Atacama Desert

discover Atacama Desert, Chile - Complete Travel Guide

The discover Atacama Desert in northern Chile is one of the world's most extraordinary landscapes, stretching across a high plateau between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific coast. This otherworldly region is renowned as the driest non-polar desert on Earth, with some weather stations never recording rainfall and areas that closely resemble the surface of Mars. The desert's unique geography creates a stunning array of natural phenomena, from salt flats and geysers to colorful mineral deposits and pristine night skies. travel to San Pedro de Atacama serves as the primary gateway to this remarkable desert, offering visitors access to incredible attractions like the Valley of the Moon, El Tatio geysers, and the Salar de Atacama salt flats. The region's extreme altitude, ranging from 2,400 to over 4,000 meters above sea level, combined with its arid climate, creates perfect conditions for stargazing and supports unique ecosystems with flamingos, vicuñas, and rare plant species that have adapted to these harsh conditions.

Top Atacama Desert

Valley of the Moon Sunset Tour

Experience the ethereal beauty of Valle de la Luna as the setting sun transforms the salt-crusted landscape into a palette of gold, pink, and purple hues. This lunar-like terrain features dramatic rock formations, salt caves, and sand dunes that create an otherworldly atmosphere perfect for photography and contemplation.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $25-40 USD and depart daily around 3 PM. Book with established operators like Desert Adventure or Cosmo Andino Expediciones. Bring warm layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset.

El Tatio Geysers Excursion

Witness the spectacular morning steam show at El Tatio, the world's highest geyser field at 4,320 meters above sea level. The geysers are most active at sunrise when temperature differences create towering columns of steam and hot water eruptions against the backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $60-80 USD with 4 AM departure times. Choose operators that include breakfast and provide oxygen if needed. Dress warmly as temperatures can be below freezing at sunrise.

Salar de Atacama Salt Flats Tour

Explore Chile's largest salt flat, home to three species of flamingos and unique mineral formations that create a stark white landscape punctuated by turquoise lagoons. The contrast between the brilliant white salt deposits and the pink flamingos creates some of the most photogenic scenes in the desert.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $35-50 USD and can be combined with other attractions. Morning tours offer better wildlife viewing as flamingos are most active. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen as the salt reflects intense UV rays.

Stargazing Observatory Tour

Take advantage of the Atacama's reputation as having some of the clearest skies on Earth for world-class astronomical observation. Professional observatory tours provide access to high-powered telescopes and expert guides who explain constellations, planets, and deep-space objects visible in the Southern Hemisphere.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $45-70 USD and run nightly except during full moon periods. Book with SPACE Observatory or discover Atacama Desert Lodge. Tours are weather-dependent and require advance reservation, especially during peak season.

Rainbow Valley and Petroglyphs Tour

Discover the vibrant geological formations of Rainbow Valley where layers of colorful minerals create natural artwork in the rock faces, combined with visits to ancient petroglyphs that showcase the region's pre-Columbian heritage. The valley's multicolored hillsides contain deposits of copper, iron, and other minerals that paint the landscape in striking hues.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $30-45 USD and are best in afternoon light. Combine with Yerbas Buenas petroglyphs for cultural context. Choose small group tours for better access to petroglyph sites and personalized explanations.

Getting There

The most common way to reach the discover Atacama Desert is by flying into experience Calama Airport (CJC), which receives daily flights from the city and other Chilean cities. From experience Calama, travel to San Pedro de Atacama is a 1.5-hour drive through desert landscapes. Many visitors rent cars at the airport or take shuttle services, which cost around $15-25 USD per person. Alternatively, overnight buses run from the city to experience Calama (22 hours) or directly to travel to San Pedro de Atacama, offering a budget-friendly option for around $30-50 USD.

Getting Around

Most attractions in the discover Atacama Desert are accessed through organized tours due to the remote locations, extreme conditions, and need for specialized vehicles. Tour operators in travel to San Pedro de Atacama offer everything from half-day excursions to multi-day adventures, with prices ranging from $25-100 USD depending on the destination and group size. Renting a 4WD vehicle is possible for experienced drivers, but requires careful planning, GPS navigation, emergency supplies, and knowledge of high-altitude driving conditions.

Where to Stay

travel to San Pedro de Atacama town center

Ayllu de Larache area

Caracoles Street vicinity

Toconao village

Puritama Hot Springs area

Alto Atacama region

Food & Dining

travel to San Pedro de Atacama offers a surprising variety of dining options ranging from traditional Chilean cuisine to international fare adapted to the desert environment. Local specialties include llama and alpaca meat, quinoa-based dishes, and fresh ingredients flown in from other regions. Popular restaurants like Adobe, Baltinache, and Cafe Export serve everything from wood-fired pizzas to gourmet fusion cuisine, while local markets offer empanadas, fresh juices, and traditional pastries. Due to the remote location, prices are higher than other Chilean destinations, with dinner mains ranging from $15-30 USD.

When to Visit

The best time to visit the discover Atacama Desert is during the shoulder seasons of March-May and September-November when temperatures are moderate and crowds are smaller. Summer (December-February) brings hot days but cold nights, along with peak tourist season and higher prices. Winter (June-August) offers clear skies perfect for stargazing but can be extremely cold, especially at high altitudes like El Tatio geysers. The desert receives virtually no rainfall year-round, making it a reliable destination regardless of season, though visitors should always prepare for dramatic temperature swings between day and night.

Insider Tips

Acclimatize gradually to the altitude - spend your first day in San Pedro before attempting high-altitude excursions like El Tatio

Pack layers including warm clothing even in summer, as desert temperatures can drop 30°C between day and night

Book accommodations well in advance during peak season (December-March) as San Pedro has limited lodging options and fills up quickly