If you’re traveling in Chile, be sure to explore the breathtaking Atacama Desert! You’ll be amazed by the incredible diversity of landscapes, from sparkling lakes and expansive salt flats to stunning canyons, bubbling geysers, graceful flamingos, and adorable alpacas. With so many captivating places to discover, every moment will be an exciting adventure! We explored this amazing place by using San Pedro Atacama as our base, a charming adobe town with dirt roads and a stunning landscape.
Quick Summary:
What we did: Spent 2 days in San Pedro Atacamam and did self-guided tours( Ideal would be 3-4 days to cover everything)
Where we stayed :Hotel Kimal Domingo Atienza 452, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta,
Where we ate: Many restaurants close to the hotel on the main street
- Things I wish I had known before traveling to San Pedro Atacama
- Tickets to various attractions and where to buy them
- How to get to San Pedro Atacama
- Things to do in San Pedro Atacama
- Experience the unique landscape of Valle de la Luna (Moon valley)
- Float on Water in Cejar and Piedra Lagoons
- Stargaze in one of the most beautiful night skies
- Go bird watching at Los Flamencos National Reserve-Laguna Chaxa
- Viist Altiplanic lagoons- Miscanti and Miñique
- Visit the highest geysers of the world- Tatio Geysers
- Final Thoughts
Things I wish I had known before traveling to San Pedro Atacama
This unique region, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers visitors a wide range of activities, including hiking, stargazing, and exploring ancient petroglyphs. However, the various attractions in the Atacama Desert are spread out and managed by either local tribes or the Chilean government. Some attractions allow cash payments at the entrance, while others require online reservations, which can be confusing for first-time visitors. We found it difficult to navigate all the various requirements and get the best out of our visit to Atacama; therefore, taking a guided tour can provide valuable insights and help maximize your experience is advised. Knowledgeable guides can share fascinating stories about the local flora, fauna, and historical significance of the area, making your visit truly unforgettable. Check out denomades.com for customized tours tailored to your length of stay, ensuring that you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty and wonders of Atacama.
Tickets to various attractions and where to buy them
| Attraction | Foreign adult cost (Chilean $) | National adult cost (Chilean $) | Where to buy | Website | Special Notes |
| Valley of the Moon | $10,800 | $10,800 | Online only | https://valledelaluna.com/ | |
| Cejar Lagoon | $15,000 | $15,000 | Online only | https://lagunacejar.com/tarifas-y-horarios/ | Closed on Tuesday |
| Chaxa Lagoon | $13,800 | $10,300 | Online only | https://www.puntoticket.com/centros-turisticos-san-pedro-de-atacama-2024 | Check the opening times for individuals vs organized tours |
| Red Stones and Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons | $13,000 | $10,000 | Online only | https://socairechile.cl/lagunas-miscanti-y-miniques/ | Check the webpage for updates |
| El tatio Geysers | $15,000 | $15,000 | Cash at the entrance | NA | |
| Star Gazing tours | NA | NA | Depends on the tour operator | https://atacamastargazing.com/en/classic-astronomy-tour-in-san-pedro-de-atacama | The full moon affects the tours. No tours are offered in and around the full moon |
| Rainbow valley | $5000 | Check with a tour operator. Not much info available | None | Check with a tour operator. Not much info avialable | |
| Petroglyphs of Yerbas Buenas | $5,000 | $5,000 | Cash at the entrance | None | Check with a tour operator. Not much info available |
How to get to San Pedro Atacama
The most common way to get to San Pedro de Atacama is from Santiago to the city of Calama, and then head towards San Pedro. El Loa (CJC airport), located in Calama, about 100 kilometers northwest. It receives regular flights from Santiago and some services from other cities in Chile.
How long does the drive from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama take? The driving distance between Calama and San Pedro de Atacama is 100.5 km via Route 23. It takes about 60-90 minutes to drive this distance.
For more information on how to reach San Pedro Atacama and bus options, check this webpage.
Things to do in San Pedro Atacama
Experience the unique landscape of Valle de la Luna (Moon valley)
The Valle de la Luna is named after its lunar-like landforms eroded by eons of flood and wind, creating a breathtaking landscape that captivates all who visit. This natural wonder is located approximately 15km west of San Pedro de Atacama, nestled at the northern end of the Cordillera de la Sal. It is a stunning mountain range noted for its unique geological formations. The valley is not only a feast for the eyes but also forms part of the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos, a protected area that is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. Visitors to Valle de la Luna can marvel at the dramatic contrasts of colors and textures, especially during sunset when the landscape transforms into a surreal palette of oranges and purples, offering a truly unforgettable experience.
