaxa. It’s especially beautiful at sunset when the colors bounce off the clear waters.

Tours of Laguna Chaxa are often combined with a visit to the salt flats and Pedra Rojas. You can check those prices below.

Explore The Town of San Pedro de Atacama

You can’t experience the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama without talking about the town itself. This charming village in the remote desert is a wonderful place to be.

The mud and brick buildings and dusty dirt roads harken back to a simpler time . Walking around San Pedro de Atacama may make you think that you’ve hopped into a Delorean and time traveled a few centuries into the past .

The streets are lined with vendors selling handmade trinkets and clothing. And it’s not rare to see a herd of sheep wander down the road . Modern services such as WiFi and electricity can be scarce in the town. Most of the accommodations have them, but it’s not rare for restaurants and shops to be lit by candles.

In the town, you can rent cars and bicycles to explore. Or just wander the shops and restaurants and enjoy the slow pace of life.

Where To Stay In San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama isn’t a place you’ll want to travel for a day trip . It’s remote and beautiful. And you’ll want to spend at least a few days exploring all the things to do in the Atacama desert.

Luckily, there are some great places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama for all price ranges and comfort levels. You’ll find budget hostels to mid-range guesthouses and even luxury resorts .

San Pedro de Atacama Airbnb and VRBOs

Without a doubt short term (or long-term) rentals are among the best ways to experience life in San Pedro de Atacama . Chances are that you will be spending at least a few days exploring the Atacama Desert, and a rental will give you the flexibility to explore at your leisure .

Here are a couple of gems that we love.

Charming Dome With a Treehouse Feel

Just a 10-minute walk from San Pedro de Atacama town center , this funky two-story dome surrounded by native trees offers a unique stay for those looking for something funky . The kitchen has everything that you need to make yourself at home and you’ll have a mple access to hot water and WiFi . You’ll even have shared access to bikes, hammocks, bbq, and a washing machine .

The two-story dome-style accommodation stands out from many of the other places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama due to its unique architectural style.

You can find the latest prices and availability below.

El Otro Huertillo

This new cabin is situated in a charming garden just a 1 5-minute stroll from town . The cabin can comfortably house 3 people in 1 Queen and 1 Twin bed . It includes a fully-equipped kitchen, hot water, electricity, and WiFi . Please note that there is an additional charge of $25 for a 3rd guest.

Best Hotels in San Pedro de Atacama

This might be a small town, but if you’re looking for some beautiful San Pedro de Atacama hotels , you’re in luck! The remote location hasn’t deterred locals and businesses from setting up shop here to create some true accommodation gems . Here are a few of our favorites.

Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa

If you’re looking for luxury accommodations in San Pedro de Atacama , Tierra Atacama Hotels should make your list.

This gorgeous property has a s wimming pool, spa, and on-site restaurant in case you’re too tired from exploring the Atacama all day to make the short trip into town. You’ll also have access to WiFi, hot water, air conditioning, and electricity .

All of the rooms also have private patios and four-poster beds to add additional luxury to your stay. Plus, you’ll have access to a continental breakfast of traditional and Chilean food .

You can check the rates and availability below.

Hotel Desertica

With free bike rentals, WiFi, electricity, hot water, and a superb central location , Hotel Desertica checks off all of the boxes for great places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama. But these basics are just the start.

Hotel Desertica is located just a quarter-mile (400m) from the San Pedro Church right in town. So you’ll have easy access to restaurants, shops, and car rentals. Each of the unique rooms features private bathrooms, toiletries, and access to an a la carte and buffet-style breakfast .

You’ll also have access to an outdoor pool, garden, and lovely walking paths . It’s no surprise as to why this is one of the most popular San Pedro de Atacama hotels .

You can check out the prices and availability below.

Tips For Visiting San Pedro De Atacama

Visiting San Pedro de Atacama with Kids

San Pedro de Atacama and the Atacama Desert are lovely places to visit with children . It’s quite remote and raw, so it can often scare off adults who aren’t comfortable with these types of destinations. But those who travel with kids to the Atacama Desert usually love their experience. However, there are a few things to know before you go.

• Whenever you’re dealing with kids and elevation, be prepared. Kids aren’t always great at understanding the signs of altitude sickness . If they get queasy, lightheaded, or lethargic, head down to lower altitudes immediately.
• Some tours may not accept children due to safety or insurance issues. Some of these places, such as Valle de la Muerte aren’t dangerous by our standards, but tour companies have to work within their own rules. Consider renting a car and doing a self-drive for these experiences.
• You will not have cell reception in most areas of the Atacama . And when you do, don’t expect it to be consistent.
• If you’ll be making your own food at your hotel or accommodation, consider buying groceries in Calama . There are not many options in San Pedro de Atacama itself.

How Do You Get From Santiago To San Pedro de Atacama?

Getting to Santiago from San Pedro de Atacama or vice-versa can be a challenging experience. San Pedro de Atacama is remote and transit can be complicated. But, if you do it right, traveling from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama doesn’t need to be stressful.

Flying to San Pedro de Atacama

The distance between the Santiago and San Pedro de Atacama is 1,000 miles (1,629 km) . And the fastest way to travel between Santiago and San Pedro de Atacama is by plane from Santiago to the city of Calama . From there, there is a shuttle bus that can take you to San Pedro de Atacama for a fee. You can also hire a private transfer, get a taxi, or rent a car .

Driving to San Pedro de Atacama

If you choose to drive to San Pedro de Atacama from Santiago , you’re looking at a drive time of about 17-18 hours without breaks . But, driving to San Pedro de Atacama from Santiago allows you to take in popular attractions such as Capiapo, Bahia Inglesa, and Antofagasta .

Route 5 , which is what you’ll take for the majority of the trip is a well-maintained road and you won’t have to deal with too many complications until you reach the stretch from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama.

As you’re driving through the desert, remember that the shoulders, especially around the Valle de la Luna, can be VERY soft . I pulled over to take a photo and ended up spending two hours digging my truck out of the sand while my poor, very pregnant wife reminded me that I had been told many times to not pull onto the shoulder ( always listen to locals ).

Luckily, we were saved by some locals who were able to tow us out at the cost of one tow strap and a little bit of sweat.

Bus to San Pedro de Atacama

Busses in South America are on a level that we just won’t appreciate when coming from North America. We learned this on our 9-hour bus ride from Cusco to Puno, Peru .

T hey take the same route as most cars , but you’ll have on-board snacks and drinks, access to washrooms , and of course, air-conditioning. For a long drive like this, I recommend s pending a few extra pesos for the salon-cama, or lounge bed . These are nearly lay-flat seats that will let you doze away comfortably.

How Many Days Should You Spend in San Pedro de Atacama?

To make the most of your visit to San Pedro de Atacama and the Atacama desert, you’ll want to spend at least four days exploring . But, i f you can stretch your visit to a week , you’ll be able to experience all of these things to do in the Atacama Desert at a much more relaxed pace.

How do you get around San Pedro de Atacama?

Getting around San Pedro de Atacama is a breeze. Walking, biking and driving are the main ways to explore . The town itself is tiny and walking anywhere in town rarely takes more than 10-15 minutes.

Cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around. You’ll find San Pedro de Atacama bicycle rentals all over town . And having a bike handy will make exploring the Moon Valley and Death Valley much more efficient.

Renting a car allows you to do a DIY San Pedro de Atacama adventure . You won’t need it in town, but getting to the El Tatio Geysers, or Valle de la Muerte will be much more convenient and less expensive than booking a tour.

Can you drink tap water in San Pedro de Atacama?

Unless you have spent a significant amount of time in rural Chile, I’d recommend avoiding tap water . In the north, heavy mining has led to some arsenic and heavy metals leaching into the water. And then there is the fact that sometimes, stomachs just don’t adapt well to water in other countries. It might not be bad, but your stomach might not agree.

But, if you bring one of these filtered water bottles , you can take advantage of the tap water or even fresh stream or lake water (not saltwater though) and have fresh clean water wherever you travel. We never leave home without ours.

What Is The Altitude of San Pedro de Atacama?

San Pedro de Atacama sits at an altitude of 7,900 ft (2,408 m). The Andes Mountains, which winds through the Atacama Desert reach heights of well over 13,000 ft (4,000 m), with some towering heights of 20,000 ft (6,000 m).

What Is The Best Time To Visit the Atacama Desert?

Summer is the high season in the Atacama Desert . From December to February you’ll find the most pleasant temperatures and warm nights that make stargazing and nighttime hikes a popular experience. The t emperatures during the summer months can hit highs of 81°F (27°C) during the day and 61°F (16°C) at night .

The low season in the Atacama is during the winter from June-August . You’ll generally find lower-cost accommodations . However, access to some of the more remote experiences might be cut off due to winter storms. Temperatures during this time can reach highs of 72°F (22°C) during the day and lows can reach 28°F (-2°C) at night .

Shoulder season covers the other parts of the calendar. Spring shoulder season is from September to November while Fall shoulder season runs from March till May . These are excellent times to visit as the prices are generally lower and the crowds much less busy, but you’ll still get relatively comfortable temperatures.

Have You Ever Visited San Pedro de Atacama or the Atacama Desert?

If you love wild, natural landscapes and quaint towns like us, you will absolutely be in heaven in San Pedro de Atacama. If you’ve been to this magical place, drop a comment below and tell us about your experience. Or, if you love to travel with kids, head over to our Family Travel Facebook Community and share your tips. We would love to hear your ideas.

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The Perfect 4 Day San Pedro de Atacama Itinerary | Visit Atacama Desert

There is something so magical about Chile’s Atacama Desert. Last Thursday, my friends and I hopped on a plane from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama for quite easily one of the greatest long weekends of my entire life. This is how we spent four days in the Atacama Desert, and how you can plan the perfect desert trip too.

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CHILE TRAVEL BASICS Getting There: FLIGHTS & BUSES Getting There: AIRPORT TRANSFERS Accommodation: HOTELS & HOSTELS Things to Do: TOURS & ACTIVITIES Getting Around: RENTAL CARS Safety & Health: TRAVEL INSURANCE

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in San Pedro de Atacama

I haven’t stayed in many hostels before but I can honestly say that Hostal Rural is the most unique, lovely, wonderful, and amazing hostel I have ever stayed in. It is so colorful and hippie-esque with hammocks and a ‘Chill Out Zone’ cave with fabric hangings as a make-shift roof and paintings all over the walls by the locals. Our hostel manager, Nacho, was the bomb and also gave us discounts on all of our tours. The whole place had such a relaxed vibe and everyone was super friendly. Unfortunately, I lost all my photos of Hostal Rural, but you can see photos of it and book it here.

To see more options of where to stay in San Pedro de Atacama, you can compare hostels and their prices here.

 Take Your First Day Easy: Altitude Sickness Prevention

Upon arrival, we were told to be careful of altitude sickness by drinking lots of water and chewing on coca leaves. The Atacama desert is over 2,000 meters above sea level and coming there straight after being used to only about 1,000 meters above sea level can be hard to adjust to. Not to mention that many of the places we went to during our time in the desert, rose to more than 4,300 meters above sea level.

Altitude sickness doesn’t affect everyone, but it does hit some people, and it’s impossible to know if it will affect you before you go. Even being young and in good physical health doesn’t guarantee that you won’t experience it. Most of my friends and I felt a little lightheaded on our first day and some had headaches. The more extreme forms of altitude sickness can include nastier symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. If not treated properly altitude sickness can even be deadly. Thankfully no one I was with on this trip experienced any of the harsher symptoms.

To best avoid altitude sickness make sure you hydrate with lots of water and sports drinks. Be sure to only go to higher altitudes during the days and sleep at lower altitudes. There are a lot of much higher places to visit from San Pedro de Atacama, so make sure that you don’t go to the highest possible spot on your first day. Let yourself acclimatize. Protect yourself from the sun, and don’t do too much strenuous activity on your first day. Be sure to also chew on coca leaves and drink coca leaf tea. Remember that the best thing to do if you do get seriously ill is to try to go to a much lower altitude.

Coca leaves usually get a bad reputation as they can be made into cocaine. However, the raw leaf can be used to alleviate and prevent altitude sickness symptoms. You can either chew them and then spit them out, or pour hot water over them to make tea. They are used both in Chile, Peru, and other places at high altitudes. While I was in the desert, I bought coca leaves, chewed them, put them in tea, and always kept my water bottles full of them too. I can’t say for sure if I’m one of the people who just don’t get affected by altitude sickness too much or if the leaves worked some kind of magic on me, but I definitely felt more at ease having them on hand.

Day One: The Lagoon Tour to Laguna Cejar

The evening that we arrived in the desert, we ended up just going out for dinner and relaxing at our hostel to better acclimatize to the altitude. On our first full day in the desert, we decided to take a trip to the Laguna Cejar. The tour took us to Laguna Cejar where we could swim as well as a few other beautiful desert lagoons. However, don’t let the fact that it’s a desert fool you. The water was freaking cold. If you are willing to brave the cold you can lay back in the water and float due to all the salt!

We booked our tour to Laguna Cejar through our hostel, but you can also book your own half-day tour here. The Laguna Cejar and other lagoons are only 20 km (12.5 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama . The tours also have hostel pick up and drop off included.

Day Two: Altiplanic Lagoons, Sand Boarding, and the Valle de la Luna

The beautiful altiplanic lagoons.

We woke up early. Too early. In fact we thought our tour to the Altiplanic Lakes started at 6am so we all got up at 5am and got ready. Of course there was a miss communication of some sort because after walking around San Pedro de Atacama for about an hour and deciding to give up and go back to bed, we realized the tour was actually at 8:30am. Anyways we did get to the Altiplanic Lakes after all which were about 4,000 meters above sea level and absolutely stunning. Also it was extremely cold. When you’re that high above sea level, even the driest desert on earth is going to be freezing. Be sure to wear tons of layers for your trip up to the Altiplanic lagoons. 

Sand Boarding in the Atacama Desert: Easily The Coolest Thing I’ve Ever Done

That afternoon was definitely one of my highlights because we got to do something that has been on my bucket list for a while now. We went sandboarding!!! All the equipment is the same as snowboard equipment except you board down giant sand dunes. I cannot believe I actually got to do this. It was kind of tricky seeing as I’ve only snowboarded once before, and I definitely did a few barrel rolls down the dunes. I had so much fun that I don’t even care that even after a week of leaving the desert, I still have sand in places sand should never be.

You can book sandboarding tours for the morning, evening, or even moon-lit sandboarding tours late at night here.

Enjoying the Sunset at Valle de la Luna (The Valley of the Moon)

After sand boarding our guide took us to Valle de la Luna to watch the sunset accompanied by pisco sour (Chilean alcohol) and snacks (chips and peanuts). Once we got there I really had to pee and I knew I wasn’t going to enjoy the sunset until I was free to empty my incredibly small bladder. Too bad they don’t have baños (bathrooms) in the middle of the desert. I ended up walking for quite a while to some rocks that looked big enough to hide behind. Afterwards I was able to enjoy the beautiful sunset. It really was gorgeous and I miss the smog-free view already.

Day Three: El Tatio Volcano, Geysers, Valle de la Luna and Stargazing at the Observatory

El tatio volcano and geysers.

This time we woke up really really early. We had to get up at 4 am to go see the El Tatio volcano and geysers. This was the highest point we visited, resting at 4,300 meters above sea level. Now I’m not a science-y person so forgive me if I explain this wrong but something about the volcano and the earth forces hot water and minerals out of holes (geysers) in the ground…

Yep, I butchered that explanation but basically, there’s a bunch of steam and hot water squirting out of the ground everywhere that looks absolutely magical early in the morning. Also, there was one place where we could swim in the hot water , which was lovely since it was so cold up there. All the other places were too hot and dangerous to swim in. In fact, our guide informed us that the locals like to call the hot water “sopa de turistas” (tourist soup) because so many people have died entering the geysers. So, just make sure that you only swim in the geysers that your tour guides indicate are safe. 

Exploring Valle de la Luna

Our Valle de la Luna tour took us hiking through the valley and through some amazing salt caves. The Valle de la Luna gets its name because the rock formations, reddish-brown dirt, and incredible open starry sky at night makes it look like you’re walking on the moon. You can overlook the valley from the top and enjoy the incredible views, hike through salt caves, or appreciate the many different rock formations.

Many tours will take you to the top of the valley for a beautiful view and some will provide you with pisco sour as well. Like I mentioned before, we booked all our tours through our hostel, but you can book your Valle de la Luna tour here. 

Stargazing at the Observatory

The Atacama Desert is a worldwide famous place to stargaze since San Pedro de Atacama is such a small town and there is so little light pollution. I don’t know how we survived on so little sleep but after watching the sunset at Valle de la Luna again we decided to go on one last tour to an observatory where we could stargaze. We had a wonderful guide who pointed out the constellations of Scorpio and Capricorn to us. He also showed us the Milky Way and let us see the moon, Mars, and Saturn through a giant telescope. It ended up being one of my favorite tours by far. Our guide also helped us take photos of the moon through the huge telescope.

Day Four: Heading Back to Santiago

Today we woke up at a reasonable hour and although none of us wanted to we hopped on a van back to the Calama airport. I made friends with a Chilean woman and her 11 month old daughter on the plane. She said she had been to Canada before so we talked about studying abroad and travel. Now I’m back in rainy Santiago. My hair and skin are so happy here because there is actually moisture in the air. I do wish I could have spent more time in the Atacama desert because it quite literally took my breath away but I am also glad to be back in Santiago. First thing I did when I got back was go to my favorite cafe, Cafe Palermo. And now finally I’m ready for a long deep sleep.

Other Things to Do in the Atacama Desert

Some other things that I didn’t have time for, but would have loved to do while in the desert are listed below. I hope these suggestions help make your trip super enjoyable. Let me know in the comments if you’re going to Chile’s Atacama Desert soon or if you have any questions!

• Ride quads or ATVs through the desert.
• Visit the Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks) sandstone formations.
• Visit the National Flamingo Reserve and Atacama Salt Flats at Laguna Chaxa.

Make sure you also check out this list of places to eat in San Pedro de Atacama!

Other posts you may like:

• Skiing in Chile: Everything You Need to Know About Skiing at El Colorado
• Spanish in Chile & Chilean Slang: Everything You Need to Know
• Pucón Chile: 7 Things to Do in one of the Most Gorgeous Places in Chile
• Surprise Trip Planning: How to Surprise Someone with a Trip

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1 thought on “The Perfect 4 Day San Pedro de Atacama Itinerary | Visit Atacama Desert”

I’m so glad you took altitude sickness precautions! I got altitude sickness in Ecuador and it was so so awful! Thanking of you, Apes!

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19 Epic Things to Do in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

From exploring the Moon Valley to floating effortlessly in salt posaols, these are the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama.

The Atacama Desert in Northern Chile is one of the most amazing places in South America.

Known for being the driest non-polar desert on earth (Antarctica just beats it), you could be forgiven for thinking it is a flat, sandy world devoid of any life.

This is simply not the case.

The landscape around the Atacama Desert is sensationally varied, with cone-shaped volcanoes dotting the horizon, rugged valleys eroded into the sandstone and captivating salt lakes scattered like jewels in the rough.

At its heart is the rustic village of San Pedro de Atacama. With an eclectic mix of indigenous and modern cultures, San Pedro feels a lot more like its neighbour, Bolivia, than it does Chile.

It is in this earthen village where adventures into the Atacama Desert begin…

Table of Contents

Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)

Piedras rojas, go stargazing in the atacama, float in laguna baltinache, el tatio geysers, visit salar de tara, chacabuco nitrate village, find the flamingos at laguna chaxa, wander around the death valley, visit the pukara de quitor (quito fort), walk around the village of san pedro de atacama, visit the oasis at valle de jere, take a trip to tocanao, drive out to rio grande, find the church at socaire, learn about ancient history at the yerbas buenas petroglyphs, have lunch in machuca, fly in a hot air balloon over the atacama desert, enjoy the mountain views, san pedro de atacama travel guide, camping san pedro de atacama, best hostels in san pedro de atacama, save this pin for later, things to do in the atacama desert.

There are dozens of amazing things to do in the Atacama Desert. Whether you are into sightseeing or hiking, adventure activities or wildlife, you’ll never be short of places to visit here.

We spent 10 days on an Atacama Desert road trip, living out of a camper van and exploring the best spots around.

A few days checking out the things to do in San Pedro de Atacama was more than enough, but it’s all the activities out in the desert that will keep you here for longer.

Here is our list of the absolute best things to do in the Atacama Desert.

Just outside of San Pedro de Atacama is the other-worldly Valle de la Luna, or Moon Valley in English. It is perhaps the most visited, and widely known of the places to visit in the Atacama Desert. And for good reason.

Walking, cycling or driving through the Moon Valley is like being on, you guessed it, the moon. This landscape is one of the main reasons people visit the Atacama Desert.

Being so accessible to San Pedro de Atacama also means it’s very popular with tourists, but don’t let that put you off from visiting.

From the moment you enter the park you become part of a huge adventure playground. As long as you keep safe, you’re free to climb over the dunes and ridges, crawl through caverns and hike to your heart’s content.

The viewpoints just outside of town are also a great spot to catch sunset. If you don’t have your own wheels or don’t want to rent a bicycle, you can join a tour, although we recommend going independently.

Make sure you set aside at least 3-4 hours for proper exploration of this epic San Pedro de Atacama must see.

Entrance: 3000 CLP (USD$5), or 2500 CLP before midday.

After the Moon Valley and the El Tatio Geysers, Piedras Rojas (or Red Rocks in English) is the next most popular thing to do in the Atacama Desert, and once you get there you’ll see why.

Water of the bluest colour laps against large sandstone formations that glow red in the midday sun. The rocks have been eroded over time to be round lumps across the landscape.

With snow-capped volcanos forming the backdrop, it’s easy to see why tour companies in town push this location so hard.

It’s quite a drive from San Pedro de Atacama, heading towards the Argentine border, and with an altitude of over 4000m, it’s not always possible to visit in the winter time. In fact when we tried to get there the roads were closed due to snow.

Still if you’re there in the right time of year, don’t miss a trip to Piedras Rojas. It’s one of the best things to see in San Pedro de Atacama.

Want to spend a full day exploring? Check out this awesome guided day-tour of Altiplanic Lagoons and Piedras Rojas !

The Atacama Desert is known for having the best stargazing opportunities in the world. The high altitude coupled with the low density population means there’s almost no light pollution. This creates perfect conditions to see the Milky Way.

You can do what we did, and simply camp out in the desert and admire the stars at night, or sign up for an Atacama Desert stargazing tour.

These tours leave San Pedro de Atacama in the evenings, and head out to a remote location in the desert. The company will provide light snacks, drinks, and most of all a powerful telescope, so that you can really study the stars. They are among the most popular San Pedro de Atacama attractions.

If you want to go a step further consider doing a tour out to one of the observatories, which are open to the public. Definitely check out ALMA , the largest observatory ope to the public in the world.

Want to learn how to take better photos on your travels? Check out our article on travel photography tips for beginners.

Huge salt plains can be found all over the Atacama Desert, and these create interesting depth perception experiences (think about the classic photos that come out of Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia).

This huge concentration of salt also has another cool effect though. The lagoons and ponds around the Atacama Desert are so salty you can float effortlessly in them.

Join a multi-day guided tour to Salar de Uyuni and take your time exploring the interesting rock formations, geysers, lagoons and see if you can spot a flamingo.

The most popular place to visit is Laguna Cejar, but we decided to visit the newly-discovered Laguna Baltinache, which is located down a long, dirt road off the main highway between San Pedro de Atacama and Calama.

For 5000 CLP (USD$8.35) you can swim in the salty pools, and the feeling of having half your body out of the water is quite surreal. Laguna Baltinache also has very few visitors, so it’s like visiting the Dead Sea without any people.

The $8.35 also includes shower facilities, which is a must to get all the salt off of your skin.

If you prefer to visit Laguna Cejar you won’t regret it, as it’s beautiful, but it’ll cost you three times the price and you’ll have to share the experience with dozens of people.

The most popular place to visit in the Atacama Desert, outside of San Pedro, is the El Tatio Geysers.

Located a few hours north from San Pedro de Atacama, at an altitude of 4300m, the geysers are constantly shooting jets of water and clouds of steam into the air in spectacular visual displays.

The terrain is like being on another planet, just like you would expect in the Atacama Desert, and with the eery atmosphere of the geysers adding to the landscape it’s a very unique place.

The best time to visit the geysers is for sunrise, when the golden light allows you to actually see the water rising up, and capture excellent pictures.

If you don’t want to drive all the way out there you can organise a tour to El Tatio geysers from San Pedro de Atacama.

We didn’t get to visit the geysers due to heavy snow, but even the drive out to there was well worth it.

Salar de Tara is Chile’s answer to the famous Salar de Uyuni salt flats across the border in Bolivia , and it is pretty amazing.

