The Atacama Desert, Chile is widely considered the driest place on Earth, but its vast, otherworldly landscape feels anything but empty. Visitors are often awestruck by dramatic salt flats, rusty red canyons, steamy geyser fields, and pastel-colored lagoons alive with flamingos. The ultra-clear skies make this region one of the top stargazing destinations on the planet, attracting astronomy enthusiasts and amateur skywatchers alike.
Among Atacama's most famous sights is the Valley of the Moon, where wind-sculpted rock and sand formations glow pink and orange at sunset. Travelers flock to Salar de Atacama to witness shimmering salt crusts and spot rare wildlife, while the El Tatio geysers offer a chance to see hot steam jets erupt at sunrise. Small desert towns like San Pedro de Atacama serve as a laid-back base for explorations, providing access to indigenous culture, handcrafted souvenirs, and international cuisine.
The atmosphere in the Atacama Desert is peaceful and somewhat mystical, with local communities balancing traditional ways of life with sustainable tourism. It's common to encounter shepherds tending to llamas or artisans selling pottery in bustling village squares. Adventure seekers can trek in the high Andes, bike rocky trails, or soak in natural hot springs under wide, open skies.
Getting around typically involves guided tours, rental vehicles, and sturdy off-road transport due to the rugged terrain. Most visitors stay in San Pedro de Atacama, where accommodations range from budget hostels to luxury eco-lodges. Dining can be surprisingly diverse, with both Chilean and international options as well as local pisco cocktails.
Peak travel season falls from March to May and September to November, when temperatures are more pleasant and crowds manageable. Nights can get chilly year-round, so warm layers are essential. An open mind, a camera, and a curiosity for dramatic landscapes and celestial wonders will make the most of an Atacama Desert adventure.
Among Atacama's most famous sights is the Valley of the Moon, where wind-sculpted rock and sand formations glow pink and orange at sunset. Travelers flock to Salar de Atacama to witness shimmering salt crusts and spot rare wildlife, while the El Tatio geysers offer a chance to see hot steam jets erupt at sunrise. Small desert towns like San Pedro de Atacama serve as a laid-back base for explorations, providing access to indigenous culture, handcrafted souvenirs, and international cuisine.
The atmosphere in the Atacama Desert is peaceful and somewhat mystical, with local communities balancing traditional ways of life with sustainable tourism. It's common to encounter shepherds tending to llamas or artisans selling pottery in bustling village squares. Adventure seekers can trek in the high Andes, bike rocky trails, or soak in natural hot springs under wide, open skies.
Getting around typically involves guided tours, rental vehicles, and sturdy off-road transport due to the rugged terrain. Most visitors stay in San Pedro de Atacama, where accommodations range from budget hostels to luxury eco-lodges. Dining can be surprisingly diverse, with both Chilean and international options as well as local pisco cocktails.
Peak travel season falls from March to May and September to November, when temperatures are more pleasant and crowds manageable. Nights can get chilly year-round, so warm layers are essential. An open mind, a camera, and a curiosity for dramatic landscapes and celestial wonders will make the most of an Atacama Desert adventure.
Expected Weekly Budget
$800-$1200 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Hike through the Valley of the Moon at sunset
- Visit El Tatio Geysers at dawn
- Stargaze at local observatories
- Bike or horseback ride among the salt flats
- Swim in the salt lagoons of Cejar
- Explore the ruins of Pukará de Quitor
- Tour the colorful Rainbow Valley
- Sample Andean cuisine in San Pedro de Atacama
Notable Sites
- Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna)
- Salar de Atacama
- El Tatio Geysers
- Laguna Chaxa
- San Pedro de Atacama
- Pukará de Quitor
- Rainbow Valley (Valle del Arcoíris)
- Cejar Lagoon
General Advice
The Atacama Desert is best approached with a balance of preparation and adventure. Conditions are extreme—days can be hot and nights surprisingly cold—so pack accordingly and be mindful of the strong sun at high altitudes. Many highlights are far from town and require guided tours or 4x4 transport, so plan your activities in advance and book popular tours early, especially in high season. Drink plenty of water, go slowly to acclimate to the altitude, and don’t forget a good camera for the stunning views and night skies.
Security & Safety
The Atacama Desert is generally safe for tourists, but take basic precautions as you would anywhere. Protect your belongings in busy areas like San Pedro de Atacama and never leave valuables in an unattended vehicle. If venturing out on your own, always inform your accommodation about your plans, carry plenty of water and sunscreen, and never hike or drive off-road in remote zones without proper guidance or support. Theft is rare but possible, so use hotel safes and be vigilant after dark.
