From the Andes Mountains to excessive desert lagoons, these are the very best issues to do in San Pedro de Atacama. The Atacama Desert was our favourite place to go to in Chile. Located in northern Chile, connecting Bolivia and Argentina in South America, the Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar desert in the world and plenty of vacationers make their means to the city of San Pedro de Atacama to take pleasure in the entire superb excursions in this extraordinary vacation spot. We visited the Atacama Desert with Exodus Travels and found all of the highlights with the assistance of our trusty information, Alex.
Things to do in San Pedro de Atacama
The Atacama Desert is the best and dryest non-polar desert in the world. It is thought for its lunar panorama and pure magnificence. With quite a lot of terrains together with salt flats, geysers, and lagoons, Salar de Atacama is likely one of the most putting locations we’ve got ever visited.
Tours and journeys could be booked to the desert from San Pedro de Atacama, and whereas visiting this area of Chile, additionally, you will have the prospect to immerse in its tradition as it’s a heart for indigenous communities. The city is a well-liked vacation spot for backpackers and intrepid vacationers who’re in journey, nature, and historical past, and there are a lot of issues to do in the world. Here are some ideas for issues to do in San Pedro de Atacama.
Where is San Pedro de Atacama
The Atacama Desert is positioned in the northern half of Chile between the Pacific Ocean, to the west, and the Andes Mountains, to the east. This 1,000-mile strip of desert, is the best non-polar desert plateau in the world. (Antarctica is the driest place on earth if you’re questioning) and San Pedro de Atacama is a small city positioned in the center of it close to the Bolivian Border. San Pedro de Atacama is the place everybody makes a base to do desert excursions and this cool city is a vacation spot in its personal proper. With eating places, accommodations, tour corporations, and outlets, it makes for a implausible base to see the whole lot in Salar de Atacama.
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1. Laguna Chaxa
Seeing the flamingoes of Chaxa Lagoon was the primary cease on our tour and it was one! As a part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, Chaxa Lagoon is the very best place to see flamingoes. Three species of flamingoes frequent the salt swimming pools to feed on brine shrimp. The setting is what makes this cease so extraordinary.
Rocky paths weave by way of salt lagoons surrounded by layers of colours main to the Andes Mountains. Flamingoes fly from one pool to one other after which slowly saunter in the nonetheless waters with their reflections dazzling in the backdrop of the encircling volcanoes. From the white salt deposits to the pink hues of the desert, it is a place you’ll need to pull out your digital camera.
There are three principal lagoons in Sector Soncor with the Chaxa lagoon being the very best place to spot Andean and Chilean Flamingoes. The lagoons are positioned at a excessive elevation of 2300 meters (over 7500 toes)
Chaxa Lagoon is 2 hours from San Pedro de Atacama and also you’ll spend at the very least an hour having fun with the strolling trails that weave by way of the lagoons.
2. Visit the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
The Valle de la Luna is a singular panorama that’s positioned simply 13 km (8 miles) outdoors of San Pedro de Atacama. It is named the Moon Valley due to its similarity to the floor of the moon however it actually appears extra just like the floor of Mars. Also positioned throughout the Los Flamencos National Reserve, this is likely one of the prime locations to go to in the Atacama to view the Mars Valley. With its rocky terrain and strange rock formations. In reality, NASA examined its Mars Rover in the Atacama due to its related panorama and local weather.
3. Hike Duna Mayor
The valley is a good place to go mountain climbing, and there are a number of trails that lead by way of the world. You may also go to the valley at sundown for some lovely views of the encircling mountains. Hiking Duna Mayor is a wonderful brief hike to unimaginable vistas. The hike is about 20 minutes out and takes you alongside a slim path overlooking excessive dunes and out-of-this-world rock formations.
The most spectacular sight was the Moon Valley Amphitheatre. We had the clearest view of it strolling again alongside the excessive journey on the Duna Mayor hike. It reminded us a lot of Wilpena Pound in South Australia.
4. Mirador Lickan-Antai
There are a number of miradors to watch the sundown in Valle de La Luna and we made positive to pop into all of them for the very best views. With Exodus Travels we have been spoiled and loved a glass of wine with cheese as we missed the extraordinary views from Mirador Lickan Antai. This is a stunning cease off the aspect of the street if you’re biking, self-driving or have employed a information. You can hike out for higher views of the desert landscapes.