Huge, salt-encrusted fields are spread out for kilometres, with a thin layer of water sitting on top. This creates perfect reflections with the sky and views that stretch for miles.

Being completely flat as well allows you to play around with some cool optical illusions, by positioning people and objects at long distances apart, and having one or the other look enormous or small.

Salar de Tara is a few hours east of San Pedro de Atacama, and can be visited as part of a tour or with your own transport.

This is another place we missed due to heavy snow, and we were sad we didn’t get the chance to visit.

Not all of the best things to do in the Atacama Desert are about nature. For a truly unique experience head out to the village of Chacabuco , between Calama and Antofagasta.

This abandoned town popped up in 1924 when the adjacent nitrate mine was established. The town quickly grew in size to house the workers and their families, and kept on developing until the mine was suddenly shut down in the 30s, thanks to the creation of synthetic nitrate.

These days you can still visit Chacabuco, and it is like stepping into a ghost town. Houses, schools, offices and factories were left to collapse into themselves, creating an eery atmosphere.

The centre square still has a gazebo, park benches and a playground, and the local theatre can be explored (with the top level being turned into a museum).

When we arrived we were excitedly waved in without paying a fee, however we suspect that there is meant to be a ticket purchased to explore Chacabuco.

It is well worth visiting for the atmosphere alone, and if you like taking photographs, it is one of the most interesting places to visit in the Atacama desert.

One of the Atacama Desert’s most wonderful creatures is the pink flamingos that can be found at a few of the lakes around the place.

Every year the flamingos flock to the lakes to feed and breed in the desert. The best location to see them up close, and in huge numbers, is Laguna Chaxa.

Located about an hour from San Pedro de Atacama, Laguna Chaxa is a huge salt lake surrounded by footpaths and boardwalks. It also has an information centre and bathroom facilities.

The walking trails are mellow, although they may get muddy after rain, and it gets you to some wonderful vistas.

Depending on the day you may see hundreds of the pink birds feeding in the lakes, or you may see none. The day we went there was only a couple, but it was still cool to catch a glimpse of them.

Make sure you’re in Laguna Chaxa for sunset too, as the views are absolutely spectacular.

Close to San Pedro de Atacama is the Valle de la Muerte, or Death Valley. This sprawling environment, which is just north of the Moon Valley, has rugged and weathered formations, and some huge sand dunes.

Also going by the name of Mars Valley, this is a popular spot for people to go sand boarding down the dunes. You can rent a board from San Pedro de Atacama, or join a tour.

We drove our campervan in, parked it up at the base of a huge dune and started hiking. Climbing to the top of the hill gives a sensational view over the whole valley.

Make sure you’re careful crawling around as the sand can give way quite easily, but it’s a great place to explore.

Be inspired to travel to other parts of the country with our epic photos of Chile essay.

Just outside of San Pedro de Atacama is one of the region’s most fascinating man-made attractions – the Pukara de Quitor.

This pre-Incan fortress dates back over 700 years, and the stacked stones perched on shale and sandy hills are a lot of fun to explore.

There’s not much shade, so make sure you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the unbearable summer heat.

You can get there by heading north along the Rio San Pedro from town for a few kilometres. It’s a dusty road, so be prepared if walking or cycling.

One of the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama is of course walk around the beautiful little town.

If you’ve been travelling through the rest of Chile or Argentina prior to your trip to the Atacama Desert you’ll be blown away at just how different this mud-brick and dirt road village is compared to other parts of the country.

It’s like stepping back a few hundred years. You’ll find livestock wandering the streets, vendors selling handmade souvenirs and stores and very little electricity and wifi.

One of the highlights is the gorgeous church near the main square. It used to be painted white, which contrasted strongly against the rest of the town, but a few years ago the locals stripped the paint away and left it with its original, mud style.

You can easily spend an hour or two happily wandering around the labyrinth streets, stopping into gift stores and cafes.

Want a great introduction to the city? Sign up for the free walking tours that meet in the main square every day.

When you’re heading to the towns of Tocanao and Socaire make sure you stop off at the beautiful and lush Valle de Jere.

Contrasting the red sandstone like an oasis in the middle of the desert, this lovely valley offers break from the usual scenery one expects in the Atacama Desert.

There’s a small entrance fee of a few dollars, then you’re free to walk along the small creek that cuts through the gorge, or climb high for amazing vistas.

The green trees and shrubs give some much-appreciated shade, so if you have time bring some lunch and relax in this unusual spot near San Pedro de Atacama.

38km south of San Pedro is the cool, old, western-style village of Tocanao.

Famed for its church and bell tower dating back to 1750, Tocanao is a sleepy place that usually acts as a stopover for people taking trips to other more popular places in the Atacama Desert.

Unlike most of the Atacama Desert, the water found around Tocanao is quite pure, meaning it has developed as an excellent agricultural hub and somewhat of an oasis.

If you’re driving through town make sure you stop off to go for a short walk. You’ll also find a few places to eat traditional Atacaman meals if you’re feeling hungry.

Even though the small village of Rio Grande is quite out of the way (unless you’re visiting the Rainbow Mountains and the nearby petroglyphs), it was actually one of our favourite places to visit in the Atacama Desert.

The drive alone is spectacular, with the road hugging the edge of steep mountains and winding valleys, and once you arrive in Rio Grande it’s impossible not to fall in love with its charm.

This traditional, mud brick village has dirt streets, tiny store fronts, a very unique church and tonnes of friendly locals.

The land around Rio Grande is quite fertile and you can find paddocks of grain, fruit and vegetables being tended butting against the rugged terrain.

There’s not a lot to do in town, but it’s well worth driving to the end of the road just to check it out and enjoy its atmosphere.

READ MORE: Here’s our Chile Travel Guide to help you plan your adventure!

The high-altitude town of Socaire (3500m) is right on the edge of the Atacama Salar and the last village of size before you head to the Argentine border.

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks in winter and home to a lovely little church, Socaire is another charming town in the Atacama Desert.

This is a great place to buy some souvenirs, as many of the locals make authentic handicrafts and sell them for decent prices.

If you’re ok with the altitude it can be worth spending the night in Socaire and use it as a launching pad for all the best things to do in the area.

The petroglyphs at Yerbas Buenas are another example of excellent things to do in San Pedro de Atacama that have more to do with history and humanity than epic scenery.

Found on the road to Rio Grande, Yerbas Buenas is a fascinating anthropological site covered with ancient carvings of local species and people.

Reports vary in their age, with some saying they are over 10’000 years old, while others claim only 2500 years old, but no matter when they were created they are still amazing to see.

You pay your entrance to the park ranger, then walk around the site. You’ll find the petroglyphs carved into the rocks around a central formation, and also in the side of a cliff a short walk away.

This is a place that really deserves to have a guide, as an expert gives the rock art more context and meaning, but there are still modern paints on nearby rocks to show you what you are meant to be looking at.

Machuca is so small the word ‘village’ is being overly generous to its size. More of a collection of shacks operating as a transport stop, and some small houses close by the maintain them, Machuca is found on the way to El Tatio Geysers.

Still that doesn’t mean it’s not worth stopping at, as the quaint, walled church testifies to its importance in this remote location.

If you’re on a tour between San Pedro de Atacama and El Tatio Geysers you may end up stopping in Machuca for lunch.

Expect to find alpaca on the menu, as well as chicken and duck, all barbecued on coal cookers.

One of the best times to see the Atacama Desert is at sunrise, and luckily one activity allows you to do this from high above the earth.

While not as well known as hot air ballooning in Cappadocia , flying above the Atacama Desert is still one of the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama.

You’ll be picked up from town and driven out to the launch site. Just before the sun goes up the balloons drift majestically into the air, giving views over the entire desert and valleys.

It’s surreal to be floating along as the day begins, completely silent and mesmerised by the landscape’s beauty. Even if you’re afraid of heights, it’s well worth doing.

The cost is around USD$300,  and includes transport, a bilingual guide and your balloon ride. We didn’t do it, but Atacama Ballooning seems like the company to go with.

Ultimately one of the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama is simply to kick back and enjoy the epic mountain views.

Unlike other deserts you may have visited, the Atacama is not a vast, flat field, but rather punctuated with snow-capped mountains and cone-shaped volcanos and scarred with gorges and valleys.

Head out in the morning or late afternoon, find a beautiful lake to chill out at, and take in some of the best views in all of Chile.

Now that you know what to do in San Pedro de Atacama it’s time to learn how to get around in the Atacama desert and find your perfect accommodation!

How To Travel In The Atacama Desert – Campervan Toad Trip

By far the funnest, most independent and budget way to travel the Atacama Desert is to rent a campervan. This gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want without the need for signing up for expensive tours in San Pedro de Atacama.

Besides having your own wheels, being in a campervan also means you can camp just about anywhere outside of the major tourist attractions for free.

Throw in a basic kitchen, and you can make all your own food as you go. Another cost saver!

So how do you find the best campervan rental in San Pedro de Atacama? We personally recommend Soulvans .

Soulvans is a new business run by a Chilean man and his German wife, and is based out of Santiago. They have a whole collection of awesome, budget campers that you can rent in Punta Arenas , Santiago or San Pedro de Atacama, and they come with everything you could need for a perfect road trip.

What makes Soulvans even better than their major competitor ( cough…Wicked ) is that there vans aren’t covered in offensive graffiti, and the maintenance is taken much more seriously. They are also a Chilean company, meaning you are supporting the locals here.

You can pick up a campervan in San Pedro de Atacama, or any of the other locations. We loved our campervan road trip in the Atacama Desert with Soulvans, and definitely recommend them. Make sure you tell them that NOMADasaurus sent you!

If you love a bit of adventure, and like to keep your costs down, then camping in San Pedro de Atacama is the best option.

If you’ve gone ahead and rented your campervan then check out the amazing app, iOverlander . This is a user-updated app that allows you to find places to camp and set up your RV all over South America.

If you don’t have a campervan and instead have a tent, then the best thing to do is hike or hitchhike a bit out of town and find a riverbank or tree to camp next to.

Free camping in Chile is a bit of a grey area, but the general consensus is as long as you aren’t disturbing anyone, then you should be fine.

Save a dollar and find the best places to stay ever by camping San Pedro de Atacama!

Where To Stay In San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama has a whole range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to mid-range guesthouses, right up to one of the absolute best luxury resorts you can imagine.

If you are looking for a nice hostel, we recommend looking up the options on HostelWorld . There’s plenty of great, basic options on there and are bound to keep your budget down.

Hostal Rural is the number one hostel in town for backpackers looking to socialise, and they offer free breakfast, free wifi and great places to chill out during the heat of the day.

For the best midrange hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, you should definitely check out the Ckoi Atacama Lodge . This place is beautiful, with a great, quiet location near downtown and a nice breakfast. The style and design is also very unique, and you’ll instantly fall in love with this place like we did.

Best Luxury Hotel In San Pedro de Atacama – Hotel Cumbres

For Alesha’s birthday we parked up the campervan and headed to the best luxury hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, the Hotel Cumbres San Pedro . This place is on another level when it comes to luxury.

The restaurant, bar and lobby area is massive, with beautiful indigenous art scattered around the place and comfortable couches to lounge on.

The grounds are enormous, tastefully done to match in with the surrounding landscape with a number of pools to enjoy when the heat gets too unbearable.

At the back of the property is also a stargazing area, where a local astronomer holds nightly talks.

Our room was incredible, with the biggest bed we have ever seen, a huge sitting private patio and an outdoor rain shower. Amazing!

The food was also out of this world. We enjoyed a huge lunch in the restaurant with traditional local ingredients, all downed with delicious pisco sours. Afterwards we were so full we couldn’t even eat dinner.

Our stat at Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama was simply wonderful, and a perfect place to celebrate Alesha’s birthday in town.

It’s a little bit out of town, but the hotel offers free transfers.

That’s it for our list of the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama! There’s a lot of amazing activities and scenery around the place, and we hope we could give you some inspiration.

Have you been to Northern Chile? If so let us know what your favourite things to do in the Atacama Desert are in the comments below.

Our campervan was provided to us by Soulvans, and our accommodation at Cumbres Hotel was made in partnership with their brand. All thoughts, opinions and sleepless nights spent staring at the Milky Way are, as always, our own .

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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30 photos that prove chile is insanely epic, sailing the chilean fjords on a skorpios glacier cruise, the best adventurous things to do in puerto natales, chile (2024 guide), 23 thoughts on “19 epic things to do in san pedro de atacama, chile (2024 guide)”.

Thank you so much for this article! I loved the first picture…it says looking over the Moon Valley – can you advise specifically where this was taken?

I stumbled across this page when researching our 2021 epic tour, which will include Atacama. It is the best written and most informative description of how to maximise time in San Pedro that I have found so far – and trust me, I have been reading for weeks now! What impressed me most is that it not sensationalising or downplaying the risks and benefits of self-driving/self-guiding, which is exactly what I have been trying to find! Well done.

I’ll now browse your blog in case you have reported on other locations on our list…

Hi Gary, so glad you liked our article. The Atacama Desert is an amazing place. If you have any questions do send us a message on facebook as we personally answer every one. Happy planning.

Hi, Thanks for the great info. Do you know if Piedras Rojas is open? Trip Advisor latest posts says it is now closed an only viewable from the parking lot. also since it is the farthest away from SPA, I’m wondering if its worth the drive?

Hi Joseph, we are not too sure it Piedras Rojas is open. Maybe message tour companies and hotels that are in San Pedro de Atacama. They would know best as we are not based there. All the best.

Perfect Timing! Your clear information is just what we needed for the trip we are planning to San Pedro de Atacama. We will be staying in the village and from there do different visits. Your descriptions are fantastic. Have you any opinion/recommendation about car sizes and road transitability?

Glad we could help Charlotte. The Atacama Desert is beautiful. San Pedro de Atacama is a sweet little town, dirt roads and lots of mud brick houses. The are very easy to get around. We followed our Maps.me app and it was fine. They can get a little rough sometimes but just take your time. You really don’t need a 4×4 if you are sticking to the main attractions. We were in a campervan and it was fine accessing them all, except for the ones snowed in. Have a wonderful time.

Thanks for sharing guys, I’m just about to plan my trip to San Pedro and this is seriously helpful. Love the tip for Laguna Baltinache.

Glad the article could help. Have a great time exploring the area. 🙂

Hey guys, I always look forward to your posts and this one is great. We are currently deep into planning our 3 week honeymoon in Chile for Dec ’19 and working out which sites to hit. A camper van sounds like a great way to see the Atacama and could save us some pennies too. Keep the top tips coming and happy travels.

Hi Nicki, thank you so much. We really appreciate it. We love hearing that our articles are helping other with their travels.

As for you guys, how exciting. Congratulations of your wedding. Definitely get a camper van to explore the area. It was a great way to see the area and we were on our own schedule. Check out the local company Soulvan rather than an international company there. The local company was more personal and they had great vans. Have a great trip. 🙂

Great article and amazing tips! Thank you for sharing all this information with us. Chile is an amazing country to know, with a variety of landscapes to fall in love with.

Thank you for stopping by. We loved it there. 🙂

Hi there, I read your blog while I was writing my own accounts of the Atacama desert.

I must say, you guys not only travel well but you write and click well, too. I gaped at the reindeer photos you have put up on your IG, and pangs of jealousy and inspiration hit me 🙂

I am so glad that I found your blog. While traveling the world and writing about it, you seem to have experienced the best and the worst. Keep going.

I also travel and write about my journeys and hope to visit these wonderful places that you have introduced us to.

Thanks again.

Thank you so much Priyanka. We appreciate it. We both love travel and very lucky to have found each other to travel together. Visiting the reindeer herders is definitely in the top travel experiences we have ever had. We highly recommend it. Travelling Chile was amazing. The country is so diverse. We loved visiting the Atacama desert. We didn’t get to some sites as the snow came and we couldn’t reach them. We will have to return. We will check your blog out. 🙂 Thanks for reading.

Guys, this is so far the best article about Atacama Desert out there! Thanks for sharing all these precious info. We’ll be there in November ’18, and we always travel by our own whenever it’s possible. Renting a campervan sounds incredibly exciting! Is that expensive? How many days do you suggest to spend there? We’ll have just 15 days to explore Chile, and we’d like to visit Atacama and Patagonia. Maybe 5/6 days in Atacama are enough?

Thank you so much Enrico. We went with Soul Vans and they were one of the cheapest and more reliable rental companies in the area. The vans have everything. https://www.soulvans.com/

4 – 5 days would be a great amount of time in the Atacama desert. There are great spots around to camp just don’t forget to take your rubbish with you. Unfortunately we saw this a lot with campervans. It is such a beautiful area and we are so lucky to be able to freedom camp. Have an amazing time guys. You will love Chile. Where else are you heading? Patagonia?

Awesome post, guys! We just got here and only have a couple of days but we’re definitely going to check out some of the places you recommended. Wish we had more time and could get a camper van but we’re just passing through en route to Bolivia. As with Patagonia, we’ll just have to come back to do the rest another time!

So awesome you are in the area. Definitely check out Valley of the Moon. Amazing. The fortress near town has a great view and is interesting. Have a great trip. 🙂

I enjoy your photos so much, they are always beautiful 🙂

Thank you so much, We appreciate your kind words.

This article comes at the perfect time, as I will be in Atacama next month. Thanks for all the great tips! 🙂

So awesome we can help. You are going to have a blast there. It is an amazing area. Have a great trip.

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• Travel Tips

San Pedro de Atacama – 3 Day Itinerary

San Pedro de Atacama is a small village in the Atacama Desert located in the north of Chile. The town lies at 2.400 m above sea level and it’s the starting point for all explorations and tours in the desert. Here I’m sharing the best tours for a full 3 day itinerary for San Pedro de Atacama.

The Atacama Desert is the driest place of the world (besides the poles). It is situated between the two mountain chains the Andes and the Chilean Coast Range which prevent clouds, and consequently rain, to enter the area. Some parts of the Atacama Desert have never received rain .

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links I will receive a small commission which helps me to maintain my site. This has no  extra cost for you and you will make my day!

Due to its otherworldly landscapes the Atacama Desert has been used to film Mars scenes for movies.

Table of Contents

How to get to San Pedro de Atacama

From santiago de chile.

The closest airport to San Pedro de Atacama is Calama . LATAM , Sky and JetSmart operate direct flights from Santiago which take two hours.

From Calama you can take a bus for about an hour and a half which drops you right in the center of San Pedro de Atacama. A round trip costs about 20 €.

Read Also: How to spend 1 day in Santiago de Chile

From Uyuni, Bolivia

The best option to get to San Pedro de Atacama is doing the 3-4 day tour from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama . This tour includes a visit to the breathtaking Salar de Uyuni and allows you to explore stunning landscapes in the altiplano of Bolivia. It’s an unforgettable experience and it saves you a long bus ride.

This tour can also be done in reverse, starting in San Pedro de Atacama and ending in Uyuni.

Everything you need to know before doing this tour: 3 Day Trip from San Pedro de Atacama to the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

However, on this tour you’ll be in extremely high altitudes up to 4,800 m above sea level. So this might not be adequate for everyone regarding the risk of altitude sickness.

Those who don’t want do this tour have the option of taking a bus from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama. The companies Cr u z del Norte and Trans Salvador offer daily departures from Uyuni. A ticket is between 20 and 30 € and the bus takes around 10 hours.

Getting around in San Pedro de Atacama

Once you arrived to Calama airport or San Pedro de Atacama you can either rent a car or you explore the desert by taking tours . Check out rentalcars.com  to get the best deal on a rental car.

Personally, I usually always prefer renting a car and exploring places by myself. However, the desert roads can be a bit tricky to drive on and you don’t always have phone signal. This is why we decided to stay on the safe side and book tours.

Which Tour Operator to Choose

The village San Pedro is fully dedicated to tourism and on the main street you encounter one tour operator after the other. Most of them offer similar tours simply varying in prices.

We chose to book all our tours with Janaj Pacha . They offered the best price and gave us a 20% discount because we were a group of six.

Some people recommend not to book with the cheapest tour operator . This is certainly a matter of perspective and it depends on your budget. We researched the different agencies and booked the cheapest one on purpose. And we were absolutely happy with their service and had a great time on all tours.

In case you have more money to spend and feel safer with a more professional-looking agency you should book with Cosmo Andino . People say it’s the best agency in San Pedro de Atacama but expect to pay double the price for a tour.

One thing is that in the cheaper tours the guides only speak Spanish . In case you have nobody in your group who speaks Spanish it might be advisable to pay a little more and get an English speaking guide.

Check out these amazing experiences hosted by local guides:

Best time to visit San Pedro de Atacama

The best time to visit San Pedro de Atacama is between September and November or between March and May . This is the shoulder season that gets you the best of both worlds: Few tourists and good weather.

December to February is high season in San Pedro de Atacama. During this period the weather is optimal but the village is fully packed with tourists.

From June to August the temperatures are the lowest in the Atacama Desert. I was there in August and the temperatures at night and in the morning could fall below zero.

What to pack

• Warm clothes for the mornings, nights and places in high altitude.  I recommend bringing  thermal underwear ,  warm socks  and a  jacket  to keep you warm.
• Light clothes for the days
• Swimsuit – you’ll need it for swimming in Laguna Cejar
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
• Hiking shoes – for hiking in Valle de la Luna & Valle de la Muerte. I use  these ones  by Colombia – they’re comfortable and they provide good stability.
• Flip flops or any type of slippers
• Lip balm with SPF

Things to know before you go

• Layering is the key to get through the days comfortably. One time I experienced -12°C in the morning and +25°C in the afternoon. Be prepared for both temperature extremes .
• Don’t rely on having a phone signal . GPS and signal don’t always work in the desert. Be prepared to be offline during your day tours.
• Bargain . Most tour agencies will give you a discount when you bargain – especially if you book several tours with them or if you’re a group.
• Souvenirs : In case you’re also going to Peru or Bolivia, buy your souvenirs there. Chile is one of the most expensive countries in South America. You will probably find the same souvenirs in Peru or Bolivia but for half of the price.
• Do the tour to the highest altitude at the end. San Pedro is located at 2,400 m above sea level and some sights in the Atacama Desert are even higher. To avoid altitude sickness I recommend doing the Geysers el Tatio (4,320 m) on your last day. This helps your body to adjust to the lower amount of oxygen in the air.
• You’ll be in extremely high altitudes. Make sure to protect your skin from the sun and to stay hydrated. Even though it might not feel so hot, the skin burns more easily in these altitudes.
• Stargazing is a must in everyone’s San Pedro de Atacama itinerary. Try to schedule your trip in a way that you avoid full moon . The best time to observe the sky is when it’s completely dark. Full moon lights up the sky and makes the stars and galaxies less visible.

Where to stay in San Pedro de Atacama

The main street of San Pedro de Atacama is “Caracoles” . It’s best to have an accommodation that is close to this street as all the agencies, restaurants and shops are there.

Budget Hostal Rural : 12 € per night for one bed in a dorm room incl. breakfast

Hostal Rural is often referred to as the best hostel of San Pedro de Atacama. I stayed there myself and I loved it. It’s a great place for backpackers to meet fellow travellers.

Mid budget Hotel Kimal : 85 € per night for a private room incl. breakfast (price for two persons)

Luxury Hotel Cumbres San Pedro : 240 € per night for for a private room incl. breakfast (price for two persons)

The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary for San Pedro de Atacama

This itinerary for San Pedro de Atacama allows you to see the best of the Atacama Desert within 3 days. However, if you have more time I suggest spending one or two more days there because there’s much to see and do.

Piedras Rojas & Laguna Chaxa

For the tour to Piedras Rojas (engl.: red rocks) we were picked up at 6:00 am in our hostel. It was freezing outside. Getting to Piedras Rojas took around an hour of driving up curvy mountain roads. All of a sudden my head started aching and I felt a bit sick in my stomach . At first I didn’t understand why until I finally realised that it was because of the altitude . Piedras Rojas is elevated 4,000 m above sea level and I had never been in such high altitudes before. Symptoms of altitude sickness are common in the Atacama Desert and they can include headache, dizziness, stomach sickness or palpitation. It’s important to stay hydrated and take it easy, that means move slowly and don’t go up too high on your first days there.

UPDATE : Since 2018 tourists are not allowed to walk on the rocks anymore. Access is granted to a view point from which you can see the red rocks and the lagoon.

When we arrived to Piedras Rojas the temperature was -6°C degrees and we were surrounded by snow capped mountains. First we had breakfast outside in the cold. Our guide prepared avocado, cheese, bread, jam, yoghurt, cookies, juice and coffee or tea for us.

Even though it was freezing cold we enjoyed the view and the tranquility of being the only ones there. Having breakfast with my friends in this beautiful landscape made me forget the cold for a while.

After breakfast we walked around and explored the area for a bit. But every step became more exhausting than the previous one and I was breathing as if I had just finished a marathon. Moving in these altitudes is no joke. We took some photos and hopped onto the van to continue our tour.

