To the adventure!
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.
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
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
Located over 4,000 meters above sea level, these turquoise lagoons reflect towering volcanoes in absolute peace and silence.
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
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
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
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
Located over 4,000 meters above sea level, these turquoise lagoons reflect towering volcanoes in absolute peace and silence.
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
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
Enjoy sunset at Laguna Chaxa, where pink flamingos thrive, and visit Toconao—a lush oasis village rich in culture and local crafts.
Discover the unique charm this village has to offer.
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.
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.
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.
Waterproof and windproof jacket Base and mid layers Trekking pants High-ankle trekking shoes
Trekking backpack Trekking poles Sunglasses Sunscreen Chargers and a power bank
Minimum: Between 0°C and 5°C (32°F to 41°F) Maximum: Between 20°C and 26°C (68°F to 79°F)
General climate: Mostly clear skies, dry air Wind: Light to moderate in open areas
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
Only one ATM in town, often out of service Bring enough cash from Calama Many shops accept cards, but not all
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.
Waterproof and windproof jacket Base and mid layers Trekking pants High-ankle trekking shoes
Trekking backpack Trekking poles Sunglasses Sunscreen Chargers and a power bank
Minimum: Between 0°C and 5°C (32°F to 41°F) Maximum: Between 20°C and 26°C (68°F to 79°F)
General climate: Mostly clear skies, dry air Wind: Light to moderate in open areas
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
Only one ATM in town, often out of service Bring enough cash from Calama Many shops accept cards, but not all
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.