San Pedro de Atacama

Discover this ancient oasis where the driest desert in the world meets ancestral culture, wild nature, and infinite skies.

To the adventure!

Welcome to the Desert

San Pedro de Atacama is much more than a town in the desert—it is a gateway to another world. Surrounded by mountain ranges, salt flats, volcanoes, and Altiplano lagoons, this oasis has been home for centuries to the Lickanantay people, guardians of the land and its memory. Here, you can walk through landscapes that feel extraterrestrial, float effortlessly in salty lagoons, watch flamingos in their natural habitat, explore villages with ancient agricultural terraces, and connect with local weavers. At night, the sky becomes a stage for one of the most spectacular displays of stars on the planet.

Must-Sees

San Pedro de Atacama is a destination where extreme nature, ancestral culture, and pristine skies come together. Each experience will leave a lasting impression!

Valle de la Luna and Cordillera de la Sal

Valle de la Luna and Cordillera de la Sal

Hike through dunes and surreal rock formations that look like another planet. The sunset here is an unforgettable display of light and color.

Altiplano Lagoons Miscanti and Miñiques

Altiplano Lagoons Miscanti and Miñiques

Located over 4,000 meters above sea level, these turquoise lagoons reflect towering volcanoes in absolute peace and silence.

Astronomy and Andean Cosmovision

Astronomy and Andean Cosmovision

Stargaze through telescopes under one of the clearest skies on Earth—guided by the ancestral stories of the Lickanantay people.

Guatín Hike and Puritama Hot Springs

Guatín Hike and Puritama Hot Springs

Walk among ancient cacti and soak in 33°C (91°F) natural hot spring pools surrounded by Altiplano vegetation.

Salar de Atacama and Toconao Village

Salar de Atacama and Toconao Village

Enjoy sunset at Laguna Chaxa, where pink flamingos thrive, and visit Toconao—a lush oasis village rich in culture and local crafts.

Valle de la Luna and Cordillera de la Sal

Valle de la Luna and Cordillera de la Sal

Hike through dunes and surreal rock formations that look like another planet. The sunset here is an unforgettable display of light and color.

Altiplano Lagoons Miscanti and Miñiques

Altiplano Lagoons Miscanti and Miñiques

Located over 4,000 meters above sea level, these turquoise lagoons reflect towering volcanoes in absolute peace and silence.

Astronomy and Andean Cosmovision

Astronomy and Andean Cosmovision

Stargaze through telescopes under one of the clearest skies on Earth—guided by the ancestral stories of the Lickanantay people.

Guatín Hike and Puritama Hot Springs

Guatín Hike and Puritama Hot Springs

Walk among ancient cacti and soak in 33°C (91°F) natural hot spring pools surrounded by Altiplano vegetation.

Salar de Atacama and Toconao Village

Salar de Atacama and Toconao Village

Enjoy sunset at Laguna Chaxa, where pink flamingos thrive, and visit Toconao—a lush oasis village rich in culture and local crafts.

Why choose this destination?

Discover the unique charm this village has to offer.

Cuisine

Atacameño food is born out of the desert and the ancestral knowledge of the Lickanantay people. Standout ingredients include quinoa, corn, rica rica (a native herb), chañar (sweet dessert fruit), llama meat, and Altiplano lamb. Many dishes are prepared using traditional techniques like wood-fired cooking or natural dehydration. Today, local restaurants blend these ingredients with contemporary culinary trends to create unique offerings like quinoa risotto, algarrobo ice cream, or cocktails infused with desert herbs.

Handicrafts

The handicrafts of San Pedro are a living legacy of the Lickanantay culture. Highlights include handwoven alpaca textiles dyed with natural pigments, as well as ceramics, basketry, and stone carvings made from volcanic liparita stone. In Socaire and Toconao, you can meet the artisans themselves—women who preserve ancestral techniques and share their worldview through every piece. Each item reflects the landscape, the history, and the spirit of the desert.

Sustainability

In San Pedro, sustainability is rooted in how Indigenous communities have coexisted with the land for centuries. Efficient water use in oases and terraces, traditional agriculture, sustainable herding, and mindful tourism are pillars of local life. Community-led initiatives aim to protect biodiversity, preserve the Lickanantay culture, and minimize the impact of tourism—offering authentic, respectful travel experiences.

Recommendations for your trip

What should I take?

What to Wear

Waterproof and windproof jacket Base and mid layers Trekking pants High-ankle trekking shoes

What to Bring

Trekking backpack Trekking poles Sunglasses Sunscreen Chargers and a power bank

Weather

Temperature

Minimum: Between 0°C and 5°C (32°F to 41°F) Maximum: Between 20°C and 26°C (68°F to 79°F)

Weather

General climate: Mostly clear skies, dry air Wind: Light to moderate in open areas

Helpful information

Hospital

Centro de Salud de San Pedro de Atacama Domingo Atienza s/n Phone: +56 55 257 1310 Primary care only – For major emergencies, patients are transferred to Calama

Banks and ATMs

Only one ATM in town, often out of service Bring enough cash from Calama Many shops accept cards, but not all

Did you know?

Did you know?

San Pedro has one of the clearest skies on the planet. The lack of light pollution and high altitude make it one of the best places in the world for stargazing.

In saltwater lagoons like Laguna Cejar, you can float effortlessly due to the high salinity—just like in the Dead Sea.

What to Wear

Waterproof and windproof jacket Base and mid layers Trekking pants High-ankle trekking shoes

What to Bring

Trekking backpack Trekking poles Sunglasses Sunscreen Chargers and a power bank

Temperature

Minimum: Between 0°C and 5°C (32°F to 41°F) Maximum: Between 20°C and 26°C (68°F to 79°F)

Weather

General climate: Mostly clear skies, dry air Wind: Light to moderate in open areas

Hospital

Centro de Salud de San Pedro de Atacama Domingo Atienza s/n Phone: +56 55 257 1310 Primary care only – For major emergencies, patients are transferred to Calama

Banks and ATMs

Only one ATM in town, often out of service Bring enough cash from Calama Many shops accept cards, but not all

Did you know?

San Pedro has one of the clearest skies on the planet. The lack of light pollution and high altitude make it one of the best places in the world for stargazing.

In saltwater lagoons like Laguna Cejar, you can float effortlessly due to the high salinity—just like in the Dead Sea.