Driving through the desert we encountered this cute donkey on the side of the road.

Our next stop was Laguna Chaxa which is part of the National Reserve Los Flamencos. Laguna Chaxa is considered one of Chile’s best places to see flamingos in their natural habitant.

When we got there it was already noon and the temperature was much more agreeable.

Finally we got so see the flamingos – that’s what I was most excited for.

And the landscape is breathtaking. Lakes with crystal clear water reflect the snowy mountains. This tour is a must for nature lovers.

After staying at Laguna Chaxa for a while to admire the stunning scenery we made our way back to San Pedro de Atacama. Tired from getting up early we used the remaining afternoon to relax in our hostel. After all we had another tour ahead of us this day.

This night we had an exciting tour planned: Stargazing in the desert. Thanks to the altitude and the lack of light pollution San Pedro is one of the best places worldwide to do stargazing . The majority of the world’s observatories are located there.

At around 10 pm we were picked up from our hostel and brought to the outskirts of the village. Hopping out of the van I couldn’t believe my eyes. I had never seen a starry sky like this before, it was incredible.

We were a group of 8 and our guides set up two telescopes . They explained us a lot about planets and constellations .

Taking turns looking through the telescope we observed the night sky. We could even spot the planet Saturn with its ring . This was such an epic experience.

The guides took photos of us and they knew exactly how to set my camera for the night sky. I had no idea that my Canon EOS 1300D was able to take such photos as the one above so I was quite impressed when I saw the result.

Temperatures were really low though and to keep us from freezing our guides prepared tea, hot chocolate and some snacks for us.

Looking up to the sky and seeing this seemingly endless universe with billions of stars makes you feel so small. It was one of those moments that leave you speechless and stay in your mind forever. This was the most impressive night sky I had ever seen.

Valle de la Muerte

On the second morning we headed out to explore San Pedro de Atacama by ourselves. We passed by a bike rental agency and decided to rent bikes and get active . The owner of the shop was very helpful and suggested several places we could explore by bike. Finally, we agreed on biking to Valle de la Muerte (engl.: Death Valley).

Only about twenty minutes outside of the center of San Pedro de Atacama we arrived to the entrance of Valle de la Muerte. There’s an entrance fee of around 3 € . The ranger said we could just follow the path by bike as long as we could. If it gets to sandy we’d have to push the bikes.

It was truly exhausting to bike there. Besides the heat and the sandy ground we were also at 2,400 m above sea level. The lower level of oxygen in the air urges you to breath faster and makes you feel exhausted.

After biking through a canyon for ten minutes we had to get off the bikes as the ground got too sandy. We locked the bikes on the side of the road and left them there. From then on the path went uphill and we started hiking the remaining part up to the peak.

The views from the peak of Valle de la Muerte were beyond stunning: Snow capped mountains in the far distance, sand dunes on the left and a Mars-like landscape right ahead.

This was my personal highlight of the San Pedro de Atacama itinerary. It combined being active and going off the beaten track to explore a place without taking part in a tour. The best part was that there where no other people at all.

You can even do sand boarding in Valle de la Muerte. People were boarding down the sand dune on the left side of the photo above. There’s a small shelter next to it where you can rent a sand board.

After staying on the highest point of the valley for a while to enjoy the view we hiked down to our bikes and biked back to San Pedro de Atacama. We returned our bikes and headed to the hostel where we were soon picked up for our second trip this day.

Desert Lagoons

On our afternoon tour we visited Laguna Cejar, Ojos del Salar and Laguna Tebinquiche , which are some of Atacama’s desert lagoons.

Laguna Cejar is a salt water lake surrounded by an incredible landscape. The turquoise water and the white salt paired with the blue sky and reddish hills compose a view like nowhere else.

To enter the area of Laguna Cejar you have to pay a fee of 15 € . There are changing rooms and bathrooms available and you can even go swimming in the lagoon. There’s so much salt in the water that you can float without sinking.

After around half an hour of enjoying the view and floating in the ice cold water (we were there in winter) we had to go back to the van to head to our next stop: Ojos del Salar , two fresh water lagoons in the middle of nowhere.

You can even go swimming in one of them but as we were there in winter it was too fresh for us to jump in.

The lagoons are so deep and the water is so clear that they show a perfect reflection of the person standing in front of them.

Then we continued the journey to Laguna Tebinquiche , yet another desert lake with a stunning scenery. We watched the sunset there and our guide prepared some drinks and snacks for us.

The golden hour put a beautiful orange light on the lake and on the mountains. We enjoyed the view with a drink and some snacks while the sun was going down.

As soon as the sun had set it got colder immediately. We hopped onto the van and made our way back to San Pedro de Atacama.

Geysers del Tatio

On day 3 it was time to go up to the highest point of our itinerary: The Geysers del Tatio at 4,320 m above sea level . They are the highest geysers in the world.

Our guide told us that it’s best to go early in the morning to see the geysers when they’re most active. We got up at 5:00 am, were picked up from the hostel shortly after and drove uphill towards the geysers.

When we arrived, the sun hasn’t even risen yet and the cold was way worse than what we had imagined. It had -12°C degrees and our outfits made it almost unbearable to be outside.

I didn’t even want to leave the van. But then again, I could see this place once in a lifetime, so I overcame my instincts and got off.

First we had breakfast – yes, outside – and then we walked along marked paths through the geyser field. Our guide told us that once a tourist fell into a geyser and died. That was scary enough to keep us far away from the steam holes.

At first my extremities hurt because of the cold and after a while I didn’t feel my feet anymore. I have to admit it was my fault – I didn’t bring any warm clothes to San Pedro de Atacama. So I had to make the best out of what I had: several layers of shirts with a windbreaker, two layers of pants and my sneakers.

I can tell you I had never felt this cold before, I’m not kidding.

Make sure to bring enough warm clothes when you go there! Especially if you go in winter (June-September).

And then the relieving moment: The sun finally had finally risen above the hill and the first sun rays touched my (almost) frozen skin. Even though it was still freezing it felt so much warmer immediately.

Enjoying the warmth of the sun we stayed in the geyser field and watched the geysers erupt.

On the way back we stopped in the small desert village Machuca . It consists of only a few clay houses and a tiny church.

After a short stop in Machuca we headed back to San Pedro de Atacama and we relaxed for a bit before we were picked up for our next tour already: A trip to the Valle de la Luna (engl.: Moon Valley).

Valle de la Luna

The Valle de la Luna is home to rock formations that were formed by the influence of wind and sand. It has its name because of its strange lunar landscape which seems like out of this world. The white spots on the photo above are layers of salt.

We drove through the valley and stopped at several sites to get out of the van and admire the scenery.

Later we hiked up a big sand dune to watch the sunset from there. The light of the golden hour made the sand dune shine orangey while the sun was setting behind a hill. It was a magical moment.

Never would I have imagined that a desert could be that impressive. The nature is beautiful and like nowhere else. The mountains, the lakes, the wildly roaming animals and the Mars-like landscapes make the Atacama Desert unique and definitely worth a visit. There are so many different activities to do and places to discover.

This 3 day itinerary for San Pedro de Atacama allows you to see the top sights in a composed time. If you can, I suggest staying longer. Especially the tour to the Salar de Uyuni is an absolute must which you shouldn’t miss.

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a world of destinations

April 10, 2020

Allgemein , Chile , South America

atacama , atacama desert , female travel , san pedro , San Pedro de atacama , South America , travel blog , wanderlust

18 Comments

April 11, 2020 at 10:31 pm

San Pedro de Atacama looks absolutely amazing and your photos are beautiful! Those geysers are so cool. I’m hoping to do this trip in 2021. I will definitely keep this handy! 🙂

April 11, 2020 at 10:55 pm

Thank you Taylor, I’m sure you’d love it. It’s such a stunning place to explore!

April 13, 2020 at 3:36 am

I loved reading your itinerary!! I would love to do this trip one day!

April 13, 2020 at 9:20 pm

Thank you Katherine! I hope you get the chance to do it!

April 13, 2020 at 4:36 pm

Kicking myself for not going to San Pedro de Atacama when I visited Chile in 2017! Something I’ll note for the next time I visit! Lovely photography xx

April 13, 2020 at 9:23 pm

Yess definitely go there next time! Thanks Sarah!

April 14, 2020 at 5:35 pm

Omg wow this place looks truly incredible Maria! I’d love to visit it 😍

April 14, 2020 at 11:28 pm

The Atacama Desert has so many stunning places to explore. I hope you get to visit it someday!

April 17, 2020 at 12:35 pm

This is a great post! I didn’t know there are some many gems in Chile 🙂 It’s definitely somewhere I would love to visit.

April 17, 2020 at 12:47 pm

Chile is full of stunning landscapes and hidden gems. The country is certainly worth visiting 🙂

February 13, 2021 at 9:48 pm

Wandering in this desert must be an amazing experience! I am blown away by your photos and the landscapes there! Thanks for sharing all your tips!

February 15, 2021 at 3:33 pm

It really is an amazing experience! The landscapes are otherworldly

February 13, 2021 at 10:55 pm

this is such an in-depth guide!! I really want to visit, your photos are stunning. Looks like a beautiful place!

February 15, 2021 at 3:32 pm

Thank you! It really is a stunning place!

February 13, 2021 at 11:33 pm

Great article! I visited Uyuni and southern Bolivia and LOVED it, but I never made it to the Chilean side of the border here. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you! Uyuni is one of the most impressive places I’ve visited in my life!

May 14, 2022 at 10:38 pm

What tour company did you use? I am going w my mom in June!

May 24, 2022 at 10:17 pm

The company that I used back in 2017 was Janaj Pacha. But lately, their reviews have been quite bad and I’m not even sure if the agency still exists. It might be better to check there for a different tour company 🙂

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Hi!   I’m Maria, an outdoor-active traveler who seeks to go off the beaten track to discover hidden gems.   Most of the time you’ll find me exploring small beach towns or untouched places in the mountains to connect with nature. My goal is to inspire others to go out of their comfort zone and explore this beautiful planet.   During the creation of this blog, uncountable cups of coffee were consumed. If my blog is an inspiration for you in any way, I would appreciate your support by buying me a cup of coffee.   Happy traveling!

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9 Things To Do & Places To Visit in San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama, at 2,400 meters (7,800 ft) of altitude, is a small town in northern Chile, near the Bolivian border. With about 2,500 inhabitants, the city is located in the Altiplano region of Chile, from which you can see some of the highest peaks of the Andes.

Nowadays, San Pedro holds the title of the Archaeological Capital of Chile. The incredible landscapes that surround it, make it the base city to explore the charms of the Atacama Desert.

While the town that acts as a host to exploring the area is quite small, a desert oasis if you will, the area is massive with loads of nooks and crannies to explore. We spent 5 days there and truly feel that we only scratched the surface of all that is on offer.

It’s an extremely fascinating part of the world and when you look at all that is available, an incredibly diverse piece of our planet.

Don’t leave home without:   Lonely Planet Chile & Easter Island (Travel Guide)

9 Reasons to Add San Pedro de Atacama to Your Bucket List

Table of Contents

1. Termas de Puritama (3500m/11,500ft)

Here it’s possible to take baths in the warm waters of the Putama Volcano. The eight thermal baths are about 40 minutes from San Pedro de Atacama. It is worth going down and looking at each of the pools until you find the emptiest.

This way, you have more privacy to relax and enjoy. If you have time for a walk, you can venture with Guatin Trekking to get to the thermal baths. This trail takes approximately 3 hours to cover 4 miles of cactus trail.

Simplify transportation logistics between San Pedro de Atacama and the Puritama Hot Springs by booking this guided tour to the popular natural attraction . Hotel pickup and drop-off ensure peace of mind as you travel between destinations, letting you relax and fully enjoy the hot springs experience.

2. Lagunas Altiplanicas (4200m/13,800ft)

This is a tour that starts very early. The first tip for tours that start early is to dress in layers because the desert gets very cold in the mornings. As the sun goes up the temperature will rise, ranging from 5°C to 30°C (41F to 86F).

The Lagunas Altiplanicas is 2 hours from San Pedro de Atacama and the scenery is simply fantastic. The lagoons reflect the design of the numerous volcanoes that surround them.

In this tour, only some lagoons are visited. Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miniques are connected and receive water from the underground infiltration of rains and hot springs. Some tours also include visits to the Laguna Tuyajto and Laguna Aguas Calientes.

The latter is where the Piedras Rojas is located. These stones have a unique color because of the mineral iron in its composition, which in sunlight, turns red.

From San Pedro de Atacama, it is also possible to visit the less crowded Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache. The experience is extremely fun since you are allowed to swim in some of the lagoons and it’s impossible to sink due to the high levels of salt in the water.

Book this trip to the heart of the Salar de Atacama, where you’ll see different types of flamingos and Andean birds, in a small guided trekking trip . You will be at the tropic of Capricorn, and two majestic lagoons called Miscanti and Minhique that are nested in the foothills of the volcanoes that bear the same names.

3. Salar de Tara (4,500m/14,700ft)

The Salar de Tara is located 2 hours from San Pedro de Atacama. The region is surrounded by large volcanoes, as well as Laguna Tara and Laguna Negra, covering an eroded area, rolling terrain, and unique vegetation that characterizes the Atacama.

The scenery is beautiful and shows an immensity of the endless desert of Salar de Tara. On the way there, you can observe the stunning landscape and colors. What is most impressive are the monks of La Pacana de Salar, which are high scattered rock formations.

4. Cerro Toco Volcano (5,600m/18,300ft)

Lascar Volcano is considered the most active volcano in northern Chile and can be seen from several points of the Atacama, including San Pedro de Atacama. The climb to the Lascar Volcano is considered an easy level but demands good acclimatization.

At the beginning of the walk, there is an exciting surprise that lights up with the sunrise, Laguna Lejia. The path to the top takes an average of 3 hours and changes as the trail progresses. There are even areas covered in ice depending on the time of year. The reward is an indescribable view of the immense crater beneath you.

Day Trips around San Pedro de Atacama

5. Salar de Atacama (2500m/8,200ft)

Salar de Atacama is the 3rd largest salt flat in the world (behind Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia and Salinas Grandes in Argentina). Within this Salar, there are several attractions, among them is the Laguna Chaxa, the perfect place to see flamingos (it is part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve).

It is also possible to take walks along the open paths in the middle of an immense salt flat. One tip is to be there in time to watch the sunset at the Salar de Atacama. Another amazing attraction is the Laguna Cejar, which is said to have a salt concentration higher than that of the Dead Sea.

6. Valle de la Luna and Valle de la Muerte (2500m/8,200ft)

This is one of the most well-known tours of the Atacama. Valle de la Luna is a reference to the rugged lunar surface, because of its immense salt walls and giant dunes. This dry landscape, which changes day after day, was unbelievably covered by glaciers in the past.

During this tour, you will witness some amazing geological formations, such as Cordillera de Sal, Duna Grande, Anfiteatro, Tres Marías, Cueva de Sal, and the iconic Piedra del Coyote.

This walk definitely reveals the immensity of the valley. The tour ends at Valle de la Muerte, formerly known as Valle de Marte. Its surface resembles Mars, especially at sunset, when it shows reddish colors and super interesting contours.

Marvel over the startling topography of Chile’s Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) on this 4-hour afternoon tour from San Pedro de Atacama . Keep your camera close to hand as you journey through the desert, past unique rock formations and mesmerizing multi-hued cliffs. 

7. Geysers El Tatio (4500m/14,700ft)

Two hours away from San Pedro de Atacama, there are more than 40 geysers and 70 smoke sources. The site is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes making the smell of sulfur very strong.

Discover the unearthly geysers of the world’s driest desert on an early morning tour to El Tatio geyser field from San Pedro de Atacama. Gaze in wonder at over 80 spouting shoots of steam as you watch an enchanting sunrise in the desert. Enjoy a traditional breakfast before soothing your bones in the warm waters of natural hot spring.

The tour starts bright and early in the morning since the phenomenon can only be appreciated between 6 and 8 o’clock.

To get there, you will pass Vilarejo de Machuca and Laguna Putana, both are worth a pit stop for photos.

8. Astronomic Tour

The Atacama has the cleanest sky on Earth, for three reasons: altitude, the absence of light pollution, and the absence of clouds. So, it is the best place in the world to observe the stars, the moon, and other planets.

There are several telescopes in the Atacama and they allow visitors to learn more about the mysteries of the sky. A great tip is to go on a full moon night to get even more incredible visibility.

The Space Agency is the best-reviewed for the Astronomical Tour , hosting a few tours each night. It is recommended to book in advance and carry a jacket to avoid getting cold.

9. There Are Amazing Things to Do in San Pedro de Atacama

It is not difficult to understand why the Atacama Desert became so famous among tourists from all over the world. The amazing photos you have seen on Instagram, magazines or travel blogs do not represent half of what there is to see here.

Some of the special landscapes you might witness include salt flats, valleys, mountains, snow, dunes, volcanoes, geysers, stars and flamingo populated lakes. All of which, make you feel as if you are on Mars or the Moon.

Other than the traditional day trips and hikes around the Atacama Desert, there a few other activities available in San Pedro de Atacama. Such as wine tours, bike tours, horse tours, and balloon rides!

San Pedro de Atacama Travel Planning Tips

Best Time to Visit San Pedro de Atacama

The Atacama Desert is considered the highest desert in the world and also the aridest (dry), as there are some areas where it has not rained for hundreds of years. This super arid region lies further south.

However, the environment of San Pedro de Atacama is considered an oasis and receives heavy rainfall mainly in the summer.

The rainy season is from December to March and for those who do not like cold weather, this is the best time because it gets quite warm. From April to May, as the rainfall rises, the salt on the ground becomes completely white! The low season is during the middle of the year.

In conclusion, the best months to go to San Pedro de Atacama are those of transitional seasons: autumn (March to June) and spring (September to November).

How to Get There

The easiest route is to fly to Santiago and then go to Calama, the city with the closest airport to San Pedro. The Santiago-Calama flight lasts about 2 hours and you will arrive at El Loa Airport. Once in Calama, you need to cross a stretch of road by car to San Pedro de Atacama.

The route lasts around 1:30 hours and you have three main options of how to get there.

The cheapest option to travel between San Pedro de Atacama and Calama is to take a taxi from the airport to the city center of Calama, specifically to the Calama bus station.

From there take a bus straight to the San Pedro bus station. The bus companies that offer this service are Tur Bus, Buses Frontera and Buses Atacama.

Several companies operate the stretch between Calama and San Pedro de Atacama, such as Licancabur and Transandino. It is worth booking in advance as well as your accommodation. Many hotels also provide the option of picking up their guests at the Camala airport, but generally, they charge much more.

The third option is to rent a car in Calama. The road between the two cities is extremely safe and simple to navigate. Just follow Route 23 in the direction of San Pedro de Atacama and you should arrive safely.

Read reviews and check prices with our Hotel Search Engine , that gives you the best hotel deals found on the web. Our search engine pulls results from all of the major booking places, including Expedia, Hotels, Booking and more. All the options, all the deals, all in one place and just for you.

Dealing with Altitude Sickness

Soroche, also known as altitude sickness, is the main consequence of altitude changes in our bodies. It is a result of low air pressure and rarefied air. Possible symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty breathing, cardiac acceleration, among others.

Therefore, it is recommended to drink a lot of water while visiting the Atacama Desert.

One very important item that must be taken into account when choosing the day trips (and their order) is acclimatization. Because this area is a zone of high altitude, the body has to adapt. You achieve this by starting with activities that are at lower altitudes and leave the higher altitudes until the end.

If you’re open to exploring local traditions and culture, you will quickly find that chewing dried coca leaves or brewing them into a tea while at altitude will significantly reduce the side effects you get from the thin air.

We’ve spent a lot of time traveling in high parts of the mountains in South America , across various countries, and never turn down coca leaves when they are offered to us. They really do help.

Best Places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama

When we visited San Pedro de Atacama, we stayed with Explora for three days on part of our 9-day overland trip from Salta, Argentina to San Pedro . Explora runs one of the top luxury properties in San Pedro de Atacama. Their property is unlike others in the area.

Located in the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama their 17- hectare property offers a true feel of the Atacama desert, the Andes highlands, and its surroundings.

Click to read about our experience: Adventure Meets Luxury on the Explora Travesia

By day enjoy epic adventures of the Atacama and by night come back to luxury. Their adventures are as amazing as their property. There are personal experiences, where you will go where no other tourist go. That’s the magic of Explora, they go above and beyond.

All programs are included with accommodation so there’s no need to hold back on exploring the Atacama and its surrounding areas. Once back on the property enjoy a bit of luxury with a glass of wine, soaking in one of the two hot tubs, or take a dip in one of the four heated pools. Maybe after a long day of hiking enjoy a message? I know we did.

You will truly have a magical experience with Explora . However, we understand if Explora is not in your budget or how you like to travel. Below we have listed out what we recommend for top luxury hotels, mid-range hotels- Lodge Andino Terrantai , budget hotels- Takha Takha Hotel , and hostels- Hostal Lackuntur  in San Pedro de Atacama. 

More on Chile & Argentina:

• How to Get to Easter Island: Essential Planning Guide
• Rapa Nui National Park: Moai of Easter Island
• Perito Moreno Glacier: Everything You Need to Know
• 5 Days of Hiking in Patagonia: Basecamps Trek
• 34 Amazing South America Adventure Experiences

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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

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20 Best Things To Do Around San Pedro De Atacama, Chile

By: Author Mark and Kristen Morgan

Posted on Published: February 12, 2020  - Last updated: October 21, 2023

Categories South America Travel Blog

You’re heading to the Atacama Desert and the tiny adobe town of San Pedro, but you don’t yet know what to do? We’ve got you covered! This is an in depth guide to the 20 best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama .

There is so much to see and do in the expansive desert of the Atacama. Consider this your complete action packed handbook of exactly what to conquer in this extra-terrestrial landscape.

20 Best Things To Do In San Pedro De Atacama

Let’s jump right into it, here are the top 20 things to do in San Pedro de Atacama !

1 – Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon)

Distance from SPdA : 8.5 miles (14km) Entrance : 9am – 1pm is $2,500 (US$3) / 1pm – 5pm is $3,000 CLP (US$4) Tour : Sunset Tour Valle de la Luna

Valle de la Luna, or Valley of the Moon, is a landscape that has been likened to the surface of the Moon. A combination of wind, water and dry salt lakes have created an astounding topography; Mother Nature at her most artistic.

Rustic red and burnt orange valleys made from dry stone and sand, complimented with a light sprinkling of dry white salt result in this eerily lunar-like appearance.

There are caverns to explore, vista’s to marvel at and sand dunes to climb in Moon Valley. The valley is a part of the Reserva Nacional los Flamencos and declared a nature sanctuary in 1982.

For us, visiting Moon Valley was similar to seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time.

It’s one of those handful of times when you can’t believe that what you are looking at belongs to the same world you are accustomed to. One might say the experience is out of this world. Yep, we said it!

Valle de la Luna is the perfect arena to explore by mountain bike. Pick a bike up from San Pedro de Atacama and cycle around the celestial landscape.

This might be one of the only times you’ll get a chance to exercise in the Atacama.

As a double bonus, it’s also a much cheaper way to travel and you can maintain your own schedule. Our top recommendation for things to do in San Pedro is orbit (by mountain bike, not space shuttle!) the Valley of the Moon.

If cycling isn’t for you, no problem. Either drive there yourself or jump on a sunset tour leaving San Pedro at 3pm. Atacama sunset over Valle de la Luna equals a big tick on the bucket list spreadsheet.

If you’re an active and adventurous traveler who likes to keep fit when traveling, hire a bike and cycle around the Valley of the Moon! Check out our extensive guide Valle de la Luna: Orbit by Apollo Mountain Bike !

2 – Valle de la Muerte or Marte (Death or Mars Valley)

Distance from SPdA : 1.4 miles (2.2km) Entrance : $3,000 CLP (US$4)

Valle de la Muerte, meaning Death Valley, is the fatal sounding title given to this arid, moisture vacuuming piece of land located close to San Pedro de Atacama. The valleys’ other name is a little less life-threatening, yet is the more interest piquing: Valle de Marte or Mars Valley.

The local urban legend would have us believe that Valley of Death was coined when a French astronomer believed the small but striking valley brimming with red rocks and sand dunes appeared to have a likeness to Mars.

When he suggested ‘Valle de Mart” local Chileans misheard, they thought he said Muerte – Death.

A footpath leads up to a stunning viewpoint from where you have unique views over the distant Cordillera, Licancabur volcano and Valley of the Moon.

The tall sand dune is extremely popular with adventure seeking tourists, who pick up sand boards in town and carve out runs through the sand. You can rent some Sandboards in San Pedro if this is up your street.

