San Pedro de Atacama, in northern Chile, offers unique landscapes like Valle de la Luna, El Tatio geysers, and the Atacama Salt Flats with flamingos.
San Pedro de Atacama is a small town in northern Chile that serves as the gateway to the Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert in the world. This remote oasis is surrounded by unique landscapes, including the moon-like Valle de la Luna and the steaming El Tatio geyser field. You can stargaze under clear night skies, sandboard on massive dunes, hike through rugged terrain, and explore vast salt flats in the area around San Pedro de Atacama.
Exploring Valle de la Luna
Valle de la Luna, or Moon Valley, is located 13 km from San Pedro de Atacama. The landscape consists of jagged rock formations and massive sand dunes that resemble the moon's surface. You can hike through the valley, climb the giant sand dune, and watch the sunset transform the desert into shades of red and gold.
Visiting El Tatio Geysers
El Tatio is one of the world's highest geyser fields at 4,320 meters above sea level. For the best experience, arrive early to see the geysers at their most active, with steam columns rising against the backdrop of the Andes mountains. The site includes about 80 active geysers, bubbling mud pools, and natural hot springs where you can take a soak.
Stargazing in the Atacama
The Atacama Desert's high altitude, dry air, and minimal light pollution create favorable conditions for astronomy. You can join guided stargazing tours that use powerful telescopes to observe planets, stars, and distant galaxies. Some tours even include astrophotography sessions. If you prefer to stargaze independently, walk a short distance from town on a clear night to see a multitude of stars.
Desert Activities
The area around San Pedro de Atacama provides many options for exploration. You can go sandboarding on the massive dunes of Death Valley, hike to the summit of Lascar Volcano, or cycle through the desert. The Puritama Hot Springs offer a series of eight natural pools with mineral-rich waters.
Practical Information
To reach San Pedro de Atacama, fly to Calama's El Loa Airport and then take a shuttle or rent a car for the 100 km drive. The town is small and walkable, but you'll need transportation to visit most sites. Many visitors choose guided tours, but renting a car allows for more flexibility.
March to May or September to November typically have mild temperatures and clear skies. Remember that the high altitude (2,400 meters) can cause altitude sickness in some visitors, so allow time to adjust.
Where to Stay and Eat
San Pedro de Atacama has a variety of accommodation options, from hostels to eco-lodges. Some hotels are built in an adobe style that fits with the desert environment.
The town has many restaurants serving both Chilean and international dishes. Local specialties include chañar ice cream made from a native fruit, and pastel de choclo, a corn and meat pie. Many restaurants offer set menus that can be cost-effective.
