Things to Do in San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama is a small oasis town in northern Chile that serves as the gateway to the world's driest desert, the Atacama. This dusty, adobe-built settlement sits at 2,400 meters above sea level and has transformed from a quiet indigenous village into one of South America's premier adventure tourism destinations. Despite its remote location, San Pedro attracts visitors from around the globe who come to witness some of the planet's most extraordinary landscapes and natural phenomena. The town itself maintains a charming rustic character with its narrow dirt streets, traditional architecture, and laid-back atmosphere, while offering modern amenities including quality restaurants, comfortable accommodations, and professional tour operators. From here, travelers can access incredible attractions like the Valley of the Moon, El Tatio geysers, flamingo-filled salt flats, and some of the world's clearest night skies for stargazing. The surrounding desert landscape is so otherworldly that NASA has used the region to test Mars rovers.

San Pedro's dining scene has evolved significantly to cater to international visitors while maintaining local flavors. The town offers everything from traditional Chilean cuisine featuring llama meat, quinoa, and local vegetables to international options including pizza, sushi, and vegetarian fare. Many restaurants focus on farm-to-table concepts using ingredients adapted to the desert climate. Popular local dishes include llama steaks, quinoa salads, and empanadas, often accompanied by Chilean wines or local craft beers. Most restaurants are concentrated around Caracoles Street and the main plaza, with many offering outdoor seating perfect for the desert climate. Prices are higher than other parts of Chile due to the remote location, but the quality is generally excellent.

San Pedro de Atacama can be visited year-round due to its desert climate, but the best time is during the shoulder seasons of March-May and September-November when temperatures are moderate and crowds are smaller. Summer (December-February) brings the warmest weather but also peak tourist numbers and higher prices. Winter (June-August) offers clear skies perfect for stargazing and fewer crowds, but morning temperatures can drop below freezing, particularly at high-altitude attractions like El Tatio geysers. The desert experiences dramatic temperature swings between day and night throughout the year, so visitors should always pack layers regardless of season.