This is one of the closest, easiest and cheapest things to do on your San Pedro de Atacama itinerary.

If you’re short on time or have a little spare time, this is the perfect activity to squeeze in. It’s also an excellent spot for photographers wanting to snap some red planet-like shots!

Arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds of sand boarders and tour groups later in the afternoon. You can pay for tickets at the entrance. This spot is easily within cycling distance or you can walk here in 30 minutes.

3 – Pukara de Quitor (Fort of Quitor)

Distance from SPdA : 1.9 miles (3km) Entrance : $4,000 CLP (US$5) Tour : Pukara de Quitor

Hundreds of years before San Pedro de Atacama existed in Northern Chile, a small walled fortress city stood in its place. It’s name? Pukara de Quitor.

The city, which dates back to the 12th century, was well known at the time for its ability to produce masonry, pottery and metalwork.

This made the city a potential target for less technologically advanced rival tribes who sought to plunder their neighbors treasure chests.

Therefore, Pukara de Quitor was made into a walled fortress city.

Incan’s ruled the land until the 1530’s when the Spanish invaded South America . By the time the Spanish Conquistadores reached Pukara de Quitor, the city had fortified and its inhabitants prepared.

The city sat atop a hill overlooking the River San Pedro, providing a commanding geographic position. It took the Spanish years to defeat the city of Pukara de Quitor.

What a fascinating story! 

The remains of the formidable fortress were designated a national monument in 1982 and can be visited today.

If you’re on a tight budget, why not combine this with Valle de la Luna and Valle de la Marte. Hire a bike and spend the day exploring the nearest attractions.

How will you ever fit all of these activities in with just a few days? Should you hire a car or book a bunch of tours? We recommend you read our complete guide to San Pedro de Atacama .

4 – Hot Air Balloon Over The Atacama Desert

Have you ever been in a hot air balloon? Imagine this for a moment …

You lift off into the Andean sunrise as you tower above the Atacama Desert, the sun begins to rise behind 5,900m high Licancabur Volcano as its bright rays begin to illuminate the Cordillera del Sal in painted light.

Dawn stretches across the Chilean altiplano as the arid valleys shed their shadows, revealing martian landscapes and lagoons, mountains and volcanoes as far as the horizon…

Yeah, it sounds pretty awesome to us too!

If you can afford it, this has to rank as one of the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama. 

The company is called Phaway Atacama Ballooning Experience and would have immediately been on our list had it been in the budget! Next time!

5 – El Tatio Geysers

Distance from SPdA : 50 miles (80km) Entrance : $10,000 CLP (US$ 13) per person, not per vehicle Tour : El Tatio Geysers

The El Tatio Geysers geothermal field is situated at 4,320m (14,170 feet) above sea level in the mighty Andes mountain range, close to the border with Bolivia.

It is the third largest geyser field in the world after Yellowstone and Dolina Geizerov in Russia.

However, El Tatio offers a different experience to the likes of Yellowstone because the field is open which means you are in close proximity to the vents.

But don’t be alarmed!

The height of the geysers on the El Tatio geothermal field are relatively short.

The best time to visit is at sunrise when the sun gently creeps its way over the Andes to the East to illuminate the field and its bus loads of chilled-to-the-bone inhabitants .

We must admit, it is quite the spectacle.

This is arguably the second most popular thing to do in San Pedro de Atacama (after Valle de la Luna) so be prepared for crowds and busy tours even in the early morning hours .

Here are Some Tips for Your Journey:

• Sections of the B-245 road are not on tarmac. A lot of the journey is just a dirt road.
• The snaking dirt road gains 2,000m altitude to reach the geyser field and remember it will be pitch black if you want to arrive for sunrise.
• Drive carefully and don’t worry if there are buses or cars right up your six, just pull over and let them pass.
• 4,300m altitude is a serious deal. If you haven’t acclimatized at a similar height for a few days prior to visiting, don’t be surprised if you feel a bit lightheaded and/or nauseous. Not ideal if you’re driving and this happens.
• Drink plenty of water and don’t take unnecessary chances.
• It will be freezing cold. Pack warm clothes, then pack some more! Trust us, you need them.

6 – Valle de Arcoiris (Rainbow Valley)

Distance from SPdA : 38 miles (61km) Entrance : $3,500 CLP (US$ 4.50) Tour : Rainbow Valley (and Yerbas B u enas)

Rainbow Valley was once one of the most underrated and under advertised of all tourist attractions in the region. However, its popularity is increasing and tours are operating more frequently to the area.

With other-worldly rock formations similar to that of the other more famous valleys, but armed with brilliantly colorful hues, Rainbow Valley should be a contender on your San Pedro de Atacama itinerary.

Look closely at the detail of the rocks and try to work out the minerals that give the rocks their distinctive colors. It is likely to be much quieter than Valle de la Luna so expect to have the valley and its hikes to yourself.

Couple this with Yerbas Buenas petroglyphs (and maybe even add in Rio Grande, just 10 more minutes drive down the same road).

7 – Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs

Distance from SPdA : 37 miles (60km) Entrance : $3,000 CLP (US$ 4.50) Tour : Yerbas Buenas (and Rainbow Valley)

Yerbas Buenas is the site of famous petroglyphs discovered close to San Pedro. Animal drawings carved into 2 sections of red rock faces are proof of a civilization from long ago dwelling in the harsh arid desert of Northern Chile. The drawings depict many animals, from llamas to foxes and alpacas to guanacos.

Interestingly, it seems as though there is an improvement in the quality of the drawings. Is that due to advancement in knowledge or simply a more proficient artist?

You can discover the answers about who the Atacama people were and who lived in the area a long time ago.

The reviews for the petroglyphs are always excellent.

There are no services in the area so be sure to fill up with gas before you leave San Pedro and take gallons of spare water with you! Alternatively, make your way over as part of a tour.

8 – Salar de Tara

Distance from SPdA : 64 miles (103km) Entrance : Free, but you will need a 4×4 car and there are no instructions or signs Tour : Salar de Tara

Salar de Tara is regarded as one of the best excursions to take in the Atacama. The area is made up of both Salar de Tara and Salar de Agues Calientes. However, it is the only major tourist site to the East of sand baked San Pedro de Atacama, meaning it’s almost impossible to combine with any of the other things to do on this list. 

It’s a full day tour or a full day self visit near the border with Argentina and Bolivia.

Salar de Tara has had comparisons drawn with the Bolivia Salt flats tour due to the colorful and transformational landscapes around the Caldera la Pacana volcano. 

The salt flat is nestled in the Andes mountains at a lofty altitude of 4,300m (14,000 feet). Therefore, the same altitude sickness rules apply. You need time to acclimatize.

A top-tip would be to save this for your last day as it’s higher than El Tatio, but lower than the Bolivian Altiplano if heading to Uyuni.

At the salt flat you will find cathedral rocks. They are tall and narrow formations jutting out of the ground as a stalagmite would inside a cave.

You will look upon extraterrestrial visions of uniquely colorful sands and lakes, with seemingly unimaginable volcanoes colored purple as a backdrop. Yes, purple!

If you travel by your own vehicle, be aware that the last part of the journey will be by dirt road and you will need a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Don’t be those guys that get stuck in a 2 wheel drive!

As always in the Atacama, take spare fuel, more water than you can imagine and plenty of warm clothes in case of emergency.

9 – Termas Banos de Puritama (Puritama Hotsprings)

Distance from SPdA : 17 miles (28km) Entrance : $15,000 CLP (US$ 20) Tour : Puritama Hot Springs

Relaxing at Puritama hot springs will induce a welcome sigh of relief from all the early mornings, late nights and countless steps you will have walked throughout your San Pedro de Atacama itinerary. 

Your body and mind will be tired. You’ve been breathing thin air more quickly and deeply to enable oxygen to enter your bloodstream at an altitude of 3,475m.

Sodium Sulphate concentrated waters in the outdoor thermal pools will soothe aching muscles and relieve stress. Nearby volcanic activity warms water in the Puritama river to an average of 33 C (91 F). 

Eight natural pools formed among native vegetation and each pool is temperature controlled. The further downstream you bathe, the colder you will be!  

The hot springs are privately owned. Therefore, they charge a significant amount of money to enter the springs.

This is for maintenance of the pools and upkeep of the changing room/toilet facilities provided. Road quality is terrible once you leave the main B-245 road. So, drive slowly!

The scenery in this general area is stunning so even if you don’t go in, it’s worth the drive up.

10 – Laguna Baltinache

Distance from SPdA : 35 miles (57km) Entrance : $5,000 CLP (US$ 6.50) Tour: Hidden lagoons of Baltinache

Is that a mirage you see? No, it’s Lagunas Escondidas and Baltinache. An oasis in the arid Atacama Desert. Laguna Baltinache is the lesser known sister of the wildly popular Laguna Cejar.

They are two of the Lagunas in the region that you are allowed to swim in. Well, float in.

No intentions of floating in the super salty Dead Sea? Well, this is the next best thing, except the laguna here offers scenery from another planet as your backdrop. 

There are 7 pools displaying vibrant colors, not too dissimilar to those at Yellowstone. The salt content is so high that you simply float. However, the water will feel ice cold so don’t be surprised if you gasp upon entry .

You are allowed to float in the first and last of the pools.

Once you’re done, there’s a shower on site. Just don’t forget to take a decent towel to rub off all the salt. Let the exfoliation commence .

Laguna Baltinache is much quieter than Cejar, you might even get the place to yourself.

Top-tip:  If you go without a tour, head down earlier in the day to avoid any tour groups. It’s also a third of the price of Cejar. However, it is more difficult to get to.

11 – Laguna Cejar

Distance from SPdA: 17.5 miles (28.5km) by Car/Camper , quicker down road 23 then turn right 12 miles (19.5km) by mountain bike on back roads. Entrance: 9am – 1pm $10,000 CLP (US$ 13) / After 1pm $15,000 CLP (US$ 20) Tour : Laguna Cejar / Laguna Tebinquiche

Laguna Cejar is the more popular, easier to get to but most expensive of the Lagunas in the region. The surroundings mountains, native vegetation to one side and beach to the other are why this spot is so sought after. 

There are three lakes, but only one you can swim in.

Depending on your budget and idea of value for money, you may agree with us that a US$ 20 entrance fee in the afternoon is a bit steep. If budget or crowds aren’t a concern, the convenience factor could tip the balance in Cejar’s favor for you.

It’s much easier to book tours to Laguna Cejar if you’re visiting San Pedro without your own vehicle. Tours are frequent and can include multiple stops before / after you float in the salty lagoon. 

But the major benefit if you have your own transport is that it’s South of San Pedro de Atacama, which means you can get here early and then carry on South to many of the others places on the itinerary.

The entrance fee includes use of showers in private changing rooms. Here are some things to remember:

1- The water will be colder than you expect in the middle of a desert, you’ll need to man up! 2 – Don’t forget your towel and warm clothes for afterwards! 3 – Don’t forget your bug spray (seasonal), we all know how annoying bug bites are! 4 – Take flip-flops for walking around the pools if you value your feet!

12 – Laguna Tebinquiche

Distance from SPdA : 26 miles (46km) / 9 miles (15km) from Laguna Cejar Entrance : $2,000 CLP (US$ 2.50) Tour : Laguna Cejar / Laguna Tebinquiche

Laguna Tebinquiche is a further 20-30 minute drive from Laguna Cejar. However, this is not a swimming/floating laguna. This is a tranquil and visually stunning laguna, where you have a chance to see wildlife.

If you’re lucky, you might even see a flamboyance of plush pink flamingoes feeding on tiny sea monkeys (shrimp) .

Sunlight illuminates Laguna Tebinquiche’s turquoise water and sporadic white salt crystals poke out from below the waterline. High salt concentration and evaporation result in a white, reflective and clear shimmer effect.

If the wind is calm and the lagoon is deep enough, you will be in for a treat. Still surface water will produce a magnificent reflection of Licancabur Volcano, with deep hues in between.

However, when the water levels are low, the laguna dries up and brilliant white salt flats dominates the landscape.

You won’t get the Licancabur reflection, but you will have a miniature version of the world famous salt flats near Uyuni, Bolivia.

Laguna Tebinquiche has one final trick up its sleeve: it has one of the best sunsets in the Atacama.

Most tours will arrive here after Laguna Cejar in time to watch the burning red and orange ball of hot gas set over the rugged horizon. However, that means the crowds will appear .

Pro-tip: Don’t miss the two small pools nearby called Ojos del Salar. And yes, you can jump in!

13 – Laguna Chaxa

Distance from SPdA:  35 miles (56km) Entrance:  $2,500 CLP (US$ 3) Tour : Laguna Chaxa (plus Salar de Atacama & Altiplanic Lagoons)

Your visit to the Atacama would be incomplete without observing flamingos elegantly gliding just feet from the reflective surface of Laguna Chaxa.

Laguna Chaxa is a lake found within Salar de Atacama and is one of the best places to discover the three species of flamingo found around San Pedro:

1 – The Chilean flamingo 2 – The Andean flamingo 3 – James’s Flamingo

Optimal visiting times giving you a better change of glimpsing these species are in the morning and evening before sunset. It’s around these times that the wading birds are most active.

The Atacama salt flat provides a stunning backdrop and once again this is a place that only gets better as the sun is setting.

Now, they just need to hurry up building a teleportation device so you can teleport yourself from one laguna to another during a single sun set phase!

14 – SPACE Stargazing Tour

Distance from SPdA:  A few miles into darkness Tour:   SPACE

You’ve just witnessed a show worthy of a nature award, Sunset in the Atacama. The entirety of the color spectrum intricately transitioning from red to purple before you. But it’s not time to head home yet. 

What could beat that sunset over alien valleys and snowcapped volcanoes? Tilt your head up once it gets dark, et voila.

You’re in the Atacama Desert, arguably the best place on Earth to open your eyes to the night sky. Don’t you even dream of visiting the Atacama without making time for its ‘star’ attraction! 

The Atacama is an astronomer’s paradise. High altitude combined with extremely low relative humidity and almost zero light pollution create a black canvas from which innumerable sparkling stars emerge.

There are various stargazing tours in town and some luxury eco-lodges even run their own stargazing evenings on site, which would be awesome.

However, if you can’t afford those, our recommendation is to go on SPACE stargazing tour .

A short minibus ride into nearby countryside will drop you at a ranch where several high grade telescopes can be seen pointing up into various parts of the crystal clear sky. 

Next, you receive a brief introduction to the tour by (genuinely hilarious) Frenchman Alain Maury, the pioneer who first realized the potential for stargazing lectures in the Atacama.

Watching powerful lasers you will explore Alpha Centauri; the closest solar system to our Sun, constellations such as the Southern Cross and of course, the Milky Way in unrivaled clarity.

Finally, it’s time to have your mind blown by the powerful telescopes and what they each reveal.

Beware of falling into a temperature trap.  At 2,500m (8,000 feet), when darkness overshadows daylight, a spine tingling coldness descends upon the desert.

15 – Salar de Atacama

Distance from SPdA:  35 miles (56km) Entrance:  $5,500 CLP (US$ 7) to enter the salt flats Tour : Salar de Atacama (plus Laguna Chaxa and the Altiplanic Lagoons)

Technically, this isn’t a single place to visit. The 3,000 sq km area encompasses Lagunas Chaxa, Cejar and Tebinquiche, which forms a part of the massive Salar de Atacama.

However, due to its significance to the region we would suggest exploring further into the salt flat where possible.

Chile’s largest salt flat is the third largest in the world after Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia and Salinas Grandes in Argentina. In addition, it is our planets largest and purest active source of lithium, containing 27% of the worlds reserves.

The sprawling Atacama salt flat’s Eastern horizon is dominated by impressive snow peaked volcanoes including Lascar, one of the most active in Chile. 

The Salar has a rugged landscape, making it distinctively different to that of Uyuni.

Incessant sunshine, high levels of evaporation and very little groundwater unite like a sustained three pronged attack, causing the roughness in the topography.

A visitor center provides information about the geology and ecology of the salt flat. Be prepared for crowds marveling at the great salt basin around sunset.

16 – Lagunas Miscanti & Miniques

Distance from SPdA:  73 miles (117km) Entrance:  $3,000 CLP (US$ 4) Tour : Altiplanic Lagoons (plus Salar de Atacama and Laguna Chaxa)

Breathtaking Lagunas Minscanti and Miniques located in the Altiplano are one of the most highly rated day trips in the region. They are a little further to reach and have a final 5km on rough terrain but they are worth the time and effort. 

Because the 4,400m (14,400 feet) high views over turquoise lakes and sequences of colorful volcanoes are spectacular. The lakes lie in the shadows of soaring Cerro Miscanti and mighty Miniques Volcano.

Once a single body of water, the two lakes were split by a volcanic lava flow. With no wind, you will find perfectly reflective mirror like surfaces. 

There’s not a huge amount to do here except soak up the scenery, take your camera out, and snap until your fingers hurt .

As you walk between the two lakes, look out for wildlife such as vicunas, waterfowl, burros, flamingoes and a variety of birds in the wild. 

Along with Laguna Chaxa, Lagunas Minscanti and Miniques make up the trifecta of the Lagunas Altiplánicas Tours from San Pedro.

17 – Taste the Best Empanadas at Emporio Andino

Do you need to take a break from your San Pedro de Atacama itinerary and the preposterous amount of tour agencies in town? We hear you. And we have the perfect place for you to take your break, Emporio Andino .

They serve excellent coffee in intriguing mugs with square tops. Oh, and they just happen to make the BEST empanadas on the planet. Ranked by us.

If you don’t like the empanadas here, send us a DM with your address and we will send you the money.

We ate there every single day for lunch. Were it not for humans requiring a varied diet and preferably a healthy one, we would have also eaten dinner here.

Meat and potato, chicken and vegetable, caprese, vegetarian options … sandwiches, cheesecake. And if it’s too hot for coffee, they make amazing fruit smoothies. Check tripadvisor and read the rave reviews.

Emporio Andino is located to the far West of the main pedestrian street – Caracoles.

Each empanada is priced at $2,300 CLP (US$ 3), which seems a bit steep, but remember you’re in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

Everything is expensive.

18 – Piedras Rojas

Distance from SPdA : 93 miles (150km) Entrance : Free (but closed as of Feb 2020) Tour : Red Rocks (plus Salar de Talar, Altiplanic Lagoons, Salar de Atacama & Laguna Chaxa)

The Red Rocks, or Piedras Rojas, are another contender for most popular day trip as part of a San Pedro de Atacama itinerary. However, the red rocks area is closed .

Apparently, some tourists can’t contain their excitement and the areas requires rehabilitation.

There are alternate viewpoints looking over the Salar de Talar and red rocks but you can’t currently access Piedras Rojas.

Guards will prevent rule breaking rebels from making it down to the rocks to grab the awesome photo that those lucky enough to have visited before its closure have snapped.

Piedras Rojas covers just a very small area, with the Salar de Talar providing the backdrop.

The vistas are similar to those of the other salt flats, with an artists paint pot full of colors in the lakes, marshland, mountains and volcanoes. But the red rocks offer something just a little different.

They are unique to the region and the contrasting iron rich red rocks naturally break the local geological formation.

Pro-tip : If you don’t mind driving another 6 miles (10km), you can also stop at Laguna Tuyajto, a hot spot for flamingoes feeding early in the day.

19 – Salar de Talar

Distance from SPdA : 93 miles (150km) Entrance : Free Tour : Salar de Talar (plus Red Rocks, Altiplanic Lagoons, Salar de Atacama and Laguna Chaxa)

Finishing off the enormous list of salt flat areas to add to your list of things to do in San Pedro de Atacama is Salar de Talar. This more compact and perhaps more polished salt flat is just 46 sq km but is situated at a soaring altitude of 3,950m (13,000 feet).

What sets this salt flat apart?

Its views over Cerro Medano and the surrounding Caichinique volcanic complex.

Moreover, the landscape in front of you appears as though you are looking at an oil painting created by an artist at the top of his game.

Cerro Medano is renowned for its distinct shades of brown and grey, which contrast beautifully with the other colors in the foreground.

This is the location of Piedras Rojas, which unfortunately can’t be accessed currently, but let’s hope they open it back up soon. You can still see the rocks from Salar de Talar and it’s definitely worth the longer drive down.

20 – ALMA

Distance from SPdA : 20.5 miles (33km) Entrance : Free Information : ALMA

Are you seriously interested in astronomy? Like, way more complex astronomy than the stargazing tour? If the answer is yes, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit the Atacama Large Millimeter/Sub-millimeter Array (ALMA) Operations Support Facility (OSF).

ALMA is an astronomical interferometer of 66 radio telescopes. In Lehmans terms that means 66 separate radio telescopes (called an array) work together in one single telescope to provide higher resolution images capable of observing planet and star formation.

How cool is that?!

ALMA is the most expensive ground operated telescope in the world, costing US$ 1.4 billion. The array is located at 5,000m (16,400 feet) on the Chajnantor Plateau, close to the APEX (Atacama Pathfinder Experiment) telescope.

And they just happen to offer FREE tours of the OSF (not the actual interferometer site, just the operations facility – but still awesome!) on Saturday and Sunday mornings only. They book up fast and you have to book in advance.

So, to summarize:

1 – You get to learn about some of the best deep space and origins of galaxies stories on the planet. 2 – It’s completely free. Not much in San Pedro comes for free! 3 – You get picked up in San Pedro and dropped off afterwards, at no cost. 4 – It’s about as close to Star Trek as you’re likely to get in your lifetime!

Interactive Map Things To Do In  San Pedro de Atacama

Look at all those icons below … there’s A LOT to do, right?! Use the interactive map to help you get to grips with the geography and the logistics of planning your itinerary for your trip to San Pedro de Atacama. Click anywhere on the map and you can zoom/move around to get your bearings.

Here’s a key for you:

Burgundy  = sites North of SPdA

Blue = lagunas and salt flats south of SPdA

Yellow = an amazing salt flat but way out by itself

Blac k = night activities with stargazing

Green = hot air balloon option

Orange = famous valleys & historic archaeological site near town

Purple = the best empanada you’re likely to taste, ever

We hope you found this useful and have more of an idea about what you would like to do when you arrive to the Atacama Desert. Is there anything else you would have included in this list? Let us know in the comments below!

Read More About Chile …

• Perfect San Pedro De Atacama, Chile Itinerary: With & Without Car
• Valle De La Luna: Orbit Moon Valley By Apollo Mountain Bike

And that’s the run down of the top 20 things to do in San Pedro de Atacama !

If you need any help planning your trip to San Pedro de Atacama or Chile, please just let us know in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

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6 Day San Pedro de Atacama Itinerary With A Car Rental [2024]

Last Updated March 16, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » 6 Day San Pedro de Atacama Itinerary With A Car Rental [2024]

The high desert in northern Chile is one of the most unique places in the world. At the center of it is the dusty town of San Pedro de Atacama that springs up like a literal oasis. From the clearest Milky Way, beguiling pastel mountains, vicuña roaming the plains, and bubbling geothermal activity, this is a traveller’s dream.

For those that like to travel more independently, planning a 6 day San Pedro de Atacama itinerary with a car rental is entirely possible but can be a little tricky. This is why we cover in considerable detail how to get tickets, the driving conditions, untold secrets, and more to make sure your vacation goes off without a hitch.

Read more about Chile

• Hotel Las Torres Review
• 10 Day Torres del Paine Patagonia Itinerary
• The Ultimate Patagonia Packing List
• Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Do The W Trek
• Our Best Chile Travel Guide Content

Looking for a deal on car rentals in Chile?

• You need to know about the secret of car rental coupon codes to save you hundreds.

In This Article

Our Experience in the Atacama Desert

How to use this itinerary, what you need to know before planning your trip, why atacama with a car rental, day 1: seeing the clearest night sky, day 2: brilliant flamingos, day 3: famous altiplanic lakes, day 4: from geysers to the moon, day 5: floating on water, day 6: puritama oasis, how you could tweak this atacama itinerary, map of san pedro de atacama desert itinerary, 5 tips for self-driving in the atacama desert, actual itinerary costs, what would the cost be without a rental car, who is this itinerary for, closing thoughts, frequently asked questions, travel resources for your next trip, 6 day atacama itinerary.

The Atacama Desert has one of the most unique desert landscapes where you’ll find small oasis towns, ethereal moonscapes, jutting volcanoes, pristine salt lakes, rejuvenating hot springs, and the clearest sky, there are so many reasons why this is a must-visit part of Chile.

This desert plateau is the driest nonpolar desert in the world and there’s a reason why it’s been used as a simulation for Mars. There’s also a reason why the largest astronomical project, ALMA Observatory , is located here. It is truly a window to another world and galaxy from here.

Context matters and so to tee up this itinerary, let’s quickly chat about how this trip fit in our larger month in Chile .

The Atacama Desert was the second leg of the trip and followed immediately after a physically demanding Torres del Paine National Park . As a result, we wanted this to be slower-paced. Normally, folks try to do this in 3-4 days but every itinerary we reviewed looked way too jam-packed.

