San Pedro de Atacama in 3 days

Trip at a glance

Your first day

Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.

Day 1: San Pedro village and the Valle de la Luna

The adobe church and plaza, an ancient village, then the dunes and ridges of the Valle de la Luna at sunset.

Check the weekday. Aldea de Tulor is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

1
9:30 AMChurch of San Pedro de AtacamaStart at the main church on the plaza, one of the oldest in Chile, and take it slowly at about 2,400 m.About 45 min here
Check opening times at the door
Taxi or bike to Aldea de Tulor, about 20 min
2
10:30 AMOptionalAldea de TulorOpen Monday to Friday with an email reservation. Walk the 778 m trail around the ancient village.About 1 hour 45 min here
Reserve by email
Taxi or bike back to town, about 20 min
3
12:30 PMHistoric centerHave a traditional lunch made with local ingredients in the adobe streets around the plaza.About 1 hour 45 min here
Pay as you go
Drive or bike west on Route 23, about 10 min
4
2:30 PMOptionalValle de la MuerteStop for the rock formations of this valley just outside town on the way to the Valle de la Luna.About 45 min here
CLP[fee] at the entrance
Drive about 15 min
5
3:30 PMBook aheadValle de la LunaBuy tickets online a day ahead; you need a car, bike or tour to enter. Allow about 3 hours for trails and sunset.About 3 hours here
General: CLP 10,800 (about $11) · Buy online a day ahead
Official fees: CONAF (Corporación Nacional Forestal)Last verified Nov 7, 2026
Search tickets and tours on TiqetsOpens Tiqets. TravPa earns a commission.
Drive back to town, about 30 min
6
7:00 PMHistoric centerTry oven-roasted lamb with desert herbs, a local specialty, at a restaurant in the historic center.
Pay as you go

Before you go

Book these aheadValle de la Luna (day 1), Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons (day 2): timed tickets, or tickets that often sell out.
Acclimatize before going highSan Pedro sits at about 2,400 m and the geysers above 4,300 m. Drink water, rest on arrival and skip alcohol the first night.
Book park tickets earlyBuy Valle de la Luna and Miscanti tickets online days ahead, as visitor numbers are limited.
Carry Chilean pesosCard signals can be unreliable in the desert, so carry cash in Chilean pesos.
Use registered tour operatorsBook tours with services registered with SERNATUR, Chile's tourism service, for certified guides and formal transport.
Dress in layersDays are hot and nights freezing. Bring a hat, sunscreen, good sunglasses and heavy warm layers for the geysers.

Where to stay for this plan

Stay in the town of San Pedro de Atacama itself: tours pick up there and the historic center is close by.

Hotels in San Pedro de Atacama

Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.

Plan last checked Nov 7, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.