From the Andes Mountains to excessive desert lagoons, these are one of the 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 method to the city of San Pedro de Atacama to take pleasure in all the 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 very best and dryest non-polar desert in the world. It is understood 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 hanging locations now we have ever visited.
Tours and journeys may 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 numerous issues to do in the world. Here are some options for issues to do in San Pedro de Atacama.
Where is San Pedro de Atacama
The Atacama Desert is situated 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 very 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 situated 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 firms, and outlets, it makes for a improbable 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 a great one! As a part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, Chaxa Lagoon is one of the 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 encompassing volcanoes. From the white salt deposits to the pink hues of the desert, this can be a place you’ll need to pull out your digital camera.
There are three primary lagoons in Sector Soncor with the Chaxa lagoon being one of the best place to spot Andean and Chilean Flamingoes. The lagoons are situated at a excessive elevation of 2300 meters (over 7500 ft)
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 situated simply 13 km (8 miles) outdoors of San Pedro de Atacama. It is known as the Moon Valley due to its similarity to the floor of the moon but it surely actually appears extra just like the floor of Mars with its crimson rocks and crimson dunes.
Also situated inside the Los Flamencos National Reserve, this is likely one of the high 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 mountaineering, and there are a number of trails that lead by way of the world. You can even go to the valley at sundown for some stunning views of the encompassing mountains. Hiking Duna Mayor is a superb brief hike to unimaginable vistas. The hike is about 20 minutes out and takes you alongside a slender 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 trip 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 one of the best views. With Exodus Travels we have been spoiled and loved a glass of wine with cheese as we neglected the extraordinary views from Mirador Lickan Antai. This is a beautiful cease off the facet of the highway 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 might be searching 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 much totally 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’ll be able to 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 one of the 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 one of the best place for sundown since you want to be out of the valley by a sure time. Since you can’t 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 phenomenal view with the solar creating shadows and depth on the rocky valley ground because the excessive mountains twinkle with shade surrounding the huge desert.
7. Visit the El Tatio geysers
The El Tatio geysers are a gaggle of geothermal springs which can be the very 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 just don’t need to miss.
The El Tatio Geysers are a few two-hour drive from San Pedro de Atacama. We have been picked up nicely 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! Read extra concerning the Yellowstone Geysers at The Essential Guide to Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone
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 immediately to an elevation of over 4000 meters (13,000 ft) to stroll from the picturesque lakes of Miscanti and Miniques.
Usually, you would want to trek for days to get to this elevation. The nonetheless deep blue waters are hanging and it’s stunning to be standing at 4000 meters with the 2 excessive volcanoes towering overhead. It was laborious to imagine that the Volcano proper earlier than our eyes was greater 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 opportunity to see wild vicunas roaming the panorama. These animals are associated to the llama and el paca households and are actually protected. These vicunas are unimaginable 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 situated in an space with little or no gentle air pollution or precipitation, which makes it a great place for stargazing and excursions may be booked for round $50 to see the night time skies throughout San Pedro de Atacama. There are a number of firms that provide stargazing excursions in the world which you can ebook 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 celebs, 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 firms from around the globe have scientists learning its darkish skies. San Pedro de Atacama is in style for Astro-tourism and you can’t miss doing this tour. I actually didn’t assume I’d be impressed, however I cherished listening to the tales of our information as he identified constellations earlier than having us look into the large telescopes at Saturn, Mars, and Pluto.
We regarded 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 trying 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 type sufficient to provide photographs of our expertise. This is likely one of the hottest excursions in the Atacama Desert.
You can even go to the ALMA Observatory, which is situated about 50 kilometers outdoors of San Pedro de Atacama. The observatory is residence 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 immediately overhead at excessive midday. Cool eh?
12. Visit the Village of Tocanao
Besides San Pedro de Atacama, there are a couple of villages in the Atacama Desert. If you need to do some buying, 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 assist the local 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 known as forward to order conventional stew. The primary attraction in this city is the Church of Socaire. This rustic church with a thatched roof is situated in a picturesque setting simply off the facet of the highway.
14. Explore the Salar de Tara
The Salar de Tara is a big salt flat situated inside 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 residence 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 can even go to the salt flats on a tour, which can take you to a few of the greatest spots for images and sightseeing. Read extra at: Salar de Tara an Extraordinary Trip in the Atacama Desert
15. Salar de Talar
Another salt flat in the Atacama is the Salar de Talar. Located at 3900 meters, Salar de Talar is 46 sq. km which you can view on the way in which to Laguna Miscanti. We didn’t go to the salt flat, however we did cease on the facet of the highway a number of occasions for views of the valleys beneath. The wonderful thing about taking an organized tour is that our native information all the time knew the place to cease to see the highest sights of the Atacama Desert.