For better or worse, we decided to rent a car because we wanted the freedom and flexibility to explore which we didn’t quite have in Patagonia since that comprised of tour packages.

Since we’d be doing it on our own, we didn’t book any tours in advance. The approach was to have a loose idea of the itinerary and figure the rest out on the ground. We’d learn later that this presented a ton of challenges.

When you compare this to our 10 day Patagonia itinerary , 6 day Smoky Mountains itinerary , 3 day Cairo itinerary , or 2 week Tahiti itinerary , this one is quite similar. The core principle is that it’s meant to cover the details that we feel other books and websites miss.

With this Atacama desert itinerary focused on those that want to explore it independently without any booked tours, we’re also putting a significant emphasis on how trip planning works with your own car and providing updated details for how Atacama’s individual attractions now work post-pandemic.

The itinerary will first go through each day, covering what you’ll expect, highlighting key details for attractions, summarizing the day, and providing links in case you want to learn more.

After the breakdown by day, we’ll also provide ideas for alternatives that you could swap in, an idea of cost, and the type of traveller this itinerary is for.

Since we understand in trip planning that it’s hard to see where things are in relation to each other, there’s also a custom Google Map which you can create a copy of.

Lastly, we also have a Google Sheet of the itinerary that you can download if you sign up to be an Insider.

Like with any itinerary, this is meant to provide inspiration and one version of how you can plan a trip to San Pedro de Atacama. Feel free to take the pieces that you’re interested in and juggle things around.

Instead of cramming every last detail into this San Pedro de Atacama itinerary, we’ve broken out the foundational knowledge into a few other articles that we highly encourage you to read as a companion to this one.

Through the Atacama Desert travel guide and Atacama Packing List ( coming soon ), you’ll be able to get answer the questions such as:

• Where is the Atacama Desert?
• What are the new changes in Atacama post-pandemic?
• How many days do you need?
• How to get to San Pedro de Atacama?
• How much does it cost?
• Is it safe?
• Where should you eat?

With plenty of experience traveling around the world, this seemed like a no-brainer decision. With tons of open roads, Atacama on paper looks easy to drive but the reality is a bit different.

The biggest issue with driving on your own is the condition of the roads. Once you get off the paved highway, you’re dealing with gravel roads that start off nicely flattened but can degrade to uneven nightmares consisting of potholes and head-shaking rumble strips.

On the flip side, many people will tell you that it’s dangerous to drive in Atacama, you realize that have a vested interest in selling tours. The truth is that it’s entirely do-able, albeit, requiring careful driving, with confidence, some experience, and paying for insurance in case.

Let’s cover reasons for and against having a car rental.

Reasons for a car rental

• The closest airport is Calama (CJC) which is close to 1.5 hours away from San Pedro de Atacama. This means there’s either a shared or private transfer required that starts at $27 USD per person.
• The cost of a car rental for 7 days is quite reasonable at $377 USD with Europcar .
• Traditional tours are all quite cookie-cutter and can be at a faster pace than you like. Since you’re expected to follow your group, it doesn’t give you too much time to explore and take your time.
• If you’re a photographer and want to visit viewpoints at specific times of the day/night or need large amounts of time with say, the flamingos, you need to have your own vehicle.
• While you can book some tours online, it’s actually advantageous to book the tours after you arrive since many companies jockey for your business by offering discounts. If you go this route, this means spending time figuring this out on your first day as opposed to hitting the ground running.

The challenges of driving in Atacama

• The main highways are nicely paved but once you’re in San Pedro de Atacama itself or go outside, it’s all gravel and uneven roads. The road to Geyser del Tatio and Lagunas Baltinache are especially nightmarish.
• There’s the feeling that the attractions in Atacama aren’t particularly friendly for independent travelers. This mainly comes from the lack of updated information online which can make it quite frustrating to plan a trip. It also seems like locals didn’t know the latest details post-COVID.
• Google Maps can be deceiving and will lead you astray if you don’t know the exact location to type in. For instance, if you punch in directions for “Laguna Chaxa”, you’ll be following directions to the wrong place.

Despite the challenges, exploring the desert with your own rental car is quite the fun adventure and allows you to spend as little or as much time you want at each destination.

For the best rates, Europcar is incredibly cheap from personal experience. They also have Avis , Budget , Econorent, MITTA, FIRST, and Salfa at the Calama airport. To compare them all, try using RentalCars .

Luckily, with this 6 day Atacama itinerary, we’ll be guiding you around common mistakes and making driving-specific recommendations.

With no direct flights to the Atacama Desert, the easiest way to get there is via the largest town in the region, Calama and the El Loa Airport (CJC) . There are multiple flights a day from Santiago (SLC) so you can decide how early or late you want to go.

TIP: If Atacama is your first destination in Chile and you have a short layover in Santiago, look at purchasing a prepaid Entel SIM so you can have this sorted and activated. You can do this in San Pedro de Atacama but you’ll have to spend time to find it.

Once you landing in Calama, you’ll head to the car rental counter in the main hall of the airport that’s outside of security. There are several booths here including Europcar and since they are undermanned, there might not be someone there. Look for a phone number and call it to let them know you’re waiting.

The cars are right in the parking lot in front of the airport and from there you’ll take the main highway that connects to San Pedro de Atacama . This is a 1 hour and 17 minute drive on a newly paved road.

On this drive, you’ll be steadily climbing in elevation, peaking at 3424 meters (11,234 feet). This means that you might start feeling the altitude en-route. For reference, Calama is 2,260meters (7415 feet) San Pedro de Atacama is 3,159 meters (10,364 feet).

Settle into your hotel and get organized for your evening stargazing activity. It will get quite cold at night so prepare your layers, gloves, and toque/beanie. The property we stayed at and would highly recommend is Hoteles Pueblo de Tierra .

Have dinner at Sol Inti in town before getting back to your hotel to await your pick up.

PARKING TIP: If you’re looking for parking in town, know that Caracoles is a pedestrian street. The best parking spots are marked on our map with the first option being the best street parking in the heart of town.

For your first night in Atacama, we highly recommend that you book an evening with Jorge of Atacama Desert Stargazing . This tour splits your time between a class that’ll go through the history of astronomy with stargazing using several high magnification telescopes. Even if stargazing isn’t your thing, you’re going to be blown away.

Atacama is one of the best places for stargazing because of its altitude, lack of humidity, and clear skies. Throughout the tour, you’ll see numerous celestial bodies up-close with the most impressive being the Tarantula Nebula, NGC-253, NGC-104, Jupiter and its moons, and Saturn with its rings.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  Jorge offers pick up at your hotel and will drive you to his house just outside of town.

Hours:  This changes depending on the time of year. For our tour in September, our pick up was at 8:40PM.

Website: Atacama Desert Stargazing

Price: Traditional Astronomical Tour (TAT) is $100 USD, SAT 1 Special Astronomical Tour is $130 USD, and the SAT 2 Special Astronomical Tour is $180 USD per person.

What you’ll like about this activity:

• The first half of the tour is an astronomy class which is incredibly useful to have some background knowledge of its history, technical terms, how the equipment works, and specifics about the stars of the southern hemisphere.
• It’s impressive the number of telescopes he has in the yard where he conducts the stargazing. Even with a maximum size of 14, you’d only have 2-3 people per telescope.
• You’ll be amazed by how many star clusters, nebulas, galaxies, planets, and constellations he knows off the top of his head and how quickly he can locate them.
• The biggest flex is that he has a powerful enough telescope where you’ll be able to see the rings of Saturn and the spots of Jupiter upclose.
• There is no minimum for the tour so if you’re the only one that books it, you’ll end up with a private tour.
• The food offered on the tour is quite substantial and more than just a snack. It was almost like a full meal with small sandwiches, crepes, chips, cookies, guacamole, hot soup, and hot drinks. They have alcohol as well.
• There are quite a number of astronomy tours in San Pedro de Atacama but if you’re looking for someone that is truly passionate about stargazing and has the knowledge and equipment to back it up, this is the tour to book.
• The term “Atacama Desert Stargazing” is quite generic which makes them hard to find. There are also many other products with similar names so don’t confuse them with Jorge’s.
• The tour names can be confusing between TAT, SAT 1, SAT 2, and others. The main difference between them is the stargazing time and how in-depth Jorge is able to get in his astronomy class. As a result, TAT is great for beginners, SAT 1 for those that want to go a bit more in-depth, and SAT 2 for advanced watchers.
• No matter what time of the year, it gets quite cold at night so be sure to wear a jacket, gloves, and toque/beanie. They have a portable heater and blanket but it’s best to have your own layers.
• This is not an astrophotography tour. While there is some time dedicated to it and Jorge can provide some guidance, this is definitely not his expertise.
• The tours do not run 3 nights before and after the full moon. As a result, it may be worth it to consider which dates you will be in the Atacama Desert.
• March to September (Chile’s winter) is best time for stargazing here.
• The time for the tour is an approximation. Using ours as an example, TAT 1 is only supposed to be 2.5-3 hours but we spent close to 5 hours with Jorge. He is quite generous with his time.
• No deposit is required upfront. You pay at the end of the tour and he accepts credit cards. Payment can be either in CLP or USD.
• For the photographers that want to do astrophotography, make sure to pack everything you need and have the settings prepared ahead of time. This part of the tour is quite short.
• A headlamp is helpful but not necessary. Use one that preferably has a red light so it doesn’t disrupt your eyes that have adjusted to the night sky.
• Avoid booking afternoon tours on the day of (in case they run late) and early morning tours the next day (this tour runs quite late into the evening).
• Try to book this tour on the first night of your trip because if it’s cloudy, you can reschedule it for a different day.

As a reminder for your Day 4 and 6 activities, make sure you book your Valle De La Luna tickets and Puritama online ahead of time if you haven’t done so already.

Day 1 Summary

What you’ll do:

• Atacama Desert Stargazing

Where you’ll eat:

• Dinner – Sol Inti – Traditional Chilean restaurant in San Pedro de Atacama with generous portions and is well-priced.

Where you’ll stay:

• Hoteles Pueblo de Tierra
• SIM Card: If Atacama is your first destination in Chile and you have a short layover in Santiago, look at purchasing a prepaid Entel SIM so you can have this sorted and activated. You can do this in San Pedro de Atacama but you’ll have to spend time to find it. We recommend Entel because they have the best reception in Atacama.
• Cash: It’s a good idea to have a mix of US Dollars and Chilean Pesos in Atacama. Hotels booked through Booking.com have to be paid in USD to avoid the 19% tax. Tours will accept both but often quote in USD. Entrance fees are typically in CLP and some locations don’t accept credit card. Tipping is also easiest with cash.
• Fill up nightly: There aren’t any gas stations outside of San Pedro de Atacama. A smart habit to get into is to fill up the tank of your car rental nightly or every morning before heading out.

Start your morning with the included breakfast at Hoteles Pueblo de Tierra.

Since we don’t recommend drinking tap water in San Pedro de Atacama due to its high mineral content, you’ll want to make sure you have enough water. One of the cheapest places to pick up water is at the local Supermercado Ketal . A 6L jug is $1,950 CLP. Stock up anything else you might need including snacks for the car.

Fill up your car at the COPEC gas station before heading out.

The main highlight of the day is Laguna Chaxa which is best known for its large population of flamingos that live here.

Belonging to the larger Atacama Salt Flats , this area is actually a depression in the land between the Andes and Domeyko mountain ranges where over the many years, minerals washing down from the mountains settled here to create a massive salt deposit.

Superficial lagoons have formed here where brine shrimp have thrived in waters with high mineral concentrations with high temperatures and low oxygen. This is very similar to the salt lake we’ve visited in our Northern California road trip which included a visit to Mono Lake.

The key is that birds including flamingoes love feeding on the brine shrimp in the shallow puddles of water, which is why there are such large colonies of them here.

For your visit, you’ll start off with an information session where a guide will go through a few of the informative boards, examples of brine shrimp, and also how flamingoes start with white feathers and eventually turn pink through their diet. This part is only in Spanish but is mandatory because they need to explain the rules.

You’ll then walk a one-way trail that takes you along a journey along the dry salt flat, with various stops along the way that talk about brine shrimp, volcanoes and hills, and the salt lagoons. This trail leads towards an open area right in front of the lagoon where most of the flamingos are.

If you want to head straight to the flamingoes, there’s also a 2-way trail that goes from the visitor center to the lagoon.

Address:  On Google Maps, search “Laguna Chaxa Park” and not “Laguna Chaxa”. As you’re driving, make sure to be on the lookout for these signs as aids. The brown signs are the ones on the main highway which unfortunately don’t stand out very well.

Altitude: 2,300 meters (7,546 feet)

Length: 400 meter (1/4mi) trail that should take approximately 45 minutes. If you’re doing photography here, expect to spend 2 hours here.

Hours:  This changes depending on the time of year. When here in September, this park is open Monday to Sunday from 7AM – 5:30PM. Currently, according to CONAF , the hours are 8AM – 1PM and 2PM to 6PM with last admission at 5PM.

Website: Community of Toconao and CONAF

Email: [email protected]

Price: For foreigners, the prices are $8,000 CLP for adults and $4,000 CLP for children 17 and under, and seniors >60.

How to pay:

• At the gate – The traditional way to pay is to go into the container building by the gate. They will take your names, age, country, and phone number. After you park, you then hand the paperwork to the ticket booth to grant you entry into the park. It does not look like they take credit card.
• Online – A new feature is the ability to pay for tickets online . There are no extra processing fees but you do have to pick a specific time and date to visit. The advantage though is that you can pay by credit card.

Facilities: At the visitor center area, you’ll find bathrooms and a terrace with picnic benches. There are no facilities once you head out on the walking path.

• Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos (Los Flamencos National Reserve) comes up in many guides but it’s never clear where it is. This isn’t a specific place you visit but a group of areas designated as a reserve that includes Laguna Chaxa, Lagunas Miscanti y Miniques, Valle de la Luna, and Aldea de Tulor. These are spread all over the vicinity of San Pedro de Atacama and is not one contiguous park. This is why we don’t really mention Los Flamencos because it adds to the confusion.
• Toconao is at 2,485 meters (8,153 feet) so altitude should not be an issue here.
• There is no cover here so make sure to have a good hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
• We still recommend that you pay at the entrance instead of online just so you don’t have to lock in on a specific time slot.
• This is a fantastic location for photographing flamingos. However, due to the hours of the park, you likely won’t be able to capture them at sunrise or sunset.

On the way back, you can visit the town of Toconao . While there isn’t a tremendous amount to see, it’s still worth a quick pitstop to their quaint town square. Their main attraction is the bell tower that was built in 1750 made of three stacked sections of volcanic stone and faced with white stucco.

You’ll no doubt be hungry so head back into town to have an early dinner at Adobe . Located on the main pedestrian street of Caracoles, they are pretty low key in the late afternoon but turn into quite the lively restaurant with their fire pit and live music at night. It’s a great atmosphere with delicious mix of traditional and Italian dishes under an open-air courtyard.

For sunset, you’re going to want to head to the most popular spot in town called Mirador Lickan-Antai . When you arrive, you’ll notice that there isn’t a proper parking lot as it’s literally off the side of the highway.

Once parked, you’ll cross the rocks to eventually get to an edge that has an elevated perched view of Valle de la Luna. The way the golden sun casts shadow on the dragon-like spine of the rock formations and deserts below are truly mesmerizing.

There’ll be quite a few people here so plan on arriving 30-40 minutes ahead of sunset.

Before you head home, remember to fill up your tank so you’ll be ready to go tomorrow.

Day 2 Summary

Driving time: The drive from San Pedro de Atacama to Laguna Chaxa Park is 1 hour.

What you’ll see:

• Laguna Chaxa
• Mirador Lickan-Antai
• Breakfast – Hoteles Pueblo de Tierra (eat a large late breakfast)
• Lunch – Snacks in the car
• Dinner – Adobe – One of the more popular restaurants in the most central part of town with high quality food and lively atmosphere.
• Be careful with Google Maps – It’s critical to make sure you punch in the right location in Google Maps before setting out to Laguna Chaxa.
• Cellular signal – If you have an Entel SIM, you’ll have signal about halfway to Laguna Chaxa but afterwards it cuts out. If you bought tickets online, make sure you have it printed or take screenshots on your phone.
• Don’t underestimate the sun and heat – We highly recommend that you wear a thin and breathable long-sleeve shirt like the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie .
• Effects of altitude – While you won’t be doing anything at very high altitude, you may still feel something especially overnight. For instance, I had pretty vivid nightmares for the first 4 nights although the tingly fingers that I had in Cusco during our 2 weeks in Peru never materialized. Be prepared for it and stay very well hydrated.

For your third day, you’ll climbing up in altitude to visit magical lagoons of the mountains.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be hitting the road again. We recommend that you start early to give yourself time to explore and take photos because there’s a 4.5 hours of driving just to get there and back.

Today, you’ll be going the same direction as the previous day but you’ll keep going and you’ll be climbing in altitude. What’s significantly different though is how scenic this drive is. Instead of flat desert plains with formations in the distance, you’ll start seeing more vegetation, wildlife, windy roads, and volcanic mountains.

Your main mission is to see the Altiplanic Lakes which include the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons which are side-by-side and also Piedras Rojas which is at the edge of Aguas Calientes Sur salt flats. Altiplanic comes from the Spanish word altiplano which means “high plains” and refers to a plateau that is predominantly in Bolivia but also cuts into Peru and Chile. It’s worth noting that all of these places are part of the Los Flamencos Natural Reserve .

Enjoy the drive and don’t be afraid to safely stop on the side of the road for photos. Also, be on the lookout for vicuña , an even cuter cousin to the alpaca. With their long lashes, fluffy wool, and smaller size, they’re certainly the cutest of the llama family.

Your first stop is the town of Socaire and is an administrative one. Near the entrance of town is a brown container building which they call Recepción de Turistas. This is where you will show your online reservation, register your information, and pick up your official entry ticket. We recommend that you buy the ticket that starts at Piedras Rojas and ends with the Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons.

This part can be extremely confusing so we’re going to take care to explain it all.

Address:  On Google Maps, search “ SOCAIRE CHILE “. It has a green tree pin. This is the brown container you need to go to in order to register and pick up your tickets.

Ticket types: The ticket that you want is the ticket called “Southern Hot Water Salt Flats + Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons”. This means that you’ll be doing Piedras Rojas first and then the twin lagoons. They also offer “Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons + Aguas Calientes South Salt Flats” which simply means the other way around. Yes, this means the order matters. You can also purchase tickets to the individual attractions if you only want to do one.

Time slots: In addition to the order mattering, you’ll be forced to pick a time slot to register. For the combo tickets, there’s 9AM, 11AM, 1PM and 3PM. You have to check-in 1 hour before the slot. This means arriving at either 8AM, 10AM, 12PM, or 2PM. The 3PM slot is not available on Thursdays.

Hours:  The hours for the twin lagoons and Piedras Rojas are 9AM to 6PM.

Website: Community of Socaire and CONAF

Price: For foreigners, the prices for the combo of the two attractions are $15,000 CLP for adults and $13,000 CLP for children 5-17, and seniors 61+. Infants up to 4 years old are free.

How to pay: You can purchase the tickets online which allows payment by credit card. Note that there may be an additional fee if paying by MasterCard (read our Atacama travel guide for more details). After receiving your reservation number, you also need to fill out a passenger form which includes your passport number, e-mail, nationality, phone number, and accommodations.

Rules: They require visitors to register and pick up their tickets an hour before their time slot and you have to visit the attractions in the order that you selected. You also are not allowed to buy tickets in person nor do they accept cash. Lastly, the online passenger form must be filled out.

Registration steps: Once you arrive at the container, there’ll be 1-2 staff inside to help you.

• On a piece of paper clipboard, you will fill out each person’s name, passport, age, e-mail, and nationality. This step may be removed with the introduction of the online form.
• You will receive a small paper ticket with your reservation number.

Our personal experience: We had no idea this was a thing and was totally caught off-guard when we were ready to pay for our entry to Piedras Rojas because that’s how it worked at Laguna Chaxa. To our surprise, they said no and ended up getting another tourist to translate their Spanish. We were told to buy the tickets online. Of course, you can’t buy tickets for the same day online so we had no choice but to try our luck at the office which is 1 hour backwards. With no cellular data, we couldn’t find what turned out to be a tiny brown container and had to ask a local for help. Luckily, we were allowed to buy tickets for the day of and with cash, all of which are not allowed according to the website. This whole ordeal ended up being a frustrating 2 hour detour.

Facilities: There are no facilities in the container or surrounding it. There is a large gravel parking lot and that is it.

• It’s honestly hard to tell how strict they will be with the rules that they’ve set forth since they bent it for us but to make sure you don’t have any surprise on your trip, it’s best to follow them.
• To avoid this step completely, you can book this tour with a company instead since they are responsible for acquiring the tickets and filling out all of the forms.
• There is cellular signal in the town of Socaire but once you leave, it quickly dies off.

Past Socaire, the drive becomes even more spectacular as you climb in altitude and you’re presented with wondrous mix of pastel-coloured lakes and contours of mountains that don’t look real.

The first main sightseeing stop is a small viewpoint on the side of the highway which overlooks Piedras Rojas and Aguas Calientes.

Once you get to viewpoint for Aguas Calientes , you’re at more than 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above sea level. This is when you will start feeling the effects of altitude sickness. While driving you may feel all of a sudden quite sleepy. Any walking you do will feel unexpectedly more difficult, requiring you to take more breaks and catch your breath. Take it slow and drink lots of water.

We recommend that you drive past Piedras Rojas and head out to the farthest point you want to go first. Eventually you’ll encounter a viewpoint for Tuyajto Lake . This is a beautiful light turquoise salt lake to admire.

You can continue driving past the viewpoint but I wouldn’t go past the small parking lot that we’ve marked on the map . Since it’s quite flat here and you can’t get close to the lake, the viewpoint is really your best spot. Driving any further will just take you to the border with Argentina.

Working your way back, the next stop is also off the side of the road and is easily missed. It’s marked as Mirador de Aguascalientes where there’s a path up to an amazing view of the entire salt lake from eastern side. It can be incredibly windy up here but worth the short walk up here as it’s likely you’ll be able to see flamingoes and vicuña below.

You’ll finally arrive at Piedras Rojas . In Spanish this means “red rocks” and this is a breathtaking trail loop that takes you all the way out to unique copper-colored rocks formed from oxidation of iron.

It’s quite the sight to see these rounded and peculiar rocks are juxtaposed against the edge of Aguas Calientes which looks like a sheet of ice covered by jagged crystals of ice but is in fact salt.

You might be blown away by the intense wind but you’ll be guaranteed to be blown away by the impossibly pastel-rich hues of the rock, lake, and surrounding volcanic mountains.

Address:  Google Maps points to the red rock formations itself which is next to the lake but the visitor center is immediately off the highway and not a specific pin. That said, you are fine to use “ Piedras Rojas ” for navigation because it is pretty close. We’ve marked the visitor center accurately on our map .

Altitude: 4,000 meters (13,123 feet)

Hours: 9AM to 6PM

Duration: Expect to spend 1 to 1.5 hours here.

Facilities: There are 2 bathrooms at the visitor center building but neither with running water. Only one has a toilet seat and the other does not. One is also accessible. There are no facilities once you get on the walking path.

• At the ticket booth, you’ll show them your ticket. They’ll write something on the back and hand it back to you. Make sure to keep the ticket because you’ll use it again at Lagunas Miscanti y Miñiques.
• Before you start, someone will come out to guide you in what looks like a janitor’s closet to show you a tiny model of the area. The main emphasis is that it’s a loop trail and it only goes one way. There are no plaques anywhere at this site.
• The one way trail eventually leads to being able to walk on the red rocks themselves. This area is more open and you can freely walk around but be careful at the edges and you are also not allowed to walk onto the salty edges of the water. There is a guard standing watch in this section.
• This might’ve just been the specific day we were there but it was insanely windy to the point that it was inducing headaches and pushing us around so make sure you have the proper jacket, fleece, and headwear in the car in case.
• Make sure to pack water since there isn’t a lot of cover from the sun and altitude sickness will be in play.
• This is a bit of a longer trail loop and with altitude, you’ll feel quite fatigued and out of breath so take a slow and steady.
• Another name for the lake is Salar de Aguas Calientes and Aguas Calientes Sur.
• Remember that in Socaire, you picked up tickets for specific times where you have to go to the office one hour before. That said, I can’t see the Piedras Rojas office being particularly strict about when you arrive there because it’s an hour drive from Socaire and they don’t specify time slots at each location. There’s no need to stress about timing once you have your ticket. Just do it in the order in which your ticket says because they seem to care about this.
• Be on the lookout for vicuña and flamingos here.