You can pre-book your tickets here or take an organized tour from one of the tour operators in San Pedro Atacama. Sunset is the time when most like to see Moon Valley and hence the busiest. Take lots of water, a hat, and sunscreen while visiting Moon Valley, as it is very dry and hot.
Float on Water in Cejar and Piedra Lagoons
Located 18 km east of San Pedro de Atacama, these lagoons are authentic hidden gems in the heart of the vast and breathtaking desert. With saline content similar to that of the Dead Sea, visitors can swim or float effortlessly in the warm, inviting waters. The facility is very well maintained, featuring clean showers and restrooms. This is one of our favorite places we visited in the Atacama Desert, a perfect retreat to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the region.
Renowned for their striking beauty and unique ecosystem, both lagoons are under the careful management of the Atacameña Indigenous Community of Solor, who have inhabited this area for generations. Visitors can immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife that thrive in this arid environment. However, there are specific times when the lagoons are open to the public or tour operators, ensuring that the natural habitat is preserved and respected. For those eager to explore this enchanting destination, check here for the timing and tickets, and prepare for an unforgettable experience in one of nature’s truly remarkable settings.
Stargaze in one of the most beautiful night skies
San Pedro de Atacama is a great place for stargazing! The Atacama Desert has some of the clearest skies due to its high altitude, low humidity, and little light pollution. You can join tours that provide telescopes to see stars, planets, and galaxies. Some tours also include astrophotography and talks about space. The area has top observatories like Paranal and La Silla, which help with global astronomy projects. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take any tours because we visited during the full moon, which isn’t good for stargazing, and no tours were available. Check here for available tours.
Go bird watching at Los Flamencos National Reserve-Laguna Chaxa
The Chaxa Lagoon is located at a central point of the Atacama Desert, an expansive and strikingly beautiful region known for its arid landscapes and unique ecosystems. It is situated just 7 km away from the charming village of Toconao and a little less than 50 km from San Pedro de Atacama, making it an accessible destination for both tourists and locals alike. This captivating area belongs to the Protection System of wild areas of CONAF. It is a vital part of the Flamingos National Reserve, which aims to safeguard the rich biodiversity found in the region. The lagoon attracts a variety of avian species, but it is probably one of the best places in Chile to see flamingos in their natural habitat. Visitors will find a couple of well-marked trails that meander through the reserve, allowing them to walk and observe the flamingos closely while enjoying the serene beauty of the landscape. Most people suggest going at sunrise to witness the stunning spectacle of the birds as they take flight under the rising sun, but it’s important to note that the park is not open until 8 AM, so plan accordingly.
Viist Altiplanic lagoons- Miscanti and Miñique
Located east-southeast of the Salar de Atacama, the Miscanti and Miñiques lakes lie at the base of the Cerro Miscanti volcano. These lakes are part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve and are rich in wildlife and geological features. Situated 90 kilometers from San Pedro and over 4,000 meters above sea level, they draw water from the ground, attracting various animals, including many flamingoes, which contrast beautifully with the snowy mountains reflected in the water. These two blue lakes, surrounded by the driest desert on earth, are 10 meters deep and remain untouched in a stunning natural setting.
Visit the highest geysers of the world– Tatio Geysers
The Geysers of San Pedro de Atacama, located in the Andes mountains at 4,200 meters and 89 kilometers from San Pedro, offer stunning views and impressive steam columns rising up to 8 meters, particularly around sunrise. Visitors are advised to wear warm clothing and bring swimwear, as thermal pools are available nearby. The best viewing time is between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, with steam temperatures reaching 85°C. The area features a variety of wildlife and plants, making it a remarkable attraction in the Atacama Desert.
We skipped the Tatio geysers because no one wanted to wake up at 4 AM to see them, and the kids said they had already seen Old Faithful in Yellowstone and geysers in Iceland. The best way to see the geysers would be to take a tour; that way, you can leave the early morning driving to locals. Entrance to El Tatio Geysers costs CLP$ 15,000 per person and is paid in cash at the entrance.
Final Thoughts
All in all, Atacama is a great place to visit, offering breathtaking landscapes and unique natural wonders. However, be prepared to drive 1-2 hours to explore the various attractions scattered throughout the region, as they are often quite remote. It’s important to plan your itinerary carefully, as some sites may require more time than others to fully appreciate their beauty. With very limited information available on various attractions, opting for a guided tour might be a better way to ensure you make the most of your visit and get maximum bang for your buck. A knowledgeable guide can provide insights into the area’s rich history and geology, making for a more enriching experience. Plus, they can help navigate the sometimes challenging terrain, allowing you to focus on enjoying the stunning scenery.
Peaks to Palaces 