San Pedro de Atacama is a small town situated in one of the driest regions on Earth, surrounded by otherworldly landscapes that leave a lasting impression on every visitor. Set against a backdrop of volcanoes and salt flats, the town's adobe-brick buildings and dusty streets create an atmosphere that feels untouched by time. The clarity of the desert sky makes San Pedro one of the world’s premier astronomy destinations, drawing stargazers and photographers from all over the globe.
Travelers come here for some of South America’s most striking natural attractions. Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) resembles a scene from another planet, while the deep blue waters of the Laguna Cejar and flamingo-filled Laguna Chaxa offer incredible photo opportunities. The Tatio Geysers provide an early-morning spectacle as plumes of steam rise dramatically at sunrise, and the Atacama Salt Flats stretch endlessly beneath rugged, snow-capped volcanoes. Mountain biking, sandboarding, and hiking in dramatic canyons are favorite activities, and guided excursions take guests to prehistoric petroglyphs and traditional villages.
The town itself maintains a laid-back vibe with a bohemian twist. Lively cafes, artisanal craft shops, and local restaurants serving Chilean specialties line the main street, Caracoles. In the evenings, you’ll find visitors mingling with locals, sharing stories of the desert's mysteries under the night sky. Indigenous culture is ever-present, from culinary traditions to local festivals, enhancing the sense that San Pedro is as much a cultural destination as a natural one.
Most visitors base themselves in simple hostels or boutique lodges, many designed with environmentally friendly practices in mind. It’s easy to join group tours, but those with a rental car can explore at their own pace. Dining ranges from hearty Andean stews in cozy restaurants to creative fusion fare in more modern spots. Plan to dress in layers—the temperature swings between sun-baked afternoons and chilly nights can be extreme.
The best time to visit is from March to May or September to November, when temperatures are milder and crowds are thinner. Nights can be cold year-round, but they offer some of the clearest skies in the world—don’t miss a stargazing tour at one of the area’s renowned observatories. Keep hydrated, wear sun protection, and remember that the altitude (over 2,400 meters) might require a slow start for some travelers.
Travelers come here for some of South America’s most striking natural attractions. Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) resembles a scene from another planet, while the deep blue waters of the Laguna Cejar and flamingo-filled Laguna Chaxa offer incredible photo opportunities. The Tatio Geysers provide an early-morning spectacle as plumes of steam rise dramatically at sunrise, and the Atacama Salt Flats stretch endlessly beneath rugged, snow-capped volcanoes. Mountain biking, sandboarding, and hiking in dramatic canyons are favorite activities, and guided excursions take guests to prehistoric petroglyphs and traditional villages.
The town itself maintains a laid-back vibe with a bohemian twist. Lively cafes, artisanal craft shops, and local restaurants serving Chilean specialties line the main street, Caracoles. In the evenings, you’ll find visitors mingling with locals, sharing stories of the desert's mysteries under the night sky. Indigenous culture is ever-present, from culinary traditions to local festivals, enhancing the sense that San Pedro is as much a cultural destination as a natural one.
Most visitors base themselves in simple hostels or boutique lodges, many designed with environmentally friendly practices in mind. It’s easy to join group tours, but those with a rental car can explore at their own pace. Dining ranges from hearty Andean stews in cozy restaurants to creative fusion fare in more modern spots. Plan to dress in layers—the temperature swings between sun-baked afternoons and chilly nights can be extreme.
The best time to visit is from March to May or September to November, when temperatures are milder and crowds are thinner. Nights can be cold year-round, but they offer some of the clearest skies in the world—don’t miss a stargazing tour at one of the area’s renowned observatories. Keep hydrated, wear sun protection, and remember that the altitude (over 2,400 meters) might require a slow start for some travelers.
Expected Weekly Budget
$900-$1400 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Hike through Valle de la Luna at sunset
- Take a stargazing tour at a local observatory
- Visit the El Tatio Geysers at sunrise
- Float in the salt-rich Laguna Cejar
- Explore ancient petroglyphs in Yerbas Buenas
- Spot flamingos at Laguna Chaxa in the Atacama Salt Flats
- Go sandboarding in Death Valley (Valle de la Muerte)
- Bike or walk through the scenic Quebrada del Diablo canyon
Notable Sites
- Valle de la Luna
- El Tatio Geysers
- Laguna Cejar
- Laguna Chaxa
- Atacama Salt Flats
- Aldea de Tulor (prehistoric village)
- Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs
- Church of San Pedro
General Advice
San Pedro de Atacama is best enjoyed slowly—give yourself time to acclimate to the altitude and embrace the relaxed pace of desert life. Guided tours make visiting the more remote sites easy, but independent travelers can also rent bikes, cars, or even horses for day trips. Be sure to carry cash as smaller shops and cafes may not accept cards. The desert climate is harsh, so prepare for hot days, cold nights, and strong sun. It’s a safe destination for solo travelers, couples, and families alike, with friendly locals who are used to welcoming visitors from all over the world.
