Set amid shimmering salt flats, desert moonscapes, and flamingo-filled lagoons, the small town of San Pedro de Atacama is the gateway to Chile’s wild and vast Atacama Desert. Outdoor adventurers will find plenty of things to do in San Pedro de Atacama, whether hiking the Cerro Toco volcano, swimming in hidden lagoons, or mountain biking through Death Valley or Rainbow Valley. At sunset, climb the Big Dune to watch the sunset over the Valley of the Moon, then stick around after dark to enjoy stargazing in the desert.
The best time to visit San Pedro de Atacama is during the summer (December to February). You’ll enjoy warm, sunny days and clear night skies ideal for stargazing. Flocks of wild flamingos also gather on the salt flats in their greatest numbers during the summer, creating a spectacular sight. Winters can get very cold, but you’ll encounter far fewer crowds and have the opportunity to experience traditional festivals, such as June’s Festival de San Pedro y San Pablo.
San Pedro de Atacama is tiny, so getting around on foot is a breeze. Cycling is another option and is particularly handy for exploring Moon Valley and Death Valley; you’ll find bicycle rental shops all over town. To go on adventures in the surrounding area, rent a car or book a tour to make the trips more comfortable. El Tatio’s geysers, for example, are best in the early morning, and taking a tour with hotel pickup lets you nap on the way there.
Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit. San Pedro de Atacama may be located in the middle of the world’s driest desert, but it is also home to some great watery attractions. Book a tour to the Puritama Hot Springs, a series of eight steaming geothermal hot springs; or to the Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache, where you can float in seven crystal-clear saltwater lagoons.
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San Pedro de Atacama is known as the gateway to the Atacama Desert, which is the driest place on earth. Travelers typically use this small town as a base for excursions to nearby attractions including the El Tatio Geysers, Valley of the Moon, and the Puritama Hot Springs.
...MoreFive days is about right in San Pedro de Atacama. You can explore the small town (and adjust to the altitude) and take day trips to surrounding desert attractions such as the Valley of the Moon and El Tatio geysers, as well as the Rainbow Valley and Los Flamencos National Reserve.
...MoreWhile most people visit San Pedro de Atacama for the purpose of taking trips to nearby attractions, the town itself has appeal. Check out the 17th-century church Iglesia San Pedro; take a wander through its adobe streets; and have dinner at one of the town’s live music spots.
...MoreSan Pedro de Atacama is believed to be at least 11,000 years old. You can learn about the earliest inhabitants of the area (the Indigenous Atacama people, also called Atacameño) by visiting the Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum located just off San Pedro’s plaza.
...MoreNo. Tap water is not suitable for drinking in San Pedro de Atacama, due to high levels of contamination from nearby mines. Be sure to stock up on bottled water before heading out into the desert on a tour—you will need it and may not find anywhere to buy it.
...MoreYes. San Pedro de Atacama is relatively expensive compared to other places in Chile and South America. Because the town is popular with tourists, costs tend to be higher than you might expect. Typically the biggest expenses are hotels, food, and drink—save money by booking tours that include meals.
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