Chile: San Pedro de atacama day trips

I arrived to San Pedro de Atacama from Bolivia, where I ended my 4WD road trip across the Salar de Uyuni, world’s largest salt flat. I had few days to spare as I had reserved few days flexibility in case of any cancellations or such - so I decided to have a little rest and recovery in a hot summery climate before heading to southern Chile and Patagonia to hike more. Here are few of the day trips I did while there along relaxing, eating and enjoying the sunshine.

San Pedro de atacama

San Pedro de Atacama is a town in northeastern Chile, surrounded by dramatic landscape including deserts, geysers and hot springs, volcanoes and mountains. It’s resting right next to the Salar de Atacama salt flat, worth visiting. I spent here to rest and explore this unique part of the Chile while enjoying local cuisine and experiencing most exciting Halloween I have ever seen!

moon valley / valle de la luna

Out of this world spot - located 13 kilometres west of town. It has a various majestic stone and sand formations which have been carved by wind and water 22 million years ago. As the name describes, it has a range of color and texture of landscape, looking somewhat similar to the surface of the moon. You can also find man made looking rock formation Tres Marias, The Three Marys here. It’s the closes you can get to the moon I imagine. No wonder this is the most popular place to visit as the sun sets down. Take a tour, or hire a bike and explore this dry, inhabitable wonder with your own pace.

tatio geysers / geyser del tatio

It was only -15C as I got up 5am! This geyser field is a third-largest geyser field in the world and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Many geysers, hot springs which you can actually swim, and sinter deposits are worth while for a visit but make sure you arrive early morning when the steam explosions are the most visible as sun is only rising. Exhilarating yet oddly calming experience.

salar de talar / piedras rojas

Pretty much the same spot, latter named by tourist operator. This salt flat is a bit of a drive away towards the border, however due it’s unique hue of colour and nature this has become one of the must see places if you are visiting in San Pedro de Atacama. Literally jaw dropping sights as you first see them while questioning your own eyes. No photo is doing a justice for a real thing. And no, there are no filters used with the photo above haha!

lagunas - chaxa, socaire, miscanti, miniques

There are multiple lagoons are scattered around the area. The ones I went to see, Miscanti and Miniques, are located closely to each other, where you can take leisurely walk but remember to follow paths created to preserve fragile flora and fauna. Observe flamingoes and other local animals living in the area.

Death Valley / valle de muerte

Another out of this world spot just a short trip away from the town. I opted to hire a bike and go for little ride around the area, occasionally jumping off and climbing massive rocky hills, and sand dunes to practise my sand boarding skills. You can easily spend the whole day here and try out some extreme activities.

other spots and activities

If you have missed the Bolivia and their famous salt flats, you have an opportunity to experience them here. Also, due the remote location and hardly no light pollution - stargazing is highly recommended activity here. No wonder, as ALMA. - the world’s biggest and highest astronomic observatory is located here. Visit a local agencies and shops to find out activity options as there as something for everyone from crystal clear hot springs to horse riding, and a meteorite museum to rainbow valley.

What I missed the most, was mountaineering however it is more than a good reason to come back as there are still so much more to see and experience.

Quick tips:

You can reach this town by a plane and bus combo, arriving to Calama which is few hours drive away, bus itself or by driving.

Bring both summer clothes as well as clothing for cooler and cold nights. Don’t forget boots for exploring the desert and mountains. Also sunscreen and hat is a must.

It’s a high altitude town, so be aware with altitude sickness.

Keep hydrated! It’s dry here plus tap water isn’t recommended to be consumed.

Use San Pedro de Atacama as your base to explore the magnificent region - no matter short day explorations and tours or visits across the border to Bolivia and Argentina. Or just chill out and watch the world go by at the town square.

This is the place to get the tickets for all of your adventures, just make sure to compare prices against the delivery. There are something for everyone so make sure you use your time for experiences you wound’t be able to have anywhere else in the world.

This is a fairly safe town due the high number of tourists. I didn’t have any issues wondering around even in a night time.

Enjoy a taste of unique Chilean hospitality and culture