5. Las Tres Marias Valle de La Luna
If you’re on the lookout for these photographs that seize the Salar de Atacama, a cease at Las Tres Marías is the place you’ll view the well-known rock formations of the Atacama Desert. The salt flat of the Atacama Desert is way completely different from the Bolivian Salt Flats. See what the salt flats in Bolivia are all about at A Bolivia Salt Flats Tour in Uyuni: Everything You Need to Know
Since it’s such a dry desert (some locations solely see rain each 100 years!) you don’t get the glass-like views and trick-of-the-eye photographs as you do in Bolivia, however that is the place the place you possibly can play with scale and scope a bit bit. The path is a brief 15-minute stroll.
6. Sunset from Mirador de Kari Piedra del Coyote
One of the very best issues to do in San Pedro de Atacama is to watch the sundown from Mirador de Kari Piedra del Coyote. Located outdoors Valle de La Luna, that is the very best place for sundown since you want to be out of the valley by a sure time. Since you can not keep in the Valle de la Luna after sundown, this mirador has the majority of vacationers watching the solar go down in the Atacama Desert.
It is a wonderful view with the solar creating shadows and depth on the rocky valley flooring because the excessive mountains twinkle with shade surrounding the huge desert.
7. Visit the El Tatio geysers
The El Tatio geysers are a bunch of geothermal springs which are the best geothermal space in the world. A go to to the geysers occurs at daybreak, and whereas it’s an early and chilly tour, that is one place in the Atacama Desert that you simply don’t need to miss.
The El Tatio Geysers are a couple of two-hour drive from San Pedro de Atacama. We have been picked up effectively earlier than dawn and hopped in the van for a nap earlier than getting out in the brisk air. It was -13 levels Celcius on the geysers so ensure to layer up with gloves and a hat. The geysers are most energetic at daybreak when the water is at its hottest (and air at its coldest), and so they produce steam and scorching water that may attain temperatures of up to 100°C.
It takes about 90 minutes to stroll across the geysers alongside the designated stone paths and whereas not fairly as spectacular on the Geysers of Yellowstone, these are the third largest geothermal areas on earth so they have to not be missed!
8. Lagunas Miscanti and Miñiques
Have you ever questioned what it was like to stroll at excessive altitudes however don’t need to hike for days to get there? Well, a go to to the high-altitude lakes (The Lagunas Altiplanicas) of Miscanti and Miñiques will do the trick. We drove instantly to an elevation of over 4000 meters (13,000 toes) to stroll from the picturesque lakes of Miscanti and Miniques.
Usually, you would wish to trek for days to get to this elevation. The nonetheless deep blue waters are putting and it’s stunning to be standing at 4000 meters with the 2 excessive volcanoes towering overhead. It was laborious to consider that the Volcano proper earlier than our eyes was increased than Mount Kilimanjaro. The two volcanoes that body the lagoons are (5,622 meters (18,445 ft)) and Cerro Miñiques (5,910 meters (19,390 ft))
9. Spy on Vicuñas
The lagoons are related by a path of rocks and also you’ll have the option to see wild vicunas roaming the panorama. These animals are associated to the llama and el paca households and at the moment are protected. These vicunas are inconceivable to cultivate so to get their in-demand wool, they spherical them up to shave them solely as soon as each three years.
10. Go stargazing
San Pedro de Atacama is positioned in an space with little or no gentle air pollution or precipitation, which makes it a really perfect place for stargazing and excursions could be booked for round $50 to see the night time skies throughout San Pedro de Atacama. There are a number of corporations that supply stargazing excursions in the world that you would be able to guide in San Pedro de Atacama. Our tour was an add on with Exodus Travels.
The clear, dry air of the Atacama Desert permits for glorious visibility of the celebrities, planets, and the Milky Way. Because of the low humidity, excessive altitude, and low gentle air pollution, it’s a scorching spot for astronomers to examine the skies, and plenty of corporations from world wide have scientists finding out its darkish skies. San Pedro de Atacama is well-liked for Astro-tourism and you can not miss doing this tour. I actually didn’t suppose I’d be impressed, however I liked listening to the tales of our information as he identified constellations earlier than having us look into the huge telescopes at Saturn, Mars, and Pluto.