Security & Safety
San Pedro de Atacama is generally safe, but standard precautions apply: watch your belongings in public spaces and don’t leave valuables in parked vehicles. Walking around town at night is usually fine, just stick to well-lit areas. Avoid venturing into the desert alone without informing someone of your plans—conditions can change rapidly and distances are deceptive. Drink plenty of water, protect yourself from the sun, and be cautious if driving outside of town as roads can be remote and unpaved.
Travel Tips
- Pack layers for temperature fluctuations between day and night.
- Arrive a day early to allow your body to acclimate to the high altitude.
- Book popular tours (like the sunrise geysers) ahead of time, especially in peak season.
- Use high-SPF sunscreen and bring sunglasses—a hat is essential.
- Most places accept Chilean pesos; bring cash for markets and small eateries.
- Internet can be slow—download offline maps or guides in advance.
- Hydrate frequently, particularly on excursions, to prevent altitude sickness.
- ATMs can run out of cash—withdraw what you need early in your stay.
Similar Destinations
Photo Gallery
Loading photos...
Traveler Comments
Traveled here in March 2024
San Pedro totally lived up to the hype for unique scenery. We biked to Valle de la Luna and the sunset was out of this world. The town gets really busy in the evenings but still felt welcoming—don’t skip the local ice cream shop.
Visited in September 2023
I'll never forget stargazing in the Atacama. The sky was the clearest I’ve ever seen and the guide made the astronomy tour really fun. The geyser tour was a bit chilly (bring gloves!) but absolutely worth the early start.
Visited in December 2023
We brought our teenagers and they loved sandboarding in the Valle de la Muerte. There's honestly not a ton to do in town itself, but the excursions make the trip unforgettable. Restaurants can be pricey but the quinoa dishes were great.
Stayed in January 2024
Exploring the salt flats and seeing flamingos up close was a highlight for my whole group. The altitude took a day to get used to, so don’t rush into activities. Everyone in town was friendly and helpful with suggestions.
Traveled here in April 2024
We came for photography and honestly every corner felt like a postcard. The sunrise at El Tatio was magical and I loved how everyone ended up swapping stories on the tours. Wish we’d stayed longer just to relax and enjoy the slow pace.
Visited in August 2023
The natural beauty here is jaw-dropping. The only downside was how dry the air was—I recommend bringing lots of moisturizer. Did an astronomy night and learned so much about the southern sky.
Visited in June 2024
Absolutely loved the combination of local culture and nature. The craft markets were a nice surprise and I picked up a beautiful alpaca scarf. Meals took a while to arrive but everything was tasty.
Stayed in October 2023
We traveled as two solo women and felt safe the whole time. Tours were well organized, but I wish there were more shaded spots on the hikes. Sun is fierce—don’t underestimate it.
Visited in February 2024
San Pedro is paradise for anyone into geology or wildlife. Saw three species of flamingos in one day! Bring binoculars if you’re into birdwatching.
Traveled here in November 2023
We split our days between adventure tours and exploring town. The little church in the plaza was a peaceful spot. Nights got colder than expected even in spring, so definitely bring warm clothes.
Traveled here in May 2024
The landscapes are unreal and the excursions cover a lot. Only feedback—ATMs were sometimes out of cash, so prepare just in case. Would visit again for the night sky alone.
Stayed in July 2023
Fantastic for solo travelers—lots of group tours and I made friends from six countries. I really liked the craft beer bar after a dusty day in the desert.
Visited in November 2023
Scenery is spectacular but some tours felt rushed and a bit crowded. Still, the salt flats at sunset were totally worth it. Food was decent but not a highlight here.
Visited in October 2023
The energy in San Pedro is so relaxed. We walked everywhere, tried llama skewers, and joined a sunset yoga session. It’s now my favorite place in Chile.
Visited in March 2024
Traveling with kids (age 6 and 10) was easy and fun. They loved the flamingos and the salt lagoon. Bring snacks and sunscreen—shops close early in the afternoon.
Stayed in January 2024
After years of dreaming, San Pedro delivered! The ancient petroglyphs and indigenous experiences added so much depth. Night photography was particularly amazing.
Traveled here in December 2023
Great spot for adventure-seekers. Sandboarding was a blast and biking through canyons was unforgettable. Watch out for altitude if you’re not used to it—go slow your first day.
Visited in April 2024
Chose San Pedro for a romantic trip and the starry nights did not disappoint. The boutique hotel we stayed at had the friendliest staff. Only regret is not trying more local wines.
Traveled here in July 2023
I was really impressed by how sustainable many places are—lots of solar power and eco-conscious tour companies. WiFi is slow, but honestly it forced me to disconnect and enjoy.
Visited in May 2024
San Pedro stole my heart. Floating in Laguna Cejar was a wild feeling and the pastel colors at dusk were so memorable. Will definitely be back with friends next year.
Share Your Experience
Sign in to leave a review and share your travel photos.