Four Nights in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Are you ready for stunning landscapes in an otherworldly terrain? After a week in Peru, I was off to the desert for some time in the San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, before traveling south to Patagonia.
P.S. If you’re looking to visit Machu Picchu, read my tips before you go here!
A friend recommended San Pedro de Atacama as a “must stop” on my backpacking route, so, of course, I added it to my itinerary. I ended up meeting up with some friends I met in Ecuador, which made for an even more fun few days.
How to Get to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
If you’re flying, you’ll arrive at the airport in Calama. From there, once you walk into the arrivals section of the airport, there are a multitude of bus vendors to take you to Atacama.
The bus costs around $15,000 (CLP) (a little over $15 (USD) if you see those extra zeros and start to panic) and will take you right to the front door of your stay. Pack some snacks and water, as the ride from the airport to your stay in town will likely take around 90 minutes.
If you’re traveling with a group…
While the bus into town is the least expensive, I’d recommend renting a car to explore San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Once you divide the cost of the car expenses, you will likely be able to see more, for a similar price and on your own terms, versus paying for tours and bus tickets.
Where to Stay in the Atacama Desert
You’ll likely stay in the town of Atacama when visiting this area of Chile. If you ride the bus (or drive) in early enough, you’ll get to see a lot of the colors and landscape that make this remote desert so beautiful.
I stayed in the Mamatierra Hostel and loved it. It was perfectly situated for an easy walk into town, while being cozy, clean, and staffed with an incredibly helpful crew.
My biggest tip regarding where to stay in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, is to book early. The best places fill up fast, and even though there are several places to stay, this is a hot destination to book!
4-Night Itinerary Overview
Depending on when you arrive, you can mix-and-match the below itinerary to suit your needs and interests. Keep in mind that the time of year you visit San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, will greatly affect what you’ll be able to see and how much daylight you’ll have!
Day 1: Exploring Town
The town itself feels straight out of an old western, but present-day and in South America. Walk from your stay and into town for a bite to eat, some good shopping, and to book your tours for the next few days (if you haven’t already).
If you want to go stargazing…
Book this activity early, as plenty require camping overnight. Also, depending on the time of year you visit, the weather can quickly dash your stargazing dreams if the cloud coverage isn’t in your favor..
Days 2 – 3: See the Sights
Tours are booked, and you’re ready to see this beautiful Chilean desert! Explore anything and everything from the Piedra Rojas to the flamingoes in the Salar de Atacama.
Day 4: Take a Bike Ride + Departure
If your flight isn’t until later in the day, head into town and rent a bike to explore the wider Atacama area. There are a few roads and trails you can take right out of town.
Note that if you’re used to biking on smooth paths and paved streets… You might be a little sore after biking the rocky roads of the Atacama Desert. I ended up turning back early, since I had a long flight ahead of me, but it was a fun way to explore nonetheless.
Here are some of my favorite things I got up to:
Walking the town of San Pedro de Atacama – The streets are dirt, the buildings are made of adobe, and the way the sun blazes (and sets) is a sight to behold. There are some many local shops as well as places to eat and plenty of tour agencies, that you can easily walk into and sort your next adventure.
Emporio Andino – Awesome stop for lunch – the empanadas are amazing – or for grabbing a frappé. I went here three times during my few days in the desert.
Market in Plaza San Pedro de Atacama – If you know me, you know I love a market. This is a perfect local market with pop-ups around the plaza, mainly featuring local artisans.
Piedras Rojas, Lagunas Altiplanicas, Laguna Chaca, Salar de Atacama – I genuinely loved all of these. The color contrast of the terrain against the backdrop of the mountains. Not to mention all the FLAMINGOS.
Best time of year to visit San Pedro de Atacama?
The best time to visit San Pedro de Atacama depends on what you want to experience. For warm days and clear nights perfect for stargazing, visit in summer (December–February), though it’s also the busiest season. If you prefer fewer crowds and mild temperatures, the shoulder months (March–May and September–November) offer the best balance of weather and tranquility.
TIPS & KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR VISITING SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA, CHILE
- Don’t Let the Desert Fool You – It gets chilly, even during the day when it starts off feeling warm. For any of your Chile plans, be sure to pack warmer layers to combat the chill.
- Make Plans to Meet Back Up – Take advantage of the connections you build when you build them. Being able to meet back up with friends I met in Ecuador made my visit to San Pedro de Atacama so much better and helped rejuvenate me for the next leg of my trip.
- Tours and Buses are Available, but Might I Recommend a Car? – Even though I loved my various tours, I know I would have been able to see more of the sights in a car.
- Keep a Stock of Water – Unsurprisingly, I was extra parched in the desert. Even though it’s chilly in certain areas, the sun is strong and the climate will dry you out.
- Note Opening & Closing Times – This is especially important concerning grocery stores and restaurants. I noticed this a lot throughout my time in South America, but stores will close earlier than you expect, and plenty will be closed for periods in the afternoon.
- Bus “Taxis” Are Often Easier and Comparable to Public Transport – While you might presume the bus station near town would be cheaper, it’s not. Thankfully, the manager of my hostel helped me book transport services to/from the airport at an affordable rate with pick-up/drop-off at exact locations.
Enjoy your time in the desert and take all the sassy pictures – I’d bet money your tour guide is one of the best photographers/videographers on the trip.
Planning to see more of South America?
All these travel plans have you craving something sweet?
Pies, cakes, cookies, or make them single-serve. Find your next favorite bake here