We seemed by way of these huge telescopes at stars and planets till the wee hours of the morning. Our information was so gung ho that lengthy after different excursions left, we stayed wanting into the night time till 2 am!
No cell telephones or cameras are allowed, however Dave went off on his personal to take some night time photographs and the corporate we went with was variety sufficient to provide photographs of our expertise. This is likely one of the hottest excursions in the Atacama Desert.
You may also go to the ALMA Observatory, which is positioned about 50 kilometers outdoors of San Pedro de Atacama. The observatory is house to the most important array of radio telescopes in the world, and
11. Stand on the Tropic of Capricorn
There is one thing particular about crossing one of many 5 main circles of the earth. For instance, when taking a cruise, every passenger will get a certificates that they crossed the equator. When visiting the Atacama Desert, we had the prospect to stand on the Tropic of Capricorn. The Tropic of Capricorn is about 60 km from San Pedro de Atacama. It’s a small and brief cease, however very cool to stand on the place that’s the most southerly latitude the place the solar can seem instantly overhead at excessive midday. Cool eh?
12. Visit the Village of Tocanao
Besides San Pedro de Atacama, there are a number of villages in the Atacama Desert. If you need to do some purchasing, the village of Tocanao is an effective cease. We purchased some jewellery and luggage for just some {dollars}. Located 38 km from San Pedro de Atacama, most excursions will cease right here for at the very least half-hour to an hour to help the area people. The most notable constructing in the village is the bell tower which was constructed in 1750.
13. Church of Socaire
Socaire is one other cease in the Atacama Desert that could be a sensible choice for lunch. Our information referred to as forward to order conventional stew. The principal attraction in this city is the Church of Socaire. This rustic church with a thatched roof is positioned in a picturesque setting simply off the aspect of the street.
14. Explore the Salar de Tara
The Salar de Tara is a big salt flat positioned throughout the Los Flamencos National Reserve of the Atacama Desert subsequent to subsequent to Piers Rojas (the Red Rocks). It is the third largest salt flat in the world, and it’s house to quite a lot of plant and animal life. The Salar de Tara is a good place to go for a drive, as there are a number of filth roads that lead by way of the world. You may also go to the salt flats on a tour, which is able to take you to among the greatest spots for pictures and sightseeing. Read extra at: Salar de Tara an Extraordinary Trip in the Atacama Desert
15. Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley or Mars Valley)
Valle de la Muerte is called so as a result of it is likely one of the harshest places on the planet. In the previous these animals (and people) who dared to cross perished in the unforgiving situations. No vegetation, animals and even bugs can survive in Death Valley.
Also generally known as Mars Valley, it is a nice cease for backpackers or these wanting to discover on their very own. Located simply 2 km from San Pedro de Atacama it is a good cease to see the rocky panorama with desert dunes and unusual formations giving a style of that Mars terrain that we talked about earlier.
16. Rainbow Valley – Valle del Arcoiris
Throughout the Atacama Desert, the rainbow colours of the panorama are one of the crucial spectacular websites. But there may be really a spot particularly referred to as Rainbow Valley. Valle del Arcoiris is about 90 minutes from San Pedro de Atacama which could be booked on a day tour. It showcases the layers of colours reminiscent to Rainbow Mountain in Peru. While there you possibly can see the ten,000-year-old petroglyphs of Yerbas Buenas.
17. San Pedro de Atacama
Well, this whole article is concerning the excursions from San Pedro de Atacama, so let’s cease and speak about this sprawling desert city positioned in northern Chile. San Pedro de Atacama has that typical backpacker vibe with loads of eating places and outlets. There are a number of accommodations in city and it’s a excellent spot for eating. You can guide any day journey you need from city and it has a cool laid-back vibe that makes it good for chilling out for a number of days.
There are a number of issues to do in San Pedro de Atacama with out leaving city.
Meteorite Museum – While strolling round San Pedro de Atacama, make a cease on the Meteorite Museum which helps you to really contact stones from out of this world,
R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum – t is devoted to the archaeology and historical past of the Atacama Desert. The museum has a set of artifacts and displays that showcase the indigenous cultures of the area, together with the Atacamenian, Inca, and Mapuche cultures.
Shopping – This is a implausible city for purchasing. The artist’s neighborhood of Pueblo de Artesanos is an effective place to choose up Andean souvenirs from ponchos to blankets.
