San Pedro de Atacama: Exploring Chile’s Desert Oasis

What can you do in one of the driest places on the planet? A whole lot. You will be amazed at the fascinating things to do and experience in Chile’s San Pedro de Atacama. 

San Pedro de Atacama, located in the northern part of Chile, is considered one of the driest regions in the world. However, despite or perhaps because of this fact, it is still an amazing destination. Its diverse landscapes and fauna, such as colorful lagoons, cone-shaped volcanoes, flamingo colonies, and geysers, are some of the many reasons to visit here. 

The Atacama Desert is around 7,900 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level, covering an area of around 49,000 square miles (78,850 square kilometers). The vast fields offer plenty of activities to its visitors, including biking, hiking, cycling, and sandboarding, which makes it a must-visit destination on your Chilean tour. 

San Pedro de Atacama is a must-visit destination, offering stunning views and thrilling desert experiences that belong on your bucket list.

Best Things To Do in San Pedro de Atacama – Sights 

1. Licancabur Volcano

Licancabur Volcano is located at a height of 19,685 feet (6,000 meters) above sea level. These symmetrical-shaped volcanoes are located between the borders of Bolivia and Chile. 

You can enjoy the mountain view from the town. We highly recommend climbing the mountain for a panoramic San Pedro de Atacama view. 

2. Stargazing

The Atacama is the best place for stargazing. The high altitude means low air pollution, giving you a clear view of the stars and night sky. You will find many tour operators offering stargazing with telescopes. However, it is not the only way to experience this activity. Just head to Valle de La Luna by rental car and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere under shining stars and dark sky yourself.

Be aware to check the different tour agencies to see if the tour is scheduled for that day. We couldn’t do the tour when I was in San Pedro de Atacama because it was too cloudy. It’s still on my bucket list for when I return.

3. Caverna de Sal 

Caverna de Sal, situated within the Cordillera de la Sal, is a well-known San Pedro de Atacama region cave. The Cordillera de la Sal comprises layers of sand and clay shaped by erosion over the ages, giving rise to captivating and striking scenery. 

4. Duna Mayor

Consider a quick and rewarding hike at Duna Mayor in San Pedro de Atacama. This dune offers stunning sunset views and takes only about an hour to complete. Walking on that dry sand is a one-of-a-kind experience, and the desert scenery is just stunning. This place is a winner if you’re into outdoor adventures and nature!

5. Mirador Achaches

Mirador Achaches is a viewpoint from which you can view the whole of Antofagasta. You can also hike on a short trail of around 2.5 mi (4 km) nearby. It is a single track, so you hike back the same way you came. 

6. Anfiteatro

The Anfiteatro in Valle de la Luna near San Pedro de Atacama is a natural rock formation that looks like an amphitheater. It’s famous for its great acoustics and unique rocks. The Valle de la Luna has a surreal landscape, like something from another world, especially at sunset. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers exploring Northern Chile’s diverse scenery.

7. The Salt Mines 

Like the old Victoria Salt Mine, the Salt Mines give people visiting San Pedro de Atacama a different and strange experience. When you look at the land covered in salt from far away, it looks like snow that’s just melted. And these cool salt crystals stuck to rocks and walls make everything look surreal. 

You can’t go inside the old mine but can check the other salt mines and flats around, like the Salar de Atacama.

8. Tres Marias 

The Tres Marías, also known as “The Three Marys,” are big rocks that really stand out at the start of Valle de la Luna, close to San Pedro de Atacama. They’ve been shaped by salt and wind, wearing them down for more than 10,000 years. These rocks are made of granite and quartz. 

Lots of people come to see them when they visit the Atacama Desert because they’re so impressive.

9. San Pedro Church

San Pedro church is the second oldest church in Chile. It dates back to the Spanish colonial times when it was first built with mud and cacti wood. This elegant church is located near Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama. 

10. Altiplanic Lagoons 

The Altiplanic lagoons sit approximately 13,100 feet (4,000 meters) above sea level within the Los Flamencos National Reserve, about 56 miles (90 kilometers) south of San Pedro. It will take approximately 1.5 hours to reach these lagoons.

The main highlight of this area is its view of the blue waters with snow-capped mountains in the background. The temperatures here are low, and the air is pretty clean.

11. Salar de Atacama Salt Flat 

The Salar de Atacama stands as Chile’s biggest salt flat. It is not as bright as the Bolivian salt flats but quite impressive in its own way. The salt flat covers around 1,158 square mi (3,000 square km), including scores of amazing lakes and lagoons. You can spot plenty of flamingos in this area. 

Best Things To Do in San Pedro de Atacama – Activities 

12. Hiking and Biking

Tourists can enjoy amazing scenery by going hiking and biking. You can join guided tours to explore Valle de la Luna, which looks like another planet with its volcanoes, salt flats, and canyons. Hiking in Valle de la Luna and biking to nearby Andean villages lets you see awesome rock formations and really unique landscapes. 

Bikes can be rented for six hours at 3,000 Chilean pesos (3 US dollars) 

13. Shop at the Markets

In San Pedro, you will find plenty of markets to buy local souvenirs. The local blankets are a top choice among visitors, as they are comfortable and warm. Due to their unique designs, you can use them as a sofa throw or tablecloth. 

14. A Short Tour to El Tatio Geysers 

The El Tatio Geysers, standing at an impressive altitude of 14,107 feet (4,300 meters), offer a breathtaking experience as you witness the sunrise illuminating over a hundred geysers, emitting hot steam into the air.