The second part of your ticket is a visit to the highland lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques . These are two large crystalline lagoons next to each other and consist of several trails and viewpoints.

Each lagoon is incredibly serene and calm with the mountains and sky reflecting off the water as birds including flamingos basking and looking for food.

Address:  Google Maps is accurate for this attraction. Simply search for “ Lagunas Miscanti y Miñiques “. The signage for the turn off from the main highway is also quite clear.

Altitude: 4,200 meters (13,780 feet)

Duration: Expect to spend 40 minutes to an 1 hour here as it’s mainly quick photo stops at each viewpoint that can be reached by car. You can definitely do it faster if you just go to the main viewpoint for each lake.

Facilities: There are bathroom facilities at both Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoon. You can drive right up to the bathroom at Laguna Miscanti and park there.

• On the rules sign, it says no drones are allowed.
• At the entrance, the gate will be down and the guard will raise it when you arrive. Hand the ticket over. Since this is the final destination, they will be keeping it.
• This same guard will take you to the signage with the map and rules. They will explain where the bathrooms are, the parking areas, and that the “Sendero Koiche” trail is closed.
• The main rules to pay attention to are that you are not allowed in the water, you can’t picnic here, there’s no smoking, and you cannot fly drones in this area.
• On the topic of drones, while there aren’t no-drone signs everywhere, it’s safe to assume that you aren’t allow to fly it in any of the major sights.
• At 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), the altitude effects will be noticeable so take it slow and stay hydrated.
• Similar to Piedras Rojas, the wind can be quite strong so be prepared with the right layers.
• While there is a trail you can take for Laguna Miscanti, it did not seem worth it. With parking lots on both ends of the trail, it is much easier to drive to each side, snap photos, and move on.
• There is only the viewpoints from the parking lot at Laguna Miñiques so it is a relatively quick stop. Note that the parking lot is not marked on the map but you are allowed to drive up there now.
• There are some flamingoes here but definitely not in the number that you’ll see at Laguna Chaxa.

As you drive back towards San Pedro de Atacama, you can make a quick stop at the official Tropic of Capricorn line . There’s a parking lot here and you can walk up to the triangulating poles that’s part of a much larger Camino del Inca.

Back in town, roam around town, dropping by the booths set up around Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama and large souvenir markets such as Feria Artesanal San Pedro de Atacama .

Treat yourself to a hearty dinner at Pizzería El Charrúa . This joint is always packed with people so we suggest coming here earlier to grab a table. which is always packed with people.

Sleep early because you’ll be waking up at 4AM.

Day 3 Summary

Driving time: The drive from San Pedro de Atacama to the furthest lake (Tuyajto Lake) is 2 hours and 15 minutes.

• Tuyajto Lake
• Mirador de Aguascalientes
• Piedras Rojas
• Lagunas Miscanti y Miñiques
• Tropic of Capricorn line
• Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama
• Feria Artesanal San Pedro de Atacama
• Breakfast – Hoteles Pueblo de Tierra
• Lunch – Snacks in the car or you can try to catch Cocineria Santa Barbara in Socaire if it aligns with your timing.
• Dinner – Pizzería El Charrúa – Popular pizza joint in town that has now expanded to two locations right across from each other. Their family-sized pizzas are perfect for two.
• Pin all locations – Before you head out, make sure you’ve saved the pins of all the locations for the day. As a back up, you’ll find some signal in Socaire if you have an Entel SIM.
• It gets cold and windy – You’d think the desert would just be hot and sunny but the reality is that it’s actually mostly windy and cold. Have your jacket, layers, hat, and gloves ready. We’re not kidding when we say that the wind knocked us around. Remember to check out our Atacama packing list ( coming soon ).
• Be prepared for the altitude – Most of the day will be at 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) or above. This affects everyone differently. For my wife, she got incredibly sleepy on the drive from Socaire and onwards. Any walking we did felt like we had bricks on our legs and our lungs shrunk to half capacity.

You’ll be combining two of the must-do’s of any itinerary to the Atacama Desert with bursts of water in purple light with moonscapes glowing in fiery hues.

Set your alarm for 4AM and aim to get out of your hotel by 5AM.

Geyser del Tatio (El Tatio Geysers) is the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere and third largest in the world. With 80 active geysers, water temperatures at 85°C (185°F) will bubble up to 75 centimeters (2.5 feet) and if you’re lucky, they’ll shoot up 6 meters (20 feet).

The drive up to Geyser del Tatio is just over 1.5 hours but it’ll test your driving abilities as it is a windy road in the dark where most of it is bumpy gravel that’ll require some skill and patience. The tour vans will likely pass you but just stay the course.

It’s a magical place early in the morning because this is when the geothermal activity is the highest. An ethereal steam blankets the floor while the geysers burst with water while also creating large plumes of cloud.

When you arrive at the main gate, you’ll be provided some instructions to park in the lot, head over to the visitor center building to fill out the passenger form, pay the cashier, and get your ticket and map. This is also your chance to use the bathrooms.

Pass through the second gate with your ticket and drive all the way to the farthest point where there are geysers with the most activity. At this point, the sunrise will be in its early stages.

Walk out on the designated paths and look out for the geysers with larger thermal activity. It’ll be pretty clear which one is the “Great Geyser” as this will have the largest radius. The geysers you will see here are a mix of vents on the ground, mud pools, and geyser cones.

You’ll also notice some mechanical equipment in the field. The story is that a company tried to tap into field for energy was abandoned because of environmental impacts and drilling altering the behaviour of the hot springs.

After you walk through the main area of geyser activity, hop back into your car and park in the adjacent lot. This is to save you a bit of walking and give you access to another set of geysers. It is connected with the first so you can also walk here if you’d like. At this point, the sun will be out and the blue and purple hour will be over.

The final section of the park is back near the entrance with a thermal pool and additional viewpoints for more geysers.

If you’re up for it, you can use the change rooms and jump into the hot springs in your bathing suit. Fed from the geothermal activity below, you swim around and soak in the mineral rich water, similar to Blue Lagoon in Iceland but way less glamorous.

By the time you’re ready to leave, the geyser activity will have died down although not as dramatic as people make it sound.

Address:  Both “El Tatio” and “Complejo Turístico Tatio Mallku” on Google Maps will take you the right way. Along the way, you’ll pass through several small villages. The lights from the tour vans ahead should help give you an indication that you’re going the right way.

P Altitude: 4,320 meters (14,173 feet)

Hours: 6AM to 4:30PM

Website: There is none that we could find.

Price: For foreigners, the price is $15,000 CLP per person. You can pay by cash or credit card and they will charge you in CLP.

Duration: Expect to spend 2-2.5 hours here. If you’re going into the hot springs, add more time.

Facilities: There are bathrooms near the front gate and also in the parking lot next to the hot springs pool.

• While locals will tell you that the drive is treacherous, it is not bad as it sounds. There are some stretches that are either paved or decently flattened while the bumpy parts require care around a few dips and potholes. There aren’t many real blindspots on turns to worry about either. The car will be shaking because of the uneven gravel but you’ll be fine.
• You’ll also be pressured to keep up with the tour vans but let them pass and instead, follow the path they take on the road for easier driving.
• The form you need to fill out requires your name, passport number, phone number, and vehicle information.
• This is at high altitude so be aware that you will feel more fatigued and lose your breathe as you walk. Take it slow and make sure to have water with you.
• Since this is early in the morning, expect the temperatures to dip below freezing. In our case, it was -7°C (19.4°F) so have your winter gear with you (jacket, fleece, toque/beanie, and gloves).
• You don’t necessarily need to arrive right when the park opens. Instead, plan to arrive when the sun starts to rise.
• The park will be swarmed with white tour vans. In the main geyser field parking lot, there’s easily 10+ of them lined up to give you sense of how many people are there in the morning.
• There is surprisingly 3G cellular signal at Geyser del Tatio.
• If you’ve been to geothermal sites in say New Zealand , Iceland , or Yellowstone in the US, go in with tempered expectations as the geysers don’t shoot up into the sky (Iceland’s Strokkur Geyser erupts up to 20 meters/65.6 feet versus 6 meters/20 feet) to give you an idea of the difference. There’s quite a bit of bubbling activity and once in awhile it might go up a bit higher but these aren’t dramatic geysers.
• It’s widely accepted that the only way to see Geyser del Tatio is to go in the morning which is when geothermal activity is the strongest.
• The natural hot springs was not open in September when we were there. The pool was fully drained out. It’s possible that it has yet to be open because of the pandemic.
• If you’re planning on going to the hot springs, make sure you have your bathing suit, change of clothes, and towel.
• Since it’s such an early morning, ask your hotel whether it’s possible for them to prepare a packed breakfast.

Contrasting to the darkness of your drive in, you’ll be able to see the surrounding mountains, lakes, flora and fauna, and birds that inhabit the nearby area.

There is also one lookout point along the way back that’s worth stopping at that has a gorgeous panoramic view of the landscape, and tour vans creating large plumes of dust.

Halfway back, you’ll pass by the village of Machuca . You’re free to stop here to visit the local church and fresh llama kebabs if they’re on the grill. You might also see flamingoes along the river that flow through here.

The bizarre thing that happened to us passing through Machuca was that there was someone from town that stopped all the cars coming through to provide us with a piece of paper with rules for the village including no flying of drones, not taking photos of residents, only taking photos from the side of the road, and not disturbing the wildlife. Since we didn’t understand their Spanish, it was hard to tell whether they were welcoming us in or if they wanted to make sure we obeyed the rules. We simply nodded and kept driving.

You might be feeling a bit tired after such an early morning start so feel free to head back to your hotel to nap.

Arriving back in San Pedro de Atacama, head over to Emporio Andino for lunch. They’re a cosy cafe with plenty of tables inside. Their empanadas are some of the best in town as well so we recommend that you also take a few to go so you can nibble on them at sunset.

Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) is where you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon in. This is a massive park that has quite a number of key areas to visit so you’ll want to make sure you have enough time.

What makes Valle de la Luna so special is how spectacularly otherworldly it is. With its geological formations that could easily be on the moon, Mars, or Arrakis from Dune .

While the ticketing system and what’s open and closed can be quite frustrating and confusing like most of Atacama. Here are the sites within the park that are currently opened. Everywhere else is closed to visitors:

• Duna Major – This follows a huge ridge in the valley that has towering views of the saw-tooth crusts that rise from the barren dessert, walls of rounded red rock, mazes of canyons, and a picturesque dune of fine sand.
• Victoria Mine – An old salt mine with examples of machinery, dwellings, and access to the underground. You won’t be able to enter inside.
• Tres Marías – A trio of rock spires that’s located at the far end of the park that’s accessible to the public.

Another impressive view is the Amphitheatre which is an impressive wall of sand, clay and salt resembles the exterior wall of the Roman Colosseum. This can be seen from Duna Major and also up close as you drive on the main road.

Similar to Altiplanic Lakes, visiting Valle de la Luna without a tour is not as straightforward as you think.

Address:  The visitor center for Valle de la Luna isn’t marked on Google Maps because it is quite new. We have it in our own map but on the app, you’ll want to search “ Alojamiento Haramaksi Atacama ” which is right next to it.

Altitude: 2,520 meters (8,268 feet)

Hours: Sunday to Friday 9AM – 7PM (last entry is at 4PM). Closed on Saturday.

Website: They don’t have an official website but Chile Travel has good information.

Price: For foreigners, the price is $10,000 CLP for adults and $5,000 for seniors, university students, and kids 12 and older when you buy the ticket online through Punto Ticket (similar to a Ticketmaster). It is imperative that you purchase your tickets online ahead of time because they can actually sell out. You must change the language to Chilean Spanish or Español chileno , otherwise it won’t work.

Duration: Expect to spend 2.5-3 hours here based on the 3 attractions that are open right now. If you move quickly, you can do Duna Major’s longer trail in an hour and the shorter trail in 30 minutes. Victoria Mine is a quick 15 minutes. Lastly, Tres Marias is a quick photo stop unless you want to get in line for a photo right in front.

Facilities: There are bathrooms at the visitor center. We did not see any bathroom facilities inside the park.

Check-in process: At the visitor center, you’ll check in with the QR code on your online-purchased tickets and they will explain on a map what’s open, the rules of the park, and also give you a separate ticket for the sunset viewing at Mirador de Kari & Piedra del Coyote. Afterwards, you leave the center and do a self-guided drive of the park.

Frequently asked questions:

• Can you buy tickets on the day of? No you can’t. Make sure you buy your tickets online ahead of time.
• How does the sunset work? You might think that you can watch the sunset from inside Valle de la Luna and in the past it was. You used to be able to watch it from Duna Major but instead, sunset viewing is at the combined lookout called Mirador de Kari (sometimes referred to as Ckari) and Piedra del Coyote (sometimes referred to as Mirador Coyote).
• Where is the Magic School Bus? This is a spot that’s mentioned a lot by other guides and while it looks like it’s part of areas accessible in Valle de la Luna, it isn’t. There is an unmarked road that can lead you to it. If you’re interested, you can follow this map to the Magic Bus .
• Why is the ticket page for Valle de la Luna blank? There’s a strange bug on their website which I’ve let them know about and this appears when you’re browsing from outside of Chile. You must change the language to Chilean Spanish or Español chileno , otherwise the page won’t work.
• Do you have to pick a time slot? No, currently, it shows as 7AM which means that you can check-in any time during the day.

• When planning your trip, make sure you don’t put this on a Saturday.
• Recommended to buy your tickets at least a week in advance to make sure the slot you want doesn’t sell out. Worst case, make sure to do it the first day you arrive in the Atacama Desert.
• It is unclear if in an emergency, you can buy tickets on the day of. All of the information out there says no so I would not bank on this.
• Valle de la Luna is at a significantly lower altitude so you won’t feel it as much as the Altiplanic Lakes.
• The best time to visit Valle de la Luna is in the afternoon so you can combine it with sunset at Mirador de Kari & Piedra del Coyote.
• The drive to the park and within is quite easy in comparison to Geyser del Tatio and Lagunas Baltinache.
• The hiking trail for Duna Major has two different routes. When you reach a fork in the path, left is the longer way around which has a much better view of the canyon. The path on the right takes you straight up and connects with the view of the desert dune. A heads up that the longer path is not great for those with vertigo because you’ll be right up at the top of the ridge which has drops on both sides. That said, the path is quite wide so it’s manageable and worth it because it’s honestly the best view in the park.
• All hiking trails are designed to be one way paths with no doubling back. For those that are self-driving this means that you won’t finish the hike at the original parking lot. You’ll have to take a walking path along the main road back to your starting point.
• Make sure to stick to the 40 km/h speed limit. The truth is, they really expect you to drive 20 km/h as we were warned by the park ranger.
• Do not walk on the road and stick to the walking paths.
• Don’t remove any natural minerals for souvenirs.

After you finish exploring Valle de la Luna, you’ll have exclusive access to a new sunset viewing spot that’s adjacent to Mirador Lickan-Antai. This location is actually two viewpoints in one and called Mirador de Kari & Piedra del Coyote (Kari Viewpoint & Coyote Stone).

The difference with Mirador Lickan-Antai is that that it has a better view of the valley floor of Valle de la Luna and is at slightly higher elevation, thus providing a better birds-eye-like view.

Mirador de Kari is on the left and to the right is Piedra del Coyote. After you scout the area and pick your favourite spot, you’ll be able to watch the sun set behind the mountain range in the distance.

This is an extension to Valle de la Luna but there are several details worth breaking out.

Address:  On Google Maps, it’s correctly marked as “ Mirador de Kari – Piedra del Coyote ” so it should be easy to find. It is also right off of the main road. There is also good signage here, marking the location.

Altitude: 2,580 meters (8,465 feet)

Hours: For sunset, there is a strict last entry time provided by the Valle de la Luna visitor center. As an example, in September this time is at 6:45PM (marked on our map) but will change throughout the year. Remember that this is closed on Saturday.

Price: This is included for Valle de la Luna ticket holders and valid for the day you visit.

Duration: The sunset times will change throughout the year but from the last entry time to when they kick people out, you’ll have roughly 45 minutes. After everyone applauses when the orb of the sun disappears, they will expect you to clear out.

Facilities: We did not see any bathrooms here so it’s a good idea to use them at the Valle de la Luna visitor center on the way out.

Check-in process: After you turn into the viewpoint, there will be a small building with a guard there. They will take the ticket and you’ll be allowed to proceed to look for a parking spot.

• Can you stay for the full sunset? They will only allow you to stay until when the sun dips below the mountains and you can no longer see it anymore. At this point, the staff will start ushering people to leave.
• Is Mirador de Kari or Piedra del Coyote better? For more views of the open valley floor, Piedra del Coyote is better. If you want to be closer to thejagged ridges, Mirador de Kari is better.
• Are tripods allowed? Yes.
• Can you visit Mirador de Kari & Piedra del Coyote separately to Valle de la Luna? No, you can only come here with the purchase of Valle de la Luna tickets on the same day.
• Make sure to plan enough time to drive from Valle de la Luna to the sunset viewing point. It will take 15 minutes from the visitor center.
• There are parking spots at both Mirador de Kari (left) and Piedra del Coyote (right).
• Mirador de Kari and Piedra del Coyote are connected so you can walk from one end to the other.
• For a better view of the valley floor, we recommend Piedra del Coyote. For a view that’s similar to Mirador Lickan-Antai with jagged and layered canyons, go to Mirador de Kari on the left.
• Between here and Mirador Lickan-Antai, we wouldn’t say that this is significantly better. You’ll notice that the chain that prevents people from getting too close to the edge is quite conservative (for good reason) so it’s quite hard to get a photo without the cliff in the foreground.
• If you’re a photographer, try to work quickly to identify a specific spot you want to photograph because it gets crowded quite quickly. The edges will fill up with people and it’ll be hard to relocate so it’s best to camp out one spot.
• It’s really unfortunate that you won’t be able to stay for proper real golden hour since they kick everyone out so early. Mirador Lickan-Antai is your better bet for photos.

After sunset, have dinner at one of the best restaurants in San Pedro de Atacama. Baltinache Restaurant elevates Chilean dishes in both preparation, modern cooking techniques, and presentation. Refreshingly targeting a refined dining audience, their focus in quality over quantity is evident in their 3-course menu for $23,500 CLP.

If you happen to be in town on a Friday night, make sure to check out the local night market ( marked on our map ). They have food stands, carnival games, and dance clubs.

Friendly reminder to gas up!

Day 4 Summary

Driving time: The drive from San Pedro de Atacama to Geyser del Tatio is 1.5 hours. The Valle de la Luna visitor center is a short 10 minutes drive from town.

• Geyser del Tatio
• Valle de la Luna
• Mirador de Kari & Piedra del Coyote
• Breakfast – Snacks in the car or packed breakfast
• Lunch – Emporio Andino – Popular cafe in town with a great selection of coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and empanadas.
• Dinner – Baltinache Restaurant – An affordable high-class restaurant with a superb 3-course menu that will easily be one of your best dining experiences in Chile. Reservations recommended during high season.
• Don’t be scared of the drive – While Atacama seems to be geared towards taking tours, take confidence in knowing that many people have successfully done it independently with a rental car. The drive up to Geyser de Tatio is not as bad as people make it out to be.
• Book tickets online – I know we’re beating a dead horse here but make sure to buy your Valle de la Luna tickets online in advance and remember that they are closed on Saturday.

After a busy 4 days in the Atacama Desert, you’ll take an easier pace by getting to the more relaxing portion of the trip. With so many salt flats and lakes, you’ll get to do the unique activity of floating in the hidden lagoons of Baltinache.

You deserve a break and so we suggest that you sleep in and have a late breakfast at Hoteles Pueblo de Tierra which goes until 10:30AM.

With all of your gear in the car, set out for a very bumpy drive out to the Lagunas Baltinache (Baltinache Lagoons) . Like the other attractions in Atacama, they will tell you it’s not recommended to drive there but it’s very much possible.

After a 1 hour and 15 minutes on a constantly rumbling gravel road, the facilities of the lagoon will pop out of nowhere like an oasis.

Dazzling with crystal clear turquoise and surrounded by snow-like salt and mysterious bumps in the ground, there are 7 salt lakes here that can be explored by two main parking lots and a boardwalk that connects them.

The surreal landscape is enhanced by the ability to enter 2 of these lakes where the extreme salinity allows your body to float when you’re in the water. It’s a similar experience to the Dead Sea except here, you’re in a much smaller lake that’s surrounded by a desert landscape.

Address:  Lagunas Baltinache is similar to Laguna Chaxa in that you have to look up a specific name on Google Maps to go to the right place. You have to search for “ Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache ” and not simply “Lagunas Baltinache” because that pin is completely wrong. The main highway you’ll be taking is B-241.

Altitude: 2,349 meters (7,707 feet)

Hours: 9AM – 6PM

Website: They don’t have an official website unfortunately.

Price: For foreigners, the price is $10,000 CLP for adults and $5,000 for kids 5-18. This is a fixed rate throughout the day.

Duration: Expect to spend 2-3 hours here.

Facilities: There are bathrooms at the entrance area. Currently it looks like they are trying to build a new structure. At the moment, there are no proper change rooms so you’ll need to resort to the bathroom stalls. With the renovation, there are also no showers.

Check-in process: Once you get to the first gate, similar to Laguna Chaxa, you’ll have to walk into the container building to fill out a form and pay. The form asks name, passport number, phone number, and car information. Once you’ve paid, there’s another building adjacent to the container where a guide will explain the rules of the park including pointing out the key areas on the map. This orientation is mainly in Spanish but they’ll try their best in English if they can. After that, you get back in your car and drive either to the parking lot for the first lagoon or the furthest and larger lagoon in the back.

Lagoon #1 experience: This is the smaller lake that’s closer to the entrance.

• Smaller in size and fits less people comfortably.
• Most photogenic lake where with wide angle, you can be captured as the only person in the lake.
• A much more pleasant experience because there are 7 picnic tables with umbrellas. This allows you to lay out your clothes and gear for quick access.
• There is a large wooden deck above the rocky surface which makes it easier to get into the lagoon
• The edge of the lake is encrusted with rock and salt that can give you cuts but if you walk carefully, it’s not an issue.
• The outer part of the lagoon is not deep so that’ll allow you to enter the water first. The turquoise part of the lagoon is where it gets deeper.
• When you come out of the lake, you’ll start feel the salt crusting over your skin and will eventually turn white.

Lagoon #2 experience: This is all the way in the back and reached to by a long boardwalk from the parking lot. You can also walk to here on the boardwalk that connects from Lagoon #1.

• A larger lagoon that is set up more like a traditional beach where there’s a wide and gradual entry into the water .
• There aren’t any picnic tables here so you’ll be putting your things on the rocks.
• This lagoon can fit a lot more people.
• It’s quite hard to get the full width of the lagoon in a photo.
• There is a much longer walk on the boardwalk to get back to your car.
• Overall, the first lagoon is a much better experience in our opinion.

• Drones are not allowed.
• Don’t walk or sit on the edge of the lake.
• You’re only allowed to wash off in the parking lot by your car.
• Only put sunscreen on your face and not your body.
• What’s the best way to wash off the salt? You are only allowed to rinse off in the parking lot. With your bathing suit still on, use a large bottle or jug of water, rinse off your hair and try your best to rub off the salt off your body before it’s had time to crystallize.
• Can you buy tickets on the day of? Yes. You don’t need to make reservations online.
• When is the best time to go? There are bus tours that run throughout the day but from personal experience, there didn’t seem to be too many people here between 1:30PM – 3:30PM. A big batch of tours come in at around 3:30PM or 4PM. The park then gets quite again at 5PM so end of the day is a great time as well. Mornings are also quieter.
• Are drones allowed? No. They explicitly mention this in the briefing and there’s a sign for it as well.

• It can be quite windy in this part of the desert so while it is very sunny, it can be cold. Since it is very windy, make sure the belongings you put on the ground or on the tables are secured.
• The water is not warm at all. At 20ºC (68ºF), it’ll be a bit of a shock when you first get in but on a hot summer day, can be quite refreshing.
• When you come out of the lake, it can be exceptionally cold especially with the wind blowing so you’ll want a towel that’s easily accessible.
• The advantage of coming on your own versus with a tour is that you’ll have more freedom to stay longer because most tours are limited to 1.5 hours. On your own, there’s also the chance to have the lagoon all to yourself.
• Don’t take off your sandals until you enter the water because the ground can be sharp. People have been known to get cuts. Definitely wear your shoes when walking on the trails.
• To make things easier, go there with your bathing suit already on and pack a full change of clothes, towels, sunscreen, and plenty of water for rinsing and drinking. Also pack a first aid kit in case someone gets cuts.
• Realistically, you won’t be staying in the water for as long as you think. Depending on the temperature, most people stay in for 10-20 minutes tops.
• Where most of the time goes is in drying off, warming up, rinsing off, and changing. There is also the board walk path you’ll be walking to see the other lagoons.
• Some won’t have a reaction to the high salt content but some may have more sensitive skin. It’s hard to tell if you’ll have a negative reaction to the salt unless you’ve done it before. If a rash or hives develops, use antihistamines if you have them or go to the pharmacy and ask for calamine lotion. If your skin starts hurting while in the water, get out.
• Avoid getting the water in your eyes. Try to swim with your head above water.