16. 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 crops, animals and even bugs can survive in Death Valley.
Also often known as Mars Valley, this can be a nice cease for backpackers or these trying to discover on their very own. Located simply 2 km from San Pedro de Atacama this can be 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 vital spectacular websites. But there’s truly a spot particularly known as Rainbow Valley. Valle del Arcoiris is about 90 minutes from San Pedro de Atacama which may be booked on a day tour. It showcases the layers of colours reminiscent to Rainbow Mountain in Peru. While there you’ll be able to see the ten,000-year-old petroglyphs of Yerbas Buenas.
17. San Pedro de Atacama
Well, this complete article is concerning the excursions from San Pedro de Atacama, so let’s cease and speak about this sprawling desert city situated 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 place for eating. You can ebook any day journey you need from city and it has a cool laid-back vibe that makes it excellent for chilling out for a couple 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 truly 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 group of artifacts and reveals that showcase the indigenous cultures of the area, together with the Atacamenian, Inca, and Mapuche cultures. Shopping – This is a improbable city for buying. 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 situated in town of Calama. The airport is served by a number of main airways, together with LATAM and Sky Airlines, and there are flights to and from Santiago in addition to different cities in the area. From the airport, you’ll be able to take a taxi or a bus to San Pedro de Atacama, which is a few 45-minute drive from the airport.
By bus: There are a number of bus firms 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 totally different lessons of service accessible, together with semi-cama (semi-bed), cama (mattress), and VIP. The buses depart from Terminal Alameda in Santiago, and tickets may be bought on-line or on the terminal.
By automotive: If you like to journey by automotive, you’ll be able to 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 can even hire a automotive in Santiago or Calama, and there are a number of automotive rental firms that function in the area. Check out automotive rental costs right here.
By tour: If you like to journey with a guided tour, there are a number of firms that provide excursions to San Pedro de Atacama from Santiago and different cities in Chile. The excursions often embrace transportation, lodging, and actions, and they’re a great possibility for vacationers who need to see as a lot of the area as doable.
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 so replenish on water and ensure to costume in light-weight clothes that can defend you from the solar and warmth. Oh, and be ready to be coated in sand. There is plenty of sand.
Where to Stay in San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama is the primary hub to discover the Atacama Desert of Chile. There are a number of choices for lodging. Here are some options 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 funds to luxurious. We stayed at Hotel Diego Del Almagro which has among the finest places in San Pedro de Atacama. The lodge rooms are primary, however you’ll be able to’t be the situation. Located proper in the middle of town, it was inside strolling distance to the whole lot. If you might be driving, it has free parking for friends and a swimming pool. Some different in style choices embrace Hotel de Larache, Hotel Atacama, and Hotel Casa de Don Tomas. These accommodations supply a variety of facilities, together with swimming pools, eating places, and spas, and they’re situated in the middle of the city, close to the primary sq. and the primary vacationer sights. Hostels: If you might be touring on a funds, there are a number of hostels in San Pedro de Atacama that provide reasonably priced lodging. Some in style choices embrace Hostal La Casona, Hostal Atacama, and Hostal El Descanso del Viajero. These hostels supply shared dorms and personal rooms, and so they often have widespread areas, reminiscent of kitchens and residing rooms, the place you’ll be able to 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. Popular choices embrace Camping San Pedro de Atacama, Camping La Duna, and Camping El Molle. These campsites supply primary amenities, reminiscent of bogs and showers, and they’re a great possibility for vacationers who need to be shut to nature. Renting a trip residence: If you might be touring with a gaggle or need more room and privateness, you’ll be able to contemplate renting a trip residence in San Pedro de Atacama. There are a number of choices accessible, starting from flats to homes, and you could find trip leases on Vrbo. Renting a trip residence could be a good possibility if you would like to have your personal kitchen and residing house, and it can be extra economical if you’re touring with a gaggle.
No matter the place you select to keep in San Pedro de Atacama, it will be significant to ebook your lodging in advance, particularly throughout the excessive season, which runs from November to March. The city can get very busy throughout this time, and it’s best to ebook your lodging as early as doable to guarantee that you’ve a spot to keep. It can also 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 primary 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, be certain that it’s added to your itinerary. It’s a visit that can create reminiscences to final a lifetime.