San Pedro de Atacama

Travel Guide

San Pedro de Atacama as well as a small group of people
San Pedro de Atacama
Cejar Lagoon featuring desert views and tranquil scenes
El Tatio Geyser Field featuring landscape views and tranquil scenes
San Pedro de Atacama

View some of the most fascinating natural elements you will ever see in this salty desert landscape reminiscent of a sci-fi film.

San Pedro de Atacama is a small town in the center of one of the world’s most spectacular geological landscapes. In the arid Atacama Desert, where rain has not touched much of the terrain for centuries, find all sorts of otherworldly features, from gurgling geysers and hot springs to moon-like valleys and salty lagoons full of flamingos. 

Make the town a stopping point on the way to the National Flamingo Reserve. Here, find the remarkable Chaxa Lagoon and take photographs of flamingos and other colorful birds around the salty water. 

Take a short trip to a terrain that looks like the harsh environment of space at the Valle de la Luna. Hike through its eerie lands full of natural statues, caves and white dry lakes. For a more colorful walk with fewer crowds, head to the Arco Iris Valley, which takes its name from the Spanish for “rainbow.”

Perhaps the most memorable experience is at sunrise in El Tatio Geyser Field, where jets of steam rise from volcanic openings in the crust. Enjoy a hot bath in a spring with a dreamlike backdrop of volcanoes forming a ring around the field. 

Learn about humankind’s presence in the region at the elegant San Pedro Church and the Petroglifos de Hierbas Buenas. See the artistic imprints from Atacameño people.

The climate varies with the elevation of the attractions around the town, although the weather is always extremely dry. Prepare for mild altitude sickness, as the town rests at 7,900 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level.

This area is in northeastern Chile near the borders with Bolivia and Argentina. Fly to the small airport of Calama from Santiago, Antofagasta or Iquique. The airport is about 1 hour west of the town by bus. Many buses also travel here from cities across Argentina and Chile.

Viewing the sights of San Pedro de Atacama is like seeing the world through a kaleidoscope.

Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama

Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama

3 out of 5
Toconao 460, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,732 per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
NT$3,732
NT$3,732 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (295 reviews)
"The hotel is in an excellent location with the main pedestrian street half block away. Is a charming property but is quite old, don’t expect luxury or even high comfort (to an American standard), but to be fair, is quiet good compared with other hotels in the area. There are other more modern hotels ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/23

Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama
Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama

Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama

4 out of 5
Avenida Las Chilcas S/N, Lote 10 Parcela 2, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta
The price is NT$7,947 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$7,947
NT$7,947 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama ...
Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomas

Hotel La Casa de Don Tomas

3 out of 5
Calle Tocopilla Sitio 18, San Pedro de Atacama
The price is NT$6,416 per night from Sep 29 to Sep 30
NT$6,416
NT$6,416 total
Sep 29 - Sep 30
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (352 reviews)
"This hotel is a beautiful property located in an amazing town. The property is immaculate, well maintained and very comfortable. We love the minimalist aspect of the room including the pleasing absence of a television. The staff is very professional and very helpful. Each days activities required ..."

Reviewed on 2025/6/10

Hotel La Casa de Don Tomas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
casa turis

casa turis

3 out of 5
50 Laguna Lejia, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta Region
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Artisans Town and Inca House are located ...
casa turis
Yurak Apart Hotel

Yurak Apart Hotel

2 out of 5
Los Geisers, 169, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta
Stay at this aparthotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy free WiFi and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Artisans Town and Inca House are located ...
Yurak Apart Hotel
Lodge Ancar Atacama

Lodge Ancar Atacama

3.5 out of 5
Pasaje Lasana 654 - Ayllu Conde Duque, Sector Punta De Diamante, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Artisans Town and Inca House ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (27 reviews)
Great for families or groups
"Terrific stay. Great for families. Andres, the property manager is super nice and very helpful. Easier if you can speak a bit of Spanish but not necessary. The cabins are all very well equipped if you want to cook. And the whole family loved the giant St. Bernard on the property who would come out ..."

Reviewed on 2025/1/3

Lodge Ancar Atacama
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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