The volcanic geyser field is formed by boiling water and hardened over time. Enjoy a traditional breakfast before concluding with a cultural exploration of the provincial village of Machuca on this engaging excursion. The tour costs around 58,767.77 CLP ($41)

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the wonders of El Tatio and explore the unique charm of Machuca village.

15. Explore Pukara de Quitor Ruins

To learn about the history of San Pedro, you won’t find a better place than the Pukara ruins. It is a walled fortress that was first built in the 12^th century under the rule of the Incan Empire. The Incans ruled here for almost 400 years until Spanish colonists took over. Nowadays, you can explore the area and learn more about the ancient civilizations. 

16. Sandboarding at Valle de la Muerte

Valle de la Muerte, the Death Valley, is only 5 minutes away from San Pedro. It is quite popular for its rock formations and sandy mountains. The striking scenery, known for its steep dunes, is perfect for sandboarding adventures.

Sandboarding here is a bit more difficult than usual but much more fun. 

Best Things To Do in San Pedro de Atacama – Food 

17. Empanadas and Sandwiches at Café Katarpe

Chile is quite popular for its empanadas, and the best place to try them is Café Katarpe. Café Katarpe is located on the main street of the town. You can also try some delicious sandwiches here. 

18. Seafood and Barbeque at la Casona 

La Casona is the best place to try Chilean chupes and meat pies made with mussels or crabs. Meat dishes such as steak parrilladas are also a favorite, which are prepared by marinating meat in lime juice and other spices.

19. Babalu Heladeria’s Ice Cream

There is nothing better to beat the heat than some delicious ice cream. In San Pedro, the best ice cream you can find is at Babalu heladeria. The ice cream has unique flavors and ingredients, including quinoa and rica rica. You can have it in either a cup or a cone. 

Transportation Options

To reach San Pedro de Atacama, you’ll need to take a combination of plane and bus. Since there’s no airport directly in San Pedro, you’ll first fly into the nearest airport in Calama, a city in Chile about 62.1 miles (100 km) away from the desert. From there, you can catch a bus that takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach your destination.

Plane Travel

Calama Airport only receives flights from within the country. As an international traveler, you can book a flight to Santiago and get another flight to Calama. 

Bus Travel

Bus travel from Calama to San Pedro is full of amazing views. You can pre-book tickets to avoid any hassle at the airport. Bus services such as PasajeBus and Turbus offer amazing bus services in the country. 

Where To Stay in San Pedro de Atacama 

There are plenty of places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama. Here are some of the best options you can choose according to your budget.

• Tiny Hostel Atacama (Budget): Tiny Hostel is located in the middle of the town in an area known as Los Algarrobos. The property offers rooms that can accommodate around eight guests at a time. 

• Hostal Ayni (Mid-range): Hostal Ayni offers some amazing city views. It is located around 4.7 miles (7.7 km) from Piedra del Coyote. The whole place is pretty clean, and the staff is very friendly. Many great spots, such as San Pedro Church and Moon Valley, are near the hostel.

• Hotel Pascual Andino (Luxury): Hotel Pascual is close to the main street of San Pedro de Atacama. The hotel offers luxurious rooms equipped with private bathrooms and showers. Moreover, a garden and pool are on-site, where you can sit and relax. 

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Tips To Stay Safe During Your San Pedro de Atacama Visit

To get the best out of your San Pedro de Atacama visit, here are a few tips that you must follow: 

• The town has only two ATMs, so keep enough cash for your trip.
• As everything in town is a bit overpriced, make sure to bargain to find the best prices.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
• Don’t forget to bring good quality sunscreen as UV radiation is pretty strong in the desert.
• Pack a bandana to prevent inhaling dust while exploring the desert in the open.
• Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – San Pedro de Atacama 

What Is San Pedro de Atacama Known For? Why Is the Atacama So Famous? 

San Pedro de Atacama is renowned for its stunning landscapes and attractions, sitting at an elevation of 7,900 feet (2,408 meters) above sea level, offering incredible sites to discover, like El Tatio Geysers, salt mines, salt flats, and more.

What Are Three Interesting Facts About the Atacama Desert?

The three interesting facts about the Atacama Desert are:

• The desert covers the South American strip of around 994 mi (1,600 km).
• The Atacama desert is the driest non-polar desert in the world.
• Due to its unique landscape and soil, the Atacama Desert is frequently compared to Mars, making it a popular choice for filming space-themed movies and TV shows.

How Many Days Do You Need in San Pedro de Atacama?

To get the best out of your visit, we recommend staying for at least four to five days in San Pedro de Atacama. You can plan a longer visit too. However, budget accordingly when you visit, as prices are higher here than in other cities. 

Do Humans Live in the Atacama Desert?

The Atacama Desert has a total population of over one million people. People have been living in the middle of a desert for many years. Most reside in the coastal villages, oasis towns, and mining areas. They grow many dry-weather products, such as quinoa, some varieties of potatoes, and cactus fruit.

Conclusion – San Pedro de Atacama

From sandboarding in Death Valley, biking across Valle de la Luna, stargazing toward the night sky, spotting flamingos, who says deserts are flat, boring places? San Pedro de Atacama is anything but.

Aside from breathtaking landscapes that could be described as out-of-this-world, the vibrant, indigenous culture and delectable cuisine of San Pedro de Atacama will make your trip worth your while.

We hope this article will inspire you to book that trip to one of the world’s most amazing destinations soon.

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