How to Get to San Pedro de Atacama
By air: The nearest airport to San Pedro de Atacama is the El Loa Airport, which is positioned in town of Calama. The airport is served by a number of main airways, together with LATAM and Sky Airline, and there are flights to and from Santiago in addition to different cities in the area. From the airport, you possibly can take a taxi or a bus to San Pedro de Atacama, which is a couple of 45-minute drive from the airport.
By bus: There are a number of bus corporations that function common service to San Pedro de Atacama from main cities in Chile. The bus journey from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama takes about 23 hours, and there are a number of completely different lessons of service accessible, together with semi-cama (semi-bed), cama (mattress), and VIP. The buses depart from the Terminal Alameda in Santiago, and tickets could be bought on-line or on the terminal.
By automobile: If you like to journey by automobile, you possibly can drive to San Pedro de Atacama from Santiago or different cities in the area. The drive from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama takes about 22 hours, and it’s endorsed to take a 4×4 car due to the tough terrain of the Atacama Desert. You may also hire a automobile in Santiago or Calama, and there are a number of automobile rental corporations that function in the area. Check out automobile rental costs right here.
By tour: If you like to journey with a guided tour, there are a number of corporations that supply excursions to San Pedro de Atacama from Santiago and different cities in Chile. The excursions normally embrace transportation, lodging, and actions, and they’re choice for vacationers who need to see as a lot of the area as attainable.
No matter the way you select to get to San Pedro de Atacama, it will be significant to plan your journey in advance and to be ready for the distinctive situations of the Atacama Desert. The city has a dry, arid local weather, and it’s important to carry loads of water and solar safety with you while you go to.
Where to Stay in San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama is the principle hub to discover the Atacama Desert of Chile. There are a number of choices for lodging. Here are some ideas for the place to keep in San Pedro de Atacama:
Hotels: San Pedro de Atacama has quite a lot of accommodations to select from, starting from finances to luxurious. We stayed at Hotel Diego Del Almagro which has among the finest places in San Pedro de Atacama. The resort rooms are fundamental, however you possibly can’t be the situation. Located proper in the middle of town, it was inside strolling distance to the whole lot. If you’re driving, it has free parking for company and a swimming pool.
Some different well-liked choices embrace Hotel de Larache, Hotel Atacama, and Hotel Casa de Don Tomas. These accommodations provide a variety of facilities, together with swimming pools, eating places, and spas, and they’re positioned in the middle of the city, close to the principle sq. and the principle vacationer sights.
Hostels: If you’re touring on a finances, there are a number of hostels in San Pedro de Atacama that supply reasonably priced lodging. Some well-liked choices embrace Hostal La Casona, Hostal Atacama, and Hostal El Descanso del Viajero. These hostels provide shared dorms and personal rooms, and so they normally have widespread areas, akin to kitchens and dwelling rooms, the place you possibly can socialize with different vacationers.
Camping: If you like a extra out of doors expertise, there are a number of campsites in and round San Pedro de Atacama. Some well-liked choices embrace Camping San Pedro de Atacama, Camping La Duna, and Camping El Molle. These campsites provide fundamental services, akin to bogs and showers, and they’re choice for vacationers who need to be shut to nature.
Renting a trip house: If you’re touring with a bunch or need more room and privateness, you possibly can think about renting a trip house in San Pedro de Atacama. There are a number of choices accessible, starting from flats to homes, and yow will discover trip leases on web sites akin to Airbnb or Vrbo. Renting a trip house generally is a good choice in order for you to have your individual kitchen and dwelling area, and it will also be extra economical if you’re touring with a bunch.
No matter the place you select to keep in San Pedro de Atacama, it will be significant to guide your lodging in advance, particularly through the excessive season, which runs from November to March. The city can get very busy throughout this time, and it’s best to guide your lodging as early as attainable to guarantee that you’ve got a spot to keep. It can be a good suggestion to analysis the situation of your lodging, as some locations could also be farther from the middle of the city or the principle vacationer sights.
From its unimaginable salt flat to rolling desert dunes, San Pedro de Atacama is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in South America. When you go to Chile, make certain it’s added to your itinerary. It’s a visit that may create reminiscences to final a lifetime.