After your floating escape, drive back into town and it’s highly recommended to go back to the hotel to shower because the salt can be quite irritating.

For the rest of the evening, you’ll have another opportunity to explore the lovely vibe of downtown San Pedro de Atacama.

When you’re feeling hungry, head over to Ckunna , a restaurant located on one of the main streets and has a great combination of delicious Andean cuisine and Italian dishes.

If you’re up for dessert, we recommend Heladería Babalú . There are two locations in town and you’ll enjoy their unique flavors.

Don’t forget to fuel up the car before heading back home!

Day 5 Summary

Driving time: It’s a tough 1 hour and 15 minutes drive one-way from San Pedro de Atacama to Lagunas Baltinache.

• Lagunas Baltinache
• Brunch – A late breakfast at Hoteles Pueblo de Tierra
• Dinner – Ckunna – A typical restaurant in Atacama with a mix of meat dishes and Italian. They have a spacious outdoor dining space with fire pit and indoor tables as well.
• Desert – Heladería Babalú – The main gelato shop in town. There are two of these in San Pedro de Atacama.
• Hwy B-241 is terrible – The road to Lagunas Baltinache is easily worse than B-245 to Geyser del Tatio because there are no good parts at all. The entire road was flattened by a machine that left a tank tread of bumps in the road so it’s a rumble all the way through.
• Drive fast – This will sound counterintuitive but the advice of driving 20-30 km/h in an effort to be careful doesn’t work well because you feel every single bump. By driving 60-80km/h, you’ll actually feel less of the road as the bumps somehow even out.
• Reduce tire pressure – At the gas station, it’ll also help to reduce the tire pressure to by 2 to 4 PSI. For instance the Nissan Kicks should be at 32 PSI. For gravel roads, you can bring it down to 28-30 PSI.
• Don’t cheap out on car insurance – When renting a car, opt for the insurance coverage just in case you end up with windshield chips or you have other issues with the car. We’re not saying that this road is treacherous but better safe than sorry.

For your final day of your 6 day Atacama desert itinerary, you’ll be pampering yourself with a true oasis in the middle of a desert canyon.

By now, you’re probably tired of the hotel breakfast so treat yourself to La Franchuteria , a bakery and cafe that brings France to the desert.

Locals come here to stock up on baguettes and a wide selection of artisanal breads but we recommend that you grab a seat in their outdoor dining space that has quite the free-spirited atmosphere. Their sandwiches, croissants, fresh juices, and coffee are superb.

At brunch, there’s usually live music playing (for donation) and local vendors with tables set up.

Next, you’ll start making your way up the same road that you would’ve taken to visit the Geysers del Tatio, the B-245 except you won’t be going as far. You’ll be well-accustomed to the roads at this point and you’ll be able to make it to Puritama Hot Springs in a quick 30 minutes.

Nestled in an Andean canyon is the Puritama Conservation Reserve where you’ll find the Puritama River. “Puri” meaning water and “Tama” means hot and for a 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) stretch, the river becomes naturally heated, slowly filling 8 natural pools carved into the rock.

Currently managed by the luxury hotel brand, Explora, you can book time slots to soak in the pools that are rich in calcium, magnesium, sodium and boron, which are recommended for recommended for rheumatism, arthritis, stress, physical fatigue and other ailments – just what you need after 6 days in the Atacama Desert!

Each pool is numbered from 1 to 8 and the water here ranges from 28°C (82.4°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), with the pools higher up being slightly warmer than the ones below.

Address:  The pin for “Puritama” or “Termas de Puritama” are accurate on Google Maps and will take you to the entrance gate.

Altitude: 3,475 meters (11,401 feet)

Hours: 9:30AM to 6:30PM

Website: Puritama

Price: Children 3 years and under are free. Kids are children 4-12.

• 9:30AM – 12:30PM Slot – Adults $30,000 CLP, Kids and Elderly $15,000 CLP
• 2PM – 5PM Slot – Adults $30,000 CLP, Kids and Elderly $15,000 CLP
• 5:30PM – 6:30PM Slot – Adults $16,000 CLP, Kids and Elderly $8,000 CLP

Duration: Expect to spend the full duration of your time slot. A heads up that the sunset slot is only for an hour.

Facilities: There are two sets of change room and bathroom facilities spread across the hot springs. There is a central one that hot springs that pools 4-8 will use. There is another one that’s closer to pools 1-3. At the central central, there is also a large picnic area of tables and benches and are mostly under shade (9 in total).

• Bathrooms – Behind the change room facility are individual bathrooms.
• Change room – Divided between male and female. Inside are lockers and two benches. The lockers don’t have any built in locks and so you’ll need to bring your own.
• Picnic tables – 7 are under shade and 2 are exposed to the sun. These are modern concrete picnic tables that are bolted to the ground and are useful for those wanting a break from the hot springs to come up to hang out or grab a bite.
• Showers – There are no showers at Puritama.

Check-in process: If you arrive early, you’ll notice a mess of cars parked all around the gate. It’s a bit of organized chaos but right when your time slot starts, the gate opens and one by one cars turn in. The person in the booth will ask for the name on the reservation and after that, you’ll be let through. Drive up the gravel road to the parking lot. There’s plenty of space here. Follow the trail downhill to reach the hot springs. There won’t be anyone checking tickets or identification at this point.

Check-out process:

They’re not overly aggressive but the guards will make their rounds 10-15 minutes before to get people out of the pools, changed, and ready to go. At the end of your time slot, everyone will be expected to be making their way back to their cars.

• No alcoholic drinks
• Are you allowed to take photos and videos? Yes, unlike some spas, there are no rules preventing this. In fact, most guests will be taking tons of photos at the pools so be courteous and help each other out.
• Which is the best pool? Having visited each one, our opinion is that Pool #5 is the most photogenic. It’s a medium sized pool that can fit 10 people and has waterfalls running over two large boulders on one side and has a nice ledge that cascades down to the next pool.
• Which is the largest pool? The most spacious pool that can fit the most people is Pool #2.
• Are you assigned a specific pool? Coming right out of the pandemic, you were forced to pick a pool number and there’d be a maximum number of people per pool. If you’ve read this, these were the old rules. Assigned pools are no longer a thing anymore.
• Can you try different pools? Now that the limits are on the whole hot springs themselves (100 for AM and PM, and 50 for sunset), as opposed to assigned pools, you’re free to try different pools.
• Can you buy tickets on the day of? No, you have to make reservations ahead of time and are most likely sold out for the day of but you might get lucky.
• When is the best time to go? The afternoon is the most ideal time slot because the sun will be out and you’ll feel less of a chill when you come out of the water.
• How hot are the pools? The water temperature ranges from 28°C (82.4°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) but there are no thermometers at the pools. Logic would dictate that the pools at the top (lower numbers) are hotter but in practice, when testing Pool #5 vs. Pool #8, we did not feel a ignificant difference. We believe the temperature range is more dependent on geothermal conditions and weather on the day of with slight variations pool to pool.
• Is there a place to put your belongings by the pool? There sort of is. Each pool has a wooden deck. Since most people elect to keep their belongings with them (i.e. their camera, phones, and towels), they’ll bring their backpack right to the deck and place it on the ground. There are no hooks or benches.
• Do most people stay in the pool for the entire time slot? Yes, the 3 hours actually goes by incredibly fast. While you’d think you’d want to take a break in between after your skin wrinkles up, the chill outside of the water makes you want to stay in the water the whole time.
• Can you have food and drinks by the pool? Technically, yes as there aren’t any rules that prevent this but it makes more sense to eat and drink at the rest area. That said, the staff don’t exactly make rounds at the pools and as long as you eat or drink in a respectful and sanitary way, it should be ok. Just remember that no alcohol is allowed.

Gallery of all 8 pools (click to open full screen):

• We recommend reserving 1 week in advance.
• Show up 15-20 minutes ahead of your time slot so you can get checked in first. This means positioning your car right across the front gate. This will give you the most time in the pools and you’ll ha e a chance to take photos without people around you.
• If you’d like to use the locker in the change room, remember to bring a travel lock .
• The only pool that’s off limits is the VIP section of Pool #1.
• While over at a slightly higher altitude, it doesn’t have a noticeable impact except for the walk back up to the parking lot at the end of your session.
• Go in with a careful strategy of how you organize your belongings so that important items such as towels are easily accessible and phones/cameras can be safely put away.
• Even on a sunny day, it is quite a shock to the system when you come out of the water because of the temperature difference and how windy it is even in the canyon. Have your towel handy.
• For those that would rather take a van to Puritama, you can book a tour instead.

For dinner, you’ll eat at La Pica Del Indio , a restaurant with a fresh rotation of daily dishes, affordable prices, and great service. Feel free to try another restaurant that might’ve caught your eye or revisit one from the previous days.

Now you’re probably wondering, what about the part about leaving the Atacama Desert? Depending on your flight, you’ll be driving your car rental back to Calama. It’ll be a straightforward drive but remember to fill up in town before you go to the airport. This means pinning a gas station on your map app beforehand.

Day 6 Summary

Driving time: It’s a 30 minute one-way drive from San Pedro de Atacama to Puritama.

• Termas de Puritama (Puritama Hot Springs)
• Lunch – La Franchuteria – A French bakery and cafe that has serious hipster vibes in the best way possible with their alfresco dining, vegan-friendly menu, and rows of sycamore-like trees.
• Dinner – La Pica Del Indio – Super affordable restaurant with a great assortment of meat, fish, and pasta.
• Book early – Like Valle de la Luna, you’ll want to book Puritama as early as possible because it is a very popular attraction in Atacama.

There are so many different ways you can build a 6 day Atacama Desert itinerary. This is really just one way this trip can be done. With different interests and amount of time, you can change it up in any way that makes sense for you.

Here are a few alternatives that are worth considering:

• Book with tours – One of the obvious changes would be to go the traditional route and book the standard bus tours that they offer so you don’t have to worry as much about the finer details and the challenging driving. For those that want to book in advance, we recommend you check out Viator and GetYourGuide .
• Rainbow Valley – Yes, the Atacama Desert has its own version of Rainbow Valley. We opted not to go because we were warned that the Google directions weren’t very helpful. That said, it looks like a brilliant hike. The name to look for is “Valle del Arcoiris” and is close to the Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs. We highly recommend that you get AllTrails and follow their trail map .
• Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs – The number of petroglyphs that can be found here is staggering. This is located north of San Pedro de Atacama and near the town of Lican.
• Pukará de Quitor Castle – This is a pre-Columbian archeological site that overlooks the valley of the river San Pedro. Come here to see the ruins of a fortress that was used to protect local indigenous people from the Spanish conquistadors.
• Laguna Cejar – When it comes to salt lakes, there are actually quite a number to choose from but if you’re like us, you won’t feel like it’s necessary to see them all. Some say that this lake is a bit underwhelming but what’s unique about it is that you can swim in. Chances of seeing flamingos is also quite low here so it’s primary for swimming. The fee is $15,000 CLP.
• Laguna Tebinquinche – Another lagoon with an entrance fee ($5,000 CLP). It’s a large salt lake with some bird life but they don’t often come close to the shoreline compared to Laguna Chaxa. Note that this is a minute drive from Laguna Cejar and is often combined together.
• Bolivia – When you look at the map, you realize how close the Bolivia border is. You won’t be able to do it as a day trip but if you’re ambitious, there are ways to reach the Uyuni Salt Flats from San Pedro de Atacama .
• Sandboarding – Originally we wanted to do this but we found out from a local that Valle de la Muerte (also known as Valle de Marte) it was closed. Not having g the time to confirm this, we scrapped the idea. Also, in walking around San Pedro de Atacama, we didn’t see any tour operators promoting sandboard rentals. Ultimately, the only operator offering this is Sandboard San Pedro which is pricey but might be the only way to do it now as they take you to a secret sand dune outside of town.
• Hot Air Balloon – In the morning, you’ll see a number of hot air balloons rise in the sky. This is an affordable activity you can book .
• Biking – A popular activity in Atacama is riding a bicycle. You can rent them or you can choose from one of many cycling adventures like this e-bike trip to Laguna Cejar or going downhill on a volcano .
• Láscar Volcano Summit – You can do a full day hike up to the top of this volcano. Private trips up start at $200 USD.

The below is an interactive map broken down by layers for each day of the itinerary so you can see where things are in relation to each other in the Atacama Desert.

TIP: To create a copy of this map for your own use, simply maximize the map to open it up in a new tab. From there, go into the menu and select “Copy map”. You’ll be able to make your own adjustments and open it up in the Google Maps app as well.

When we think about our car rental and driving experience in and around San Pedro de Atacama, there are 5 core learnings that we’d love to impart to you as you build out your own Atacama itinerary.

• Pin the right spots – The de-facto navigation app is Google Maps and while it only works when you get the location right. The Atacama Desert is notorious for deceiving pin locations so make sure you know the exact name. Luckily, we’ve made sure to be quite explicit about this at each location.
• Fill up every day – Remember that there is only the one gas station in San Pedro de Atacama and after our drama in Milford Sound, New Zealand , we learned not to take the chance. Get into the habit of filling up your tank every night.
• Check your tire pressure – Some rental cars have tire pressure sensors and some don’t. This is one of those things you normally don’t think about but with the tough road conditions, you’ll want to make sure you’ have good tire pressure every day as well. Luckily, the one and only gas station, COPEC, has a tire pump device that’s free.
• Altitude can hit while driving – Be aware of how you’re feeling when you’re driving on the day you visit the Altiplanic Lakes as you’ll be going through high mountain passes. Drink plenty of water and take a break if you a sudden wave of fatigue.
• Driving faster can be better than slower on the gravel roads – On flat and straight roads such as the one you’ll be taking to Lagunas Baltinache, you’ll initially want to drive 20 km/h but you’ll actually feel every single bump. By picking up the speed to 60-80km/h, you’ll have a smoother ride. It’s counter-intuitive. We recommend that you give it a try as you build more confidence.

For all of our tips for traveling the Atacama Desert, make sure to read our Atacama travel guide .

How Much Does This Atacama Itinerary Cost

For those that are considering renting a car, here’s an accurate representation of how much you’d expect to spend on a 6 day San Pedro de Atacama itinerary.

Here’s what we actually spent (prices are in USD) and for two people:

The only thing that’s missing here is the Entel SIM card which I purchased in the Patagonia leg of the trip .

Trip cost per person = $1,439 USD

This breaks down to $240 USD per day per person . For reference, our 10 days in Egypt was $203.51 USD.

That’s a big amount for 10 days but it may help to put it in perspective against other itineraries.

All else being the same and swapping out the rental car for tours, you’d be looking at booking these (USD, per person):

• Calama Airport Transfer x2 : $27 x 2
• Piedras Rojas and Altiplanic Tour (includes Laguna Chaxa) – $80
• Geyser Del Tatio – $44.51
• Baltinache Hidden Lagoons – $42.39
• Valle de la Luna Sunset Tour – $31.79
• Puritama Hot Spring Experience – $90

Note that tours don’t include entrance fees so we’re not factoring those costs here.

Total cost for 2 people comes out to $595.38 USD compared to $572.09 for the car rental, fuel, and Puritama entrance fee. That doesn’t even include tipping!

The costs are very similar so it really comes down to how comfortable you are with driving and whether you’d like the freedom to explore at your own pace, and overall flexibility.

That leads to this final section about the ultimate type of traveller this Atacama itinerary is for.

This is the type of traveller this trip is built for:

• Seeks adventure and willing to try new things.
• Loves the thrill of exploring with your own car.
• While loving adventure, also looks for a balance of comfort, good food, and relaxation.
• Wants to have control of the itinerary as opposed to being led around by large bus tours.
• Willing to spend more time in one place as opposed to rushing through everything.
• Photographers.

Who this is not for:

• Someone with a tight schedule and only have 2-3 days.
• Budget backpacker looking to do it as cheap as possible.
• While not budget, it’s not luxury either. For that, book an all-inclusive stay with Explora Atacama or Tierra Atacama .

Through this 6 day Atacama itinerary, you’ll have a chance to get a thorough look at what makes area such a popular destination in Chile. While seemingly in a desolate place, it has an abundance of truly unique natural wonders whether it’s the stars, geothermal activity, salt lagoons, and lunar-like geology.

While most people will come here for a quick stop before transitioning to another part of South America or Chile, this is the perfect amount of time where you won’t feel rushed and you’ll have some time to relax as well.

Renting a car here might also feel like a controversial choice as it’s also the less common choice but if you’re like us and want to explore at your own pace, we can confirm that it’s the superior option. That said, there are a lot of challenges with new rules and policies but we’ve laid out everything we learned. Also, the driving is rough (literally and figuratively) but certainly not as a bad idea as some make it out to be.

The Atacama Desert is a special place and is definitely not to be missed if you’re planning a trip to Chile.

To see the Atacama Desert in Chile, you have to stay in the town of San Pedro de Atacama. There are many hotels, hostels, B&B’s, and luxury properties to choose from.

The closest airport is Calama’s El Loa Airport (CJC). From there, it’s a 1 hour and 17 minute drive to San Pedro de Atacama which is the central town to explore the Atacama Desert.

Lagunas Miscanti and Miñiques and Laguna Baltinache have clear signs and rules about no drones. In other places, there are no explicit rules that say they aren’t allowed but use your best judgement. If flying, be very careful not to take off or land near sand.

If you are here for stargazing, the best skies are actually in the winter but otherwise, summer is the warmest but for fewer crowds, consider spring and fall.

San Pedro de Atacama is a safe town for visitors despite the the first impression you may have. Relying primarily on tourism, there are many shops, restaurants, and services set up for travellers and everything is incredibly friendly. Crime rate is low with petty theft as the only concern. Within Latin America, San Pedro de Atacama is easily one of the safest cities.

You need at least 4 days to see the main sights in Atacama but 6 days is ideal.

There are several grocery stores in San Pedro de Atacama. The most central is Mercado San Vicente but the cheapest is Supermercado Ketal.

You made it! We know that this was quite the lengthy itinerary but we’re confident that the details will allow your trip to run soothly. If you have a question about this Atacama itinerary, make sure to drop a comment !

What you should read next

• Reasons Why You Don’t Need To Do The W Trek
• Guide To Traveling Torres del Paine, Patagonia
• Review of Chile Nativo’s Riverside Camp
• Hotel Las Torres Review – Ultimate All-Inclusive Experience in Patagonia

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Data: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices like PokeFi because their rates are so good and you can use it globally but recently, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. TripAdvisor is also useful for reviews and bookings.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental.

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• Insured Nomads – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Explora las maravillas de San Pedro de Atacama con ViajeroAtacama

Descubre las mejores Atracciones, Tours, y aprende acerca de Astronomía, Fotografía, AstroFotografía y Tradiciones Locales

Lugares a visitar en San Pedro de Atacama

Primero lo primero.

Desde el Valle de la Luna hasta el Campo de los Géiseres, le mostramos los lugares imprescindibles y las joyas ocultas de este impresionante destino.

prepárate para la aventura

Tips viajeros para san pedro de atacama.

Todo lo que necesitas saber para disfrutar grande de San Pedro de Atacama.

Elige tu aventura

Estos son los tours de san pedro de atacama.

Hay muchas maneras de hacer turismo, una de ellas es sin duda el arrendar un auto e ir descubriendo el lugar por tí mismo.

Pero si quieres que alguien se haga cargo de todos los detalles logísticos y dedicarte por completo al disfrute de las experiencias guiadas y los paisajes, entonces esta sección del blog es para tí

Vive las tradiciones Andinas

Cultura ancestral.

Aquí encontrarás información acerca de las tradiciones y costumbres de esta hermosa región andina, ven y adéntrate en un pasado mágico y conectado con la naturaleza.

Cuándo y Dónde

Calendarios.

En esta sección hemos recopilado algunos de los calendarios más importantes relacionados con los temas de nuestro blog, particularmente acerca de las festividades andinas, Astronomía y Astrofotografía. Para que no te pierdas de nada.

el cielo más estrellado del mundo

El norte de Chile, concentra la mayoría de los observatorios astronómicos ópticos del mundo, y es por una razón. En esta sección compartiremos contigo los conceptos básicos de la astronomía para que puedas disfrutar aún mejor de nuestros cielos maravillosos.

Captura la belleza

Aquí te compartimos tips y consejos prácticos para que puedas capturar la belleza de los paisajes de San Pedro de Atacama, bien sea con tu cámara o con tu móvil. Captura y comparte la belleza de tu viaje.

Llévate todas las estrellas

Astrofotografía.

Si quieres capturar la belleza de las noches del Desierto de Atacama, esta es la sección para tí. Aquí te compartimos los tips y guías prácticas para que te puedas llevar todas las estrellas.

conoce a los artistas

El arte y el blog.

¿Te gustas las pinturas y fotos de nuestro blog?

Si quieres saber más, entra aquí porque queremos contarte cómo lo logramos, hablamos de las herramientas y artistas tras este trabajo así como acerca de conceptos e historia del arte en sí mismo.

Quiénes somos

Viajeroatacama es un proyecto de pasión nacido de nuestro amor por los viajes, la astronomía y la fotografía. Nuestra misión es inspirar y ayudar a otros a explorar las maravillas de San Pedro de Atacama con consejos y experiencias auténticas.

Comience hoy mismo a planificar su viaje de ensueño a San Pedro de Atacama con Viajeroatacama.

Póngase en contacto.

3 Days in the Atacama Desert – An Itinerary and Travel Guide

The Atacama Desert is a must visit location in Chile. Considered the driest non-polar place on earth, the Atacama Desert is full of otherworldly and unique landscapes. This post covers all you need to know about visiting the Atacama Desert and how to spend 3 days experiencing this amazing destination!

Before getting into a specific plan for 3 days in the Atacama Desert, I want to give you some insights

Atacama Desert Travel Guide

How to get there.

The best way to get to Atacama is to fly to El Loa Airport in Calama. There are 3 airlines that operate out of here. LATAM, SKY and JetSmart. My advise is to go with LATAM or SKY. If using LATAM, book on their Chilean website as the price is a lot cheaper. Flights are relatively cheap, especially if you are coming from Santiago, where it is a direct flight.

Once at the airport, you can either take a taxi, a public bus, or a private transfer to San Pedro de Atacama which is the main hub for all tourism related things in the Atacama Desert. The taxi option is the most expensive, while the bus option is the most inconvenient as you have to go to transfer at the town of Calama. The private transfer option is what most people use. Here are 3 options:

• Transfer Pampa
• Transfer Atacama

Alternatively, you can also rent a car from the airport. The distance is 100 km or about 1.25 hours. If renting a car, make sure you book in advance.

Planning Your Time

You can easily visit all the main sites in the Atacama Desert in 3 days. If you have 4 days, that will probably be a even more comfortable pace (I never left rushed with 3). One main thing to consider are the distances between attractions. They are vast! So you have to go with a plan in advance or you will end up wasting time on the road. A second things to know about is the condition of the roads. Barring the main highway, the roads where most attractions are (off the main highway) are TERRIBLE! You may need to drive a lot slower than what Google Maps tells you to, so keep this in mind also. The last thing to consider is re-fueling. There is only one fuel station in San Pedro de Atacama and this is the only fuel station for miles.

How to Tour

I rented a car and toured all the places myself. From the moment I got to the Atacama Desert and up until now, I am still not sure if I should have driven or taken organized tours. There is so much freedom that comes with driving in your own vehicle but the road conditions were bad that I was admittedly a little worried. This is only because the roads in Patagonia (where I toured previous to coming to Atacama) were also similar and I had a flat tire. I didn’t need a repeat of that in Atacama too!

Organized tours on the other hand mean early starts and you are kind of restricted to what they have in the itinerary. If you don’t want to go to 1 of the 4 places on the itinerary then you end up wasting time. In hindsight, I probably should have booked organized tours for a couple of attractions. I will call these out below.

Organized Tours

You can actually book all your tours on arrival in San Pedro de Atacama. The main road in town is fully of your agencies selling tours. The best part is that they are all very reasonably priced. You can shop around, making sure you get the best price and attraction combinations. Expect early mornings all if not most days. If not having tours planned before arriving gives you some anxiety (trust me, I TOTALLY get it!!), Denomades is a well reputed tour agency in Chile that has great reviews. I used them in Patagonia and loved their service. Check all their tours HERE . They have individual tours that you can mix and match to create a full day’s worth of tours as well as pre-packaged day tours.

If you prefer to use a more known tour operator, check out these highly rated tours from Get Your Guide below.