Travel Tips
- Bring layers—temperatures can swing from hot days to freezing nights.
- Hydrate constantly due to dry air and high elevation.
- Book top stargazing tours and geyser visits ahead, especially in peak months.
- Try local delicacies like llama meat and pisco cocktails.
- Carry cash; ATMs in San Pedro can run out or charge high fees.
- Use sunscreen and wear sunglasses—the sun is intense year-round.
- Rent a car or join tours to access most major sights; public transport is minimal.
- Allow time to acclimate if arriving from sea level, as altitude may affect some travelers.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in March 2024
San Pedro de Atacama felt like stepping into another world! The landscapes around Valle de la Luna and Salar de Atacama were stunning and surreal. It did get very chilly at night, so I'm glad I packed a warm jacket.
Traveled here in August 2023
I'm an amateur astronomer, so the highlight for me was definitely the stargazing. The night sky here is unreal—I've never seen the Milky Way so clearly. Tours can be pricey, but absolutely worth every peso.
Stayed in December 2023
The geysers at El Tatio were impressive, but the early morning wakeup was tough. We rented bikes for a day and explored some smaller valleys—it was such a fun way to see more than the main tourist spots.
Visited in October 2023
Incredible scenery everywhere you look. The salt flats and lagoons were filled with flamingos, which our kids absolutely loved. Food options in San Pedro are a bit limited, but the town has a chill vibe and welcoming people.
Visited in June 2024
We spent a week trekking and joining photography tours. The colors just before sunset are mesmerizing—bring lots of camera batteries. Do beware the intense sun during the day!
Traveled here in January 2024
Absolutely loved floating in the Cejar Lagoon! I've traveled a lot and the Atacama's bizarre beauty stands out. The altitude took a day to get used to, so plan some downtime at first.
Visited in April 2023
As a solo traveler, I felt very safe everywhere. Tours were easy to arrange even last minute, and guides were knowledgeable. Wi-Fi is iffy outside town, but that just added to the experience.
Traveled here in November 2023
Spectacular scenery but it does get very touristy in San Pedro itself. Some tours felt a bit rushed. Still, the flamingos and geysers are unforgettable!
Visited in May 2024
Our family had a blast! Watching the sunrise at El Tatio was cold but worth every shiver. Kids loved spotting llamas and alpacas along the road.
Stayed in February 2024
Driving in the desert was an adventure by itself—definitely recommend a 4x4 if you self-drive. The Rainbow Valley is lesser known, but the rock colors are wild. Prices seemed to jump since my last visit.
Visited in July 2023
The local culture in San Pedro was a surprise highlight, with street markets and friendly locals. Don't skip the small archaeological sites. Night skies are everything you’ve heard and more!
Traveled here in September 2023
Seeing flamingos up close at Laguna Chaxa was a top moment for us. It was hot during the day, so hats and sunscreen are a must. Wish we had more time to explore deeper into the desert.
Visited in October 2023
We booked a guided hike into the canyons. It's the dryest place I've ever been, but the landscapes are so colorful and unusual. A bit difficult for small kids, but our teens loved the adventure.
Traveled here in January 2024
Hands down the best stargazing I've experienced. We hit up an observatory and saw Saturn’s rings through a telescope! Bring all your best camera gear.
Visited in November 2023
Great mix of easy and challenging hikes. San Pedro gets busy but you can still find quiet places. Pack extra snacks—the food can get repetitive if you stay long.
Traveled here in March 2023
My wife and I loved taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise! Watching the salt flats unfold beneath us was surreal. It can be windy, so secure your hat well.
Visited in September 2023
The town shuts down early, so plan your dinners accordingly. Star tours were our highlight, but we also enjoyed learning about Atacameño culture at the local museum.
Stayed in December 2023
Unreal colors and shapes everywhere you look. We spent every day outdoors exploring something new, from salt caves to volcanic valleys. Bring mosquito spray for some lagoons!
Visited in February 2024
We had a rental car issue and it was hard to get help outside town, so keep that in mind. Other than that, the landscapes really are incredible and the peacefulness is refreshing.
Traveled here in May 2024
Photography heaven! Sunrise and sunset both delivered amazing colors. I found group tours a bit large at times, but still had a great trip overall.
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