Itineraries
Where to stay
The historic center for first-timers, close to restaurants and tour pickups; Quitor for a quieter stay north of town; Calama only for a late arrival or an early flight.
The areas: Historic center, Quitor, Calama.
Where to stay in San Pedro de Atacama: areas and adviceHotels in San Pedro de AtacamaPlaces to see
All things to do in ChileRuinsAldea de TulorAn ancient village site in the Los Flamencos reserve, seen on a 778 m trail.Entry: Reserve by email
TransportCalama Airport (CJC)El Loa Airport in Calama, with daily flights from Santiago, 100 km from San Pedro de Atacama.Entry: Free to visit
ChurchChurch of San Pedro de AtacamaThe town's main church beside the plaza, one of the oldest churches in Chile.Entry: Check opening times at the door
FoodHistoric centerAdobe streets around the plaza where restaurants serve local dishes such as lamb with desert herbs.Entry: Pay as you go
NatureLaguna CejarA very salty lagoon in the Salar de Atacama where swimmers float without effort.Entry: CLP[fee] at the entrance
NatureLaguna ChaxaA lagoon in the Salar de Atacama, run by the Toconao community, where flamingos feed.Entry: Buy in the Ckapin Ticket app
NatureLaguna TebenquicheA wide lagoon on the Atacama salt flat that mirrors the Andes at sunset.Entry: CLP[fee] at the entrance
NatureMiscanti and Miñiques LagoonsTwo deep blue high-altitude lagoons at about 4,300 m below the volcanoes of the same names.Entry: Book online, check in at Socaire
NaturePiedras RojasRed iron-stained rocks beside the white Salar de Talar and blue lagoons, over 4,000 m up.Entry: Reached by 4x4 or on a tour
RuinsPukará de QuitorA pre-Inca hillside fortress about 3 km from the center of San Pedro de Atacama.Entry: CLP[fee] at the entrance
FoodSocaireAltiplano village on the lagoon route where tours stop for lunch and Miscanti visitors check in.Entry: Pay as you go
NatureTatio GeysersA geothermal field above 4,300 m whose steam columns are strongest in the freezing cold at dawn.Entry: CLP[fee] at the entrance
NeighborhoodToconaoLickanantay village south of San Pedro that offers community tourism visits on local farming customs.Entry: Free to visit
NatureValle de la LunaSalt and clay formations and giant dunes in the Cordillera de la Sal, famous at sunset.Entry: Buy online a day ahead
ViewpointValle de la MuerteValley of rock formations just west of San Pedro, often paired with the Valle de la Luna.Entry: CLP[fee] at the entrance