Written by David Garcia, Keith Roberts, Maria Gaulto
05/08/2025
Willian Justen de Vasconcellos, Pexels
San Pedro de Atacama is a unique destination nestled in the heart of the world's driest desert, offering an unparalleled array of natural wonders. Visitors are drawn to its otherworldly landscapes, which include vast salt flats, high-altitude geysers, and lunar valleys, alongside exceptional stargazing opportunities. It serves as a primary hub for exploring diverse natural phenomena and engaging in adventurous activities, appealing to those seeking an immersive experience in a dramatic environment.
The town of San Pedro de Atacama maintains a distinct backpacker-friendly atmosphere, with numerous shops, markets, restaurants, and bars providing a vibrant setting. Many hostels cater to a social environment, often featuring common areas for interaction, such as outdoor spaces, terrace bars, and relaxation zones. Some hostels are known to facilitate a social vibe, allowing travelers to connect with others.
Top 6 Things to do in San Pedro de Atacama
Visitors can explore a surreal desert landscape, witness unique geological phenomena, observe diverse wildlife, and experience exceptional stargazing opportunities.
1. Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
Explore the Moon Valley, a natural sanctuary within the Salt Mountain range, renowned for its dramatic, lunar-like terrain of sand dunes, salt formations, and rugged caverns. Walking through its trails allows for appreciation of the majestic geological formations. It is highly recommended to visit in the late afternoon to witness a spectacular sunset, as the desert transforms with vibrant hues of orange and purple across the vast landscape.
Cost: The entrance fee is approximately CLP 10,800 (about USD 11-12) for general public. Guided tours typically cost between CLP 33,000 and CLP 65,000 (about USD 35-70), which usually includes transportation and a guide, but often excludes the entrance fee. For a self-guided experience, bicycle rentals are available in town for around CLP 6,000 (about USD 6-7).
Transport: Valle de la Luna is approximately 14-15 km from San Pedro de Atacama. It can be reached by taxi for about USD 7-9 (38-40 minutes) or by car for about USD 2-3 (38-40 minutes). Many visitors choose to rent a bicycle to cycle to the valley, which takes about 30 minutes.
2. El Tatio Geysers
Experience El Tatio, the largest geyser field in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a breathtaking natural spectacle at sunrise. Witness columns of steam erupting up to 10 meters high from the geothermal field, set against a backdrop of ice and volcanic rock. Visitors can also relax in natural thermal pools nearby. Due to the high altitude, it is essential to acclimatize and wear very warm clothing.
Cost: The entrance fee to El Tatio Geysers is CLP 15,000 (about USD 16). Organized tours, which typically include early morning transportation and breakfast, range from CLP 25,000 to CLP 35,000 (about USD 27-38), not always including the entrance fee.
Transport: Located about 80 km from San Pedro de Atacama, tours depart very early in the morning (around 4:00 AM to 5:30 AM) to arrive at sunrise when the geysers are most active. Self-driving is possible with a 4x2 or 4x4 vehicle, taking approximately 2 hours and 18 minutes, with fuel costs around USD 10-15. Taxis cost approximately USD 35-45.
3. Lagunas Altiplánicas (Miscanti and Miñiques) & Piedras Rojas
Journey to the high-altitude Altiplanic Lagoons, Miscanti and Miñiques, which are striking turquoise-colored salt lakes nestled amidst imposing volcanoes. Nearby, discover Piedras Rojas (Red Stones), a unique landscape characterized by copper-colored volcanic rocks and stunning views. These sites are often combined with visits to the traditional villages of Socaire and Laguna Chaxa, where flamingos can be observed.
Cost: Combined tours, which are highly recommended for access and guidance, typically cost between CLP 29,000 and CLP 60,000 (about USD 32-65). Separate entrance fees apply: Miscanti & Miñiques Lagoons (CLP 10,000 for non-residents) and Laguna Chaxa (CLP 13,800 for non-residents). Piedras Rojas does not have a direct entrance fee but requires guided access.
Transport: These sites are located approximately 110-160 km southeast of San Pedro de Atacama. Due to the distance, high altitude, and remote nature, organized tours with included transport are the primary and most practical way to visit.
4. Stargazing Tour
San Pedro de Atacama boasts some of the clearest skies on Earth, making it an exceptional destination for stargazing. Tours typically include an introductory talk on astronomy, naked-eye observation of constellations, and detailed viewing of celestial objects like planets, stars, and nebulae through high-powered telescopes. Some tours also offer hot beverages and souvenir photographs. The best time to experience this is during moonless nights for optimal visibility.
Cost: Stargazing tours generally cost between CLP 32,000 and CLP 40,000 (about USD 35-45).
Transport: Tours include convenient hotel pickup and drop-off or a designated meeting point in San Pedro, with transport to a dark-sky location just outside the town to minimize light pollution.
5. Salar de Atacama (Chaxa Lagoon, Ojos del Salar, Tebenquiche Lagoon)
Explore the vast Salar de Atacama, Chile's largest salt flat, which is part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve. Visit Laguna Chaxa, a popular flamingo reserve where you can observe three types of flamingos in their natural habitat. Also within the salt flat are Ojos del Salar, two distinct freshwater 'eyes' or wells where swimming is possible, and Tebenquiche Lagoon, known for its stunning color changes during sunset.
Cost: Entrance to Laguna Chaxa is CLP 13,800 (about USD 15) for non-residents. Access to Tebenquiche Lagoon and Ojos del Salar is around CLP 5,000 (about USD 5-6). Tours often combine these locations, with prices varying depending on the duration and inclusions.
Transport: These locations are best visited via organized tours, which offer convenient transportation from San Pedro de Atacama. Some tours combine them with the Altiplanic Lagoons. Public transport options are limited; buses to Toconao (near Chaxa) exist but require further travel to reach the attractions.
6. Puritama Hot Springs
Indulge in a relaxing experience at Puritama Hot Springs, a series of eight natural thermal pools nestled within a picturesque canyon. The warm, mineral-rich waters, sourced from the Andes mountains and heated by volcanic activity, provide a soothing and rejuvenating soak amidst the serene desert environment. Facilities include dressing rooms and bathrooms.
Cost: The entrance fee to Puritama Hot Springs is CLP 35,000 (about USD 35). Tours that include both transfer and entrance typically range from USD 71-82 (about CLP 66,000-76,000). A shuttle service without entrance costs around CLP 22,000 (about USD 24).
Transport: Puritama Hot Springs is approximately 28-31 km north of San Pedro de Atacama. Taxis to the springs cost around USD 14-19 (about 1 hour). Tour and shuttle services are readily available and include transport from San Pedro.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
