Overview
This is the continuation of my journey through northern Chile, where I explore the magical San Pedro de Atacama.
I love planning my trips entirely DIY, but there are parts of the world where it's wise to rely on experts to get the most out of your experience. In San Pedro, booking tours is essential – whether you opt for a private tour, small group, or tourist bus depends on your preference (and your wallet).
Below, I’ll walk you through the tours I booked and the unforgettable emotions this place offers.
Accommodation
San Pedro is a small town, but it has an incredible range of accommodations, from luxury stays to dorm beds. It all depends on your budget. Personally, I didn’t feel the need for a fancy hotel – I never even made it to breakfast since all my tours started early! I stayed at the Poblado Kimal, right in the center. I’d choose it again in a heartbeat.
Itinerary and Trip
Day 1:
My flight from Santiago landed in Calama in the afternoon. The hotel arranged a transfer service (highly recommend this to save time), and in about an hour, we reached San Pedro de Atacama, passing through desert landscapes dotted with wind turbines and salt-covered rocks that I mistook for snow! We arrived as night was falling, and I grabbed dinner at the first restaurant I found near the hotel.
Day 2:
The first tour I booked through the hotel was the high plains and lagoons, with a stop at the salt lake.
At 6:30 AM, a small group tour picked me up, and we headed to Toconao, a mountain village known for its buildings made of Liparita, a volcanic stone. Nearby is the Jerez Valley, a lush green oasis in stark contrast to the desert.
The landscapes here are breathtaking, and you’ll often spot herds of guanacos! When we arrived at the lagoons, the view was so stunning it looked surreal.
We had enough time to walk around and fully take in the cold, high-altitude beauty at 4,300 meters. On the way back to San Pedro, we stopped at the salt lake, home to pink flamingos that stir up the shallow waters in a graceful dance to find food.
We stayed here for a mesmerizing sunset, with distant volcanoes and snow-capped peaks framing the scene. Unforgettable!
But the day wasn’t over yet. After a quick shower and a bite to eat, I was off to witness one of the most incredible sights of my life: stargazing in the desert.
San Pedro’s dry air and clear skies make for ideal star-watching conditions. As soon as we left the town, the darkness enveloped us, and stepping out of the van, I looked up: WOW! Absolutely speechless. Millions of stars with the Milky Way shining brighter than I’d ever seen. It looked like one of those edited photos, but no – it was right there, above me. I spent two hours in awe, and that moment alone made the entire trip to Chile worth it. I was too excited to sleep!
Day 3:
Beyond its natural beauty, San Pedro holds great cultural significance.
I booked a guided tour to the Pukara de Quitor village and local farms to learn about the area's ancient agricultural traditions.
The morning continued with a visit to Tulor, the oldest settlement in the Atacama region. The ancient ruins paired with the surrounding landscape were extraordinary. In the afternoon, I explored San Pedro de Atacama, visiting its church before heading to the Moon Valley. This surreal landscape of salt and clay has been shaped by wind and water over millions of years.
As dusk approached, we moved to the Death Valley, where we were treated to an incredible view of the Andes and surrounding volcanoes. The sunset painted the stones and mountains in deep reds – a sight to behold! Afterward, I had dinner at one of San Pedro’s touristy spots before turning in early for the next morning’s adventure.
Day 4:
I packed my bags and prepared for the day ahead – my flight back to Santiago was in the evening, but the morning was packed with excitement! At 6 AM sharp, we set off for the stunning Tatio Geysers, one of the most amazing geothermal zones I’ve ever seen.
At nearly 5,000 meters above sea level, some folks weren’t feeling great, but luckily, I was in good shape and could fully enjoy the experience. The rising steam, water jets, and sunrise over the Andean landscape were magical! For the brave (given the -9°C temperature), there’s even the chance to take a dip in the rustic thermal springs.
After a few hours and breakfast with a spectacular view, we headed back to San Pedro, passing through an otherworldly landscape. Our final stop was Machuca, a tiny village famous for its llama herders and cactus-covered hills, where I enjoyed a delicious lunch of grilled llama skewers!
We returned to San Pedro in the afternoon, ready to catch the flight back to Santiago.
My impression
I remember this area as one of the most beautiful places in all of South America. The emotions that this high plateau stirs up are hard to put into words – the stark contrasts of blue lagoons and desert landscapes, the starlit skies, and the Milky Way will stay with me forever. For me, natural wonders always beat out the city sights!
Top Picks:
-The stars tour
-Lagoons tour
-Sunset at Death Valley
Next stop: Argentina and the Iguazu Falls, but that’s for another post!
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