Other Helpful Tips

• Bring cash for entry free for various sites. Most of the ones where you pay on site are around 15k to 5k pesos
• Bring a moderate winter jacket. Some of the high altitudes sites are cold even in the summer
• Some of the high altitude sites may cause altitude sickness. Drink a lot of water and start low and go high. I never felt it but some do
• May not be a bad idea to rent an SUV if you are self-driving (I had an SUV)
• Mentioned both of these before but road conditions are not great and there’s only 1 fuel station for miles
• You need to register yourself and vehicle at most places. Know your passport number and vehicle license plate number by heart or take pictures
• Be prepared to be covered in dust from head to toe! (maybe leave those white sneakers out!)
• You may find very little food options outside San Pedro de Atacama. Picnic lunches or snacks may not be a bad idea. My hotel even gave me a boxed lunch
• Some of the sites close for lunch from around 1-2 pm. You can use this time to eat yourself

3 Days in the Atacama Desert

This itinerary is mainly for people who may be self-driving. If you are only taking organized tours, then read my other post to see what attractions you want to tour before you book tours. The tour agencies will do all the coupling and combining for you.

Tips for this Itinerary

• Feel free to mix the order of the days around
• If mixing the order of attractions within each date or swapping out an attraction listed on day 1 with one on day 2, you may have to put all the attractions on Google Maps and make sure the driving distances are ok
• Leave the high altitude attractions until the end

I have written a detailed post about each of the places below. Therefore, will focus this post purely on the itinerary.

12 Must Visit Places in the Atacama Desert, Chile

Valle de la Luna

An area with moon like landscapes. Probably one of the most popular attractions in the Atacama Desert. You need to buy tickets in advance HERE . The website is a little finicky. Keep trying using all methods (laptop, phone, ipad etc.).

Ask for a map at the visitor center. They do a good job explaining what is a hike vs. what can be seen from the road.

Expect to spend around 3 hours here. Although, you could spend even less time if you don’t do some of the hikes. All but one attraction (Mirador Piedra del Coyote) is in the same area. Coyote is best seen during sunset. Hold on to the ticket!

Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache

A salt lagoon with bright turquoise blue water in the middle of no where. The drive there is not the best. Go slow if you are driving. In hindsight, I should have booked an organized tour for this one. Tours run for about 5 hours (return trip)

Tickets can be bought on site.

If you want to see the sunset, Mirador Piedra del Coyote is a good spot to do this.

You will be covering some long driving distances today. Start early. My recommendation is to get that earliest time slot for Lagunas Altiplánicas.

You will pass this sign as you make your way to your first stop. There’s parking on either side if you want to hop off and take a quick picture!

Lagunas Altiplánicas

Day 2 of this 3 days in the Atacama Desert itinerary starts at Lagunas Altiplánicas. Lagunas Altiplánicas consists of two sister lagoons called Miscanti and Miniques. The scenes here are so peaceful but also very dramatic. I especially loved all the animals grazing around.

Reservations to Lagunas Altiplánicas and the next attraction (Piedras Rojas), need to be made in advance at this website . You then have to go and pick up the tickets at the village of Socaire 1 hour before the time you selected on the website for your visit. See my post where I go in to more details and explain all the options available on the website.

Enjoy some beautiful desert views as you drive to and from these lagoons.

Piedras Rojas

One of my favorite attractions in Atacama. Piedras Rojas is a salt flat with stunning vistas. The area consists of milky blue waters, dramatic mountains and rust red rocks.

Tickets can be bought individually or combined with the Lagunas Altiplánicas in the same way as described above.

Laguna Chaxa

Another salt flat where flamingos gather. You can stop by on your way back to San Pedro de Atacama. It is about an hour’s de-tour each way. If you are running out of time and steam, I think this is skippable. The flamingos were pretty sparse when I visited.

Tickets on site.

Stargazing Tour

Now this one I think is not skippable! The Atacama Desert is one of the best places to stargaze in the entire world! I went with a company called San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations (SPACE) and they were great! Professional, communicative and I had a blast! See my post for more details.

Email [email protected] for reservations.

Day 3 is an early start to see the geysers but also one of my favorites on this 3 days in the Atacama desert itinerary. There’s also a lot of fun and relaxing attractions planned for today!

Geysers el Tatio

The highest attraction in terms of attitude (4.3k meters 14.1k feet), Geysers el Tatio is a geothermal field full of geysers. I skipped this for two reasons. 1. had read the roads were bad (and my previous tire related drama was too fresh in my mind) and 2. I just didn’t have enough steam for a 4 am wake up call because I visited Atacama right after Patagonia and I was exhausted. In hindsight, this is another attractions I should have done with a tour group. I still would have had to wake up early but at least the bad road would have not been an issue!

Why is this an early morning attraction? because the geothemal activtiy tends to die down as the day goes by. So your best chance of seeing the geysers in action is early morning.

Puritama Hot Springs

Puritama Hot Springs is a series of eight geothermal spring water pools at 3.4k meters or 11.4k feet. Each pool cascades down and has a different temperature. Enjoy a couple of hours just soaking in the pools!

Buy tickets in advance as they tend to sell out. HERE is the website.

You are done with this section of the Atacama. Depending on time, you can go back to San Pedro for lunch and even a snooze if you want to.

Lagunas Cejar and Piedras

Located just 30 minutes from the town of San Pedro are two salt pools that can be very easily visited. Cejar is just to view only while you can swim in Piedra. The water is so salty that you actually float! I loved every second of this…well, every 1200 seconds, because 20 minutes is the recommended maximum time you should spend here due to the high salt content.

It is one ticket for both attractions and can be bought on site.

Laguna Tebinquinche and Ojos del Salar

Just a few minutes from the previous two lagoons is Laguna Tebinquinche and Ojos del Salar. Laguna Tebinquinche is a milky blue lagoon surrounded by salt flats. The lagoon is a very dramatic site with views of a volcano in the background and even a flamingo or two in the foreground. It’s another popular site for watching the sunset, but closing time is around 5, so you may have to come early and just hang around. There is a walking path that takes you along the bank of the lagoon.

Ojos del Salar are two small twin pools that resemble eyes and are therefore called the eyes of the salt. You can see it on your way to Laguna Tebinquinche.

Where I Stayed

I stayed at Foresta Atacama Lodge in San Pedro de Atacama. This hotel was in a central location and walking distance to the city center. The staff were also lovely and even packed me a breakfast box when I told them I was leaving in the morning. The room was spacious and comfortable!

Did you find this 3 days in the Atacama Desert itinerary useful? Please let me know by liking/commenting below or sharing this post on social media! Thank you!!

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15 Must Know Tips for Visiting Patagonia, Chile

10 useful travel tips for visiting chile, you may also like, best places to eat in cartagena – top..., 12 must visit places in the atacama desert,..., best day hikes and lookout points in torres..., things to do in punta arenas in one..., 3 days in el chalten – patagonia, argentina, a review of fogon asado – the best..., a guide to the confluencia hike – base..., rainbow mountain peru – your questions answered, what to pack for the inca trail to..., best photo spots in cartagena (map included).

Did you experience any altitude sickness?

I did not but I have been in high altitudes before. The secret is to drink A LOT of water. Start even a few days prior.

On the page to reserve tickets at the Hot Springs it’s asking for a RUT or DNI number, would that be like our passport or driver’s license number?

Hello! RUT is native to locals. DNI is for foreigners but you won’t get it until you land. Immigration will give you piece of paper which is your DNI. You need to keep this as this is your proof that you’re a foreigner and can be exempt from the 21% VAT charge. You will have to give it back when you leave Chile. I used my passport number for Puritama. If you are from the US, the last digit will come after the dash.

I really enjoyed reading this – we will be there in 3 weeks. Lots of useful information. Thank you

Hi Tracy! Thank you very much! I am glad you enjoyed it and glad it was helpful! Hope you have a great time 🙂

What time of year did you go? And which year? Wondering if prices are correct – 15 pesos? We’ve been in Chile for weeks and everything is in the 1000s of pesos. Next week we will be self-driving and thank you for this info. FYI the web links don’t work…

Hello! I went in last December 2022. Should be 15k. Thanks for letting me know. Only 1 link didn’t work for me which I just updated.

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Welcome to my blog and thank you for visiting! Believe it or not this blog is not my full time job! I work 8-5 in Supply Chain and run this blog after work!  I’ve dreamed of traveling the world since I was a child and at 47 countries and counting, I am so grateful to get to live that dream.

To say travel is my passion is truly an understatement! What I love most about travel is that I get to connect with locals and meet with fellow travelers from around the world. In addition, travel also enables all my other interests like photography, architecture, art, music and food!  Please feel free to share any posts or leave me feedback on how I can improve. Thank you and happy travels!

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Things to do in San Pedro de Atacama

Chile Bolivia

Once upon a time, just a few years ago, San Pedro de Atacama was a mere springboard for Chilean desert and Bolivian Salt Flat adventures. Today, it’s become one of the country’s top travel destinations. Guide to San Pedro de Atacama – Chile’s (Worst Kept) Hidden Secret shows you why crossing arid lands and endless white horizons to reach a remote speck of a town, could be the best thing you do all year.

Overview of San Pedro de Atacama

You know how you dream of travelling to some amazing place, and you have a list of great things to see and do when you get there and then some other random place grabs your attention along the way and, in hindsight, becomes an unforgettable and surprising highlight? Yep. That sums up San Pedro de Atacama quite well. It was exactly like this that this once unassuming town was ‘discovered’ and pinned on the Gringo Trail map for all posterity.

The base town for journeys of discovery to the mesmerising Atacama Desert and a brilliant start or end point for crossings of the Bolivian Altiplano , San Pedro de Atacama is one of Chile’s best highlights and a travel destination in its own right. Some of our guests have amusingly joked that crossing the Uyuni Salt Flats for three days is a bit of a convoluted way to reach it, and we think it hilarious if only because it is arguably half-true.

If you’re searching for South America’s must-see destinations , you’ll find two of the best right at San Pedro’s doorstep.

Sitting at a crisp altitude of just over 2,400m, San Pedro boasts an eclectic history. It may seem to have been created as a traveller’s hangout but in fact, this has been an important trade route – between the Pacific coastline and the Andes Mountains – since before the Spaniards even arrived. Back then, llamas were traded for fish, and nowadays what is mainly traded are the fantastic travel stories between all those who converge in the town’s tree-lined square.

What’s San Pedro de Atacama like?

This glorious outback desert town looks like something out of an old Clint Eastwood movie. No…not the modern romantic drama ones, the old-school Western ones! Sand-filled narrow streets, gorgeous mud houses and horses trotting past as you sit and sip a café con leche in the main square. Dry and hot days and the most awe-inspiring star-filled skies at night. San Pedro is that desert oasis you dream of, when you want to experience life in the middle of nowhere but still have wifi, great food and fun evenings out. It’s no wonder this has become a tourist magnet and, it should be said, an expat haven. Tourists have been coming here and not leaving for years now, only now they are not only 20yo carefree nomads. People are moving here purposefully, with the intent on spending quality time in one of South America’s most enticing regions. They bring a touch of modernity and comfort to the back of Chile’s beyond. Along with plenty of comforts, San Pedro offers an array of activities for the actively minded. Horseback rides, hikes, sand-dune climbs and multi-day adventures. Base yourself here and you’ll have a world of desert options at your fingertips.

So much so…that you may never want to leave.

San Pedro de Atacama’s Best Highlights

San Pedro is nothing more than an (ever-growing) cluster of guesthouses, cafes, shops and restaurants, one which should take you a couple of days to explore, albeit only superficially. An array of great activities like cycling, mountain biking, horseriding and even hard-core specialised mountaineering is primarily what keeps travellers here for weeks if not months on end. There is a surprisingly huge amount of stuff to do and places to discover in the outskirts of town and within short distances.

Nearby attractions include multi-hued landscapes dotted with extinct volcanoes, valleys of the Moon and the Dead and hidden corners boasting pre-Columbian historic ruins. You’ll find lakes of a thousand colours teeming with flamingos, ethereal steaming geysers and the world’s largest salt flats. All are but a drive away from San Pedro de Atacama.

El Tatio Geysers

Just a 2-hour drive out of town is where you’ll find the world’s largest – and one of the highest – collections of geysers. El Tatio sits at a head-spinning altitude of over 4,000m so any walking around here must be done very, very slowly. Dawn trips are very popular as El Tatio is at its most resplendent when sunlight is minimal. Make sure you come prepared with thermals as temps up here can be brutal all year long.

The Atacama Desert

One of the best stargazing destinations you could visit, anywhere on earth, Chile’s Atacama Desert is the stuff of dreams. As salt-enriched ground crumbles under your feet and those seemingly impossible-to-climb sand dunes vie for your attention (especially at sunset), this would have to be one of the most stunning deserts in the world. Renowned as the world’s driest, the Atacama is an assault on all the senses. With zero light-pollution hindering the night-time spectacle, this is the best place to view the sky in the Southern Hemisphere and now home to several world-class observatories.

Valle de la Luna

The Valley of the Moon is perhaps the best-known Atacama desert site near San Pedro. If you happen to find the town totally empty at around sunset you can trust everyone is here to catch the spectacular last rays of the day. Part of the Salt Mountain Range of northern Chile, the valley of the Moon boasts the most crumbly ground you’ll ever walk on, and taking leaps can be unsettling at first. It seriously feels as if you’re about to burst through the earth’s surface and go tumbling down into the core at any moment. Coupled with warm-coloured mountains and deep canyons, as well as the striking Valley of the Dead, the Atacama boasts an otherworldly atmosphere that’s totally indescribable.

People, history & wildlife

The best bonus of all the excursion options is that you can include many other stops along the way. You’ll come across plenty of wildlife , with flocks of vicunas and guanacos being regular visitors. You can dip your toes in steaming hot natural thermal pools, bob away in super salty lagoons and visit small charming villages on your drives out of town. Although this may seem like a truly inhospitable place, you’ll be surprised to discover that people have been living and thriving here for almost 10,000 years. The history of Chile is an eclectic one and so it is with this remote region as well.

San Pedro’s location on the border between Chile and Bolivia is one of its best attributes by far. Just hop over the border and discover even more unforgettable sites.

The Bolivian Altiplano

A wonderful natural border between these two outstanding countries, the Bolivian Altiplano is a brilliant playground for those who love their landscapes to be colourful, dramatic and ethereal. This land was the muse of artists like Salvador Dali, and is a nearly-endless wave of visual sensations. Striking rock formations carved by millennia of strong winds, colours fed by a multitude of minerals and natural lagoons and lakes that defy Mother Nature’s usual colour palette. An astonishing place to cross by land, the Bolivian Altiplano is one of the world’s true wonders.

Of all the exceptional travel experiences you could have in South America, Bolivia’s Altiplano and neighbouring Uyuni Salt Plains are among the most memorable.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The Uyuni Salt Flats are a photographer’s dream gig and the one San Pedro de Atacama highlight that honestly needs little introduction. Head here for a day, or a blissful overnight stay in an Airstream camper or a multi-day crossing by 4WD. Whatever the case may be: if you head to San Pedro de Atacama and choose NOT to experience the Uyuni Salt Flats then you and I, dear reader, need to sit down and have a chat.

Best Time to Visit San Pedro de Atacama & Chile

The climate in Chile is as varied as its landscapes and although the country is relatively small it stretches north to south for an impressive 4,200km. Throughout its length and minimal width, you’ll always find an ‘ideal’ place to visit if you’re bound to a specific month. No matter when you must/want to travel, we’ll help you find you a stellar destination to visit in Chile .

When it comes to planning a visit to Chile where San Pedro de Atacama is a pivotal destination then keep in mind that AccuWeather predicts dry weather for the next couple of centuries at least BUT do keep in mind all you other desired destinations as well.

The Austral summer (between October and March) is fabulous stargazing time, while the best time to visit the Altiplano is in October and November for super clear days and resplendent nights of starlight dreaming. The Uyuni Salt Flats offer a unique perspective at any time of year. In this corner of Bolivia, days are hot and nights are cold all year long, the only difference offered is with rain. For mirror-like reflections visit during the wet summer months (Dec/Jan/Feb) and at any other time for astonishingly stunning white and dry horizons.

Accommodation Choices in San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro may have started as the domain of the hippie backpacker but has evolved into a discerning mecca offering a smattering of glorious boutique resorts with surprising luxuries and spectacular landscaped gardens and viewpoints. Choices are plentiful no matter your travel style and budget.

Chile is one of Latin America’s most diverse nations and San Pedro de Atacama a wonderful example of just how divine the whole country can be. From vibrant cities to remote northern deserts and the awe-inspiring fjords and glaciers of Chilean Patagonia , this is one of the most addictive holiday destinations you’ll ever visit. So make sure to include San Pedro de Atacama in your next tour of Chile and let us here at Chimu help you plan a wicked journey through a spellbinding land.

7 Awesome Things to Do in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile @PostcardsAnna

Atacama desert is not only the driest place on Earth but also a place that can surprise you quite a bit. If you imagine sandy lands as far as you can see, you will be disappointed as the Atacama is a feast for the eyes. From the mountains, salt flats, volcanoes, pink flamingoes, blue lagoons to many different shades of blues, pinks, and purples at sunset, Atacama will make a trip hard to forget. The most popular place full of attractions is a little rustic town San Pedro de Atacama. Here you have a few amazing things to do in San Pedro de Atacama :

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• List of the Best Hostels in Chile
• List of the Best Luxury Hotels in Chile
• DIY Travel Guide to Puerto Natales, Patagonia, Chile

Table of Contents

1. Watch the sunset over Moon Valley

You wonder where the name of the valley comes from? There will be no surprises once you see it with your own eyes. Apparently, the landscape is very similar to the surface of the Moon. It is really like transporting yourself to a different world. I went there a few times, and without any hesitation, I must admit that it is most beautiful at sunset. The evening sun creates the view of the desert full of pastel colors that change moment to moment. Of course, you can go there much earlier to do some excellent hiking or cycling since the valley is quite big. The valley is rather close to San Pedro so you can easily go on your own by car or cycling, but be prepared for the heat if you choose the two-wheel option.

A quick tip:

• Depending on the season the last time to enter the valley is 5 pm in winter and 6 pm in summer. You won’t be able to enter after that. It involves a fee, which changes too depending on your time of entering the park. The highest fee is approx. $4.
• Wear comfortable shoes; best would be hiking boots.
• Wear a hat and bring sunscreen.

2. Go to see the high-altitude geysers

The geysers are located at the feet of the volcano Tatio. It is one of the biggest highlights of the trip to San Pedro de Atacama, I would say. To be able to go on the trip, whether you go on your own or with a tour provider, prepare yourself to get up long before the sun comes up. It takes around 90 minutes to get to the geysers from San Pedro de Atacama, and the road is not the easiest. I can assure you, however, that all the pain of getting up at 4:30 am and any possible discomfort caused by altitude and cold will be hugely rewarded the second you see the sun rising from behind the volcano. If you come with a tour, they will cook nice breakfast for you that will include a hot chocolate straight from a boiling hot geyser.  There is also a thermal pool for the perfect end of the visit.

A quick tip: Since the geysers are at high altitude, you might suffer from altitude sickness. To minimize it go to sleep early the previous night, avoid drinking alcohol and heavy meals. If you must eat breakfast before the trip, eat something light. It is also very cold there early in the morning, so prepare yourself for below zero temperatures.

3. Eat homemade empanadas in an Andean village

In a little village, and by little I mean around ten houses, on the way back from the geysers make a stop in Machuca. If you go with an organized group, the stop in the village will be most likely included as it is surely a nice experience. The locals living there wait every day with freshly made empanadas for tourists heading back to San Pedro. The fry them in front of you so it cannot get any fresher. You can see the real life of Andean people, who mostly live from the income from llamas.

4. Watch pink flamingoes

There are a few places to watch flamingoes near San Pedro de Atacama, but the most common one with the biggest chances to see those pretty birds is lagoon Chaxa. It is located near a town called Toconao around 50 km south of San Pedro. It is on the way to Miscanti and Miniques, so during one day, you could combine those two places.

5. Take an astronomic tour

It is widely known that some of the clearest skies are in the Atacama. There are few cities that are mostly located on the shore, so the light pollution is minimal. It does not rain almost at all and clouds are not that common. No wonder there are some biggest observatories in the world in the Atacama. To get an ultimate ‘starry’ experience, you can visit ALMA Observatory near San Pedro or go on a night excursion to watch the sky with a glass of hot wine. Or even better do both if you have time.

6. Lose perspective at salt flats

The salt flats in the Atacama are not that well known amongst tourists, mostly because not so far away there is the famous Uyuni, but they are also beautiful. If you plan on excursions to altiplanic lagoons, you are most likely to visit Salar Tara or Salar de Atacama. The snow-white ground will make a lovely background for your photos.

7. Discover turquoise lagoons in the middle of a desert

Atacama is many things, but boring is not one of them. I cannot remember how many times if was surprised by its beauty and finding turquoise lagoons in the middle of the desert was one of those times. The most beautiful, in my humble opinion, are the lagoons Miscanti and Miniques, around 28 km from the town Socaire. Mirror-like lakes and mixture of colors make quite a picture-worthy view. The lagoons will make a full day excursion whether you go on your own or together with a group as it takes over two hours to get there.

8. Find accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

General tips for San Pedro de Atacama:

• Always carry a bottle of water with you.
• Wear a hat.
• Use high filter sunscreen.
• Bring some warm clothes for the night.
• If you hire a car to make sure that you put gas at every available occasion as there are not many petrol stations in the region.
• Most places involve a small fee.

The sun in Atacama is very strong, and even if you normally don’t burn easily, it is not the same there. Make sure you always have the mentioned items with you to avoid any unpleasant effects of heat and sun. Nights are usually cool so that you will need a warm hoodie or a jacket.

Cash: What I had learned from living in Chile for long is that you always need some cash with you. There are cash machines in San Pedro, and many places accept cards but come with some cash in pesos.  

Tours: There are many tour operators in San Pedro. There are some tours however that you can do on your own, like Moon Valley for example. You can also hire a car and do the other tour on your own, but joining a group will save you some time and effort.

When to go: The weather is San Pedro de Atacama is good all year round. Of course in autumn and winter months (April until October) it will be cooler (with snow at times, but rarely), but it does not make that much difference. In January or February, altiplanic winter might occur, which means heavy rain for a day or two.

How long to spend there: I would say that 3-5 days is enough to see all the attractions near San Pedro de Atacama.

Petrol stations: There are not many petrol stations in the Atacama. There is one in San Pedro, which is quite difficult to find. It is located in a yard of a hotel. Go along the street called Toconao and look for a small sign ‘combustible’ showing directions to the station and if you ask locals for directions use ‘benzinera’ or ‘gasolinera’ words. Have cash with you.

Where to Stay in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Hotel Tierra de Atacama

One of the best hotels in San Pedro de Atacama and one of the most expensive. It is a cute boutique spa hotel with a lovely view of the famous Licancabur volcano. It is an all inclusive hotel with tours included in the price.

They offer excursions to all the attractions and horse riding.  If you are not in the middle of adventures and sightseeing, you can relax in one of the swimming pools, sauna or hot tub.

Hotel Pascual Andino

Pascual Andino has cozy rooms in San Pedro de Atacama. Only 100 m from Caracoles, the town’s main street. A daily buffet breakfast is offered. Wi-Fi and private parking are free.

Comfortable rooms are equipped with private bathrooms with showers. Extras include a safety deposit box. At Hotel Pascual Andino you will find a 24-hour front desk and a garden. Guests can stop by Padre Le Paige Museum, 150 m away.

Hostal Kirckir

Located only 700 m from Caracoles Street, Hostal Kirckir offers accommodations in San Pedro de Atacama. A complimentary breakfast is available daily, and guests will find a mini-market steps away from the hostel. Guests staying at Kirckir are offered bicycle rental for a discount with all the equipment necessary.

At Hostal, Kirckir guests are welcome to use the fully-equipped shared kitchen. Additionally, the hostel offers handy tourist information including free maps and brochures, as it features a travel agency on-site. Other facilities include a 24-hour front desk, a shared lounge, and laundry facilities.

Where to Eat in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Restaurant Adobe

It is probably the most crowded place to eat in San Pedro, and it is actually not surprising: the atmosphere is good, and the food is good. A big restaurant with a fire in the middle and occasional live bands create a wonderful atmosphere to have a perfect evening after a whole day of adventures in the desert.

Restaurante Todo Natural

This place is excellent for breakfast and lunch. They serve simple, natural food and make most delicious mango shakes and quite decent crepes.

About the Writer

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3 thoughts on “ 7 Awesome Things to Do in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile @PostcardsAnna ”

Thank you for sharing. Super helpful!!!

what tour operator did you use that offers hot chocolate from a geyser?

Great article and amazing tips! Thank you for sharing all this information with us. Chile is an amazing country to know, with a variety of landscapes to fall in love with.

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