San Pedro de Atacama is a town set on an arid high plateau in the Andes mountains of northeastern Chile. Its dramatic surrouding landscape incorporates desert, salt flats, volcanoes, geysers and hot springs. The Valle de la Luna in the nearby Los Flamencos National Reserve is a lunarlike depression with unusual rock formations, a huge sand dune and pink-streaked mountains.
March to May and September to November are the best times to visit. During these months, the weather is milder, and there are fewer tourists.
Summer months (December to February) can be very hot, especially during the day, while winter (June to August) can be cold at night, though the days remain pleasant.
By Air: Fly to El Loa Airport (CJC) in Calama, which is about 70 km (43 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama. From there, take a bus or taxi to the town.
By Bus: Buses run from Calama and Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama, with journeys typically taking about 1.5 to 2 hours from Calama and about 24 hours from Santiago.
By Car: If you prefer flexibility, rent a car in Calama and drive to San Pedro de Atacama. The drive takes around 1.5 hours.
Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon): A stunning and unique desert landscape with salt formations, sand dunes, and lunar-like scenery.
Geysers del Tatio: A geothermal field located at high altitudes, offering a breathtaking sunrise view of geysers erupting into the crisp morning air.
Laguna Cejar: A set of saltwater lagoons where you can float effortlessly due to the high salt content, surrounded by dramatic desert views.
Atacama Desert: Explore the vast desert, home to impressive sand dunes and remote, surreal landscapes.
Museo Gustavo Le Paige: A small museum in the town offering a glimpse into the region’s history, showcasing archaeological finds and the culture of indigenous people.
Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon): A must-see landscape, featuring unique salt formations and dramatic rock features. It’s especially beautiful at sunset when the colors shift across the desert.
Lagunas Baltinache: Known for its stunning saltwater lagoons where you can float, offering a peaceful and unique desert experience.
Stargazing: San Pedro de Atacama offers some of the clearest skies in the world, perfect for stargazing. Several observatories around town offer guided tours for an in-depth experience of the night sky.
Sandboarding: For thrill-seekers, sandboarding down the dunes is an exciting way to enjoy the desert landscape.
Geysers del Tatio: Visit these high-altitude geothermal fields early in the morning when the steam rises dramatically against the cold desert air.
Luxury: Many upscale resorts like Nayara Alto Atacama offer top-tier experiences with views of the desert, all-inclusive services, and guided excursions.
Mid-range: There are several charming boutique hotels and eco-lodges in San Pedro de Atacama, providing a comfortable stay while still being relatively affordable.
Budget: For budget travelers, guesthouses and hostels like Hostal Rural offer basic amenities at a lower price, while still being centrally located.
Local Cuisine: Try traditional Chilean dishes like empanadas (pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables), humitas (corn-based dish), and fresh seafood from coastal areas.
Restaurants: San Pedro de Atacama has a variety of dining options ranging from local eateries to international restaurants. Popular spots include Adobe and La Casona, which offer a mix of Chilean and global flavors.
Street Food: Enjoy casual bites like roasted corn or traditional mote con huesillo (a sweet drink made of husked wheat and dried peaches).
Indigenous Influence: San Pedro de Atacama is home to the Atacameño people, whose culture has heavily influenced the town's traditions. You can visit local villages and artisan shops to learn about their history and crafts.
Festivals: Depending on when you visit, you may have the chance to experience local festivals, which celebrate everything from indigenous traditions to Chilean national holidays.
Crafts: San Pedro de Atacama is known for its handcrafted items like pottery, jewelry, and textiles, which you can buy from local artisans or markets.