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
$125 nightly
The price is $125 total per night from Jun 3 to Jun 4
$125 total
Jun 3 - Jun 4
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! (288 reviews)
"Felt like we were at a resort. Food and facilities were great and close walk to town yet distance enough for a quiet and safe space."

Reviewed on May 18, 2025

Diego de Almagro 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
$189 nightly
The price is $189 total per night from May 25 to May 26
$189 total
May 25 - May 26
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! (341 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on May 2, 2025

Hotel La Casa de Don Tomas
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
$216 nightly
The price is $216 total per night from May 25 to May 26
$216 total
May 25 - May 26
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (416 reviews)
"Quiet hotel with great facilities. Parking space are plenty, there are heated pool and sauna and also a spot to watch the stars. There is a complimentary shuttle to the main city area as well. In comparison to other hotels in the area this is a win."

Reviewed on May 18, 2025

Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de 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.
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 Inca House and Plaza de San ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (25 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 Jan 3, 2025

Lodge Ancar Atacama
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 Inca House and Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama ...
Best for budget
"If you have a car, you cannot get it cheaper for the quality in San Pedro, which is notoriously expensive for the mediocre quality of accommodations. It is quiet, spacious and clean, abd has a reasonably well equipped kitchen. The two rooms, bathroom, and kitchen all lead outside to rhe porch, which ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2024

casa turis
Hermoso Loft con Vista al Volcán Construido con Técnicas Tradicionales , 50 M2
Hermoso Loft con Vista al Volcán Construido con Técnicas Tradicionales , 50 M2
San Pedro de Atacama
Stay at this chalet in San Pedro de Atacama. Popular attractions Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama and San Pedro Church are located nearby.
Hermoso Loft con Vista al Volcán Construido con Técnicas Tradicionales , 50 M2
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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