San Pedro de Atacama, Chile is a small community located in the province of El Loa, Chile. Here, you will have an exciting experience with its fascinating geography both as a tourist and as a backpacker. Also, you will see not only the beautiful views but natural beauties with an exciting adventure.
Things to do
In this case, this place is located in the great north of Chile so then you will appreciate a great variety of areas. In the first place, you’ll have a town with a peaceful life ready to welcome any tourist. Later, you’ll see other wonderful scenes. In the same way, this volcanic land has incredible restaurants, local agencies, and wonderful local handicrafts.
Here you will have the main places you can not miss:
Moon Valley
Start your trip by admiring the amazing quartz and granite pieces surrounding the valley entrance. Similarly, you can admire how the salt shines in all its sand guiding you to the Salt Caves. Later, in this place, you will be able to appreciate the rocky walls with paths surrounded by pure nature.
After this, you can go to the Great Dune. Over there, the salt mountain range is transformed into a dance of colors, shadows, and lights. Finally, you will be able to take the most beautiful photographs.
Cejar Lake
Located 16 kilometers from the San Pedro de Atacama’s town you will appreciate a shawl of blue and emerald waters. Besides, in this divine natural spa, you will be able to enjoy a delicious bath.
In the same way, you can swim as much as you want in peace. Not only will you feel a great rest in these waters, but you will also feel like you are flying.
Llullaillaco volcano
To be a challenge for the most experienced mountaineers, this is one of the highest volcanoes in the world. If you only want to admire it in the distance, you will be able to see its steep profiles and how the snow that falls on it. Take as many pictures as you want.
Located on the border between Chile and Argentina, you will also be able to ascend and get to know a little bit of what the 6739-meter road is like. The tour guide will be able to tell you the story of the mummified children who were found 26 meters from the top.
How to get there
There are different ways to get to San Pedro de Atamaca from Calama Airport (CJC). The main ways are taxi, bus, drive, shuttle or uber. Here some of the following:
- By Bus – It is a 1-hour 20-minutes journey. The price estimated is from $12 USD.
- By Taxi – You’ll take the taxi right at the Airport. It’s an hour and a half journey with an estimated price of $140 to 180 USD. It will leave you in the San Pedro de Atamaca’s Square.
- By Drive – At Calama Airport you, ’ll be able to rent a car. It’s an hour and a half journey of $10 to 16 USD.
- By Shuttle – It is an hour and 15-minutes journey. The estimated price is from $17 to 100 USD.
- By Uber – The estimated prize is from $70 to 85 USD. It’s an hour and a half journey.
If you want to get closer to San Pedro’s Square, I recommend you to take a taxi, an uber or drive over there.
When to go
The best time to visit this place in winter, between June and August because the climate is mild. Also, the Fiesta de San Pedro takes place on June 28 and you’ll love it.
How long
If you want to enjoy all the beautiful places to visit, take around 5 days. So you can get to know all the nature’s gift of this place and its incredible culture.
Opening and Closing Hours
You can visit nature spectacles at any time. However, keep in mind that the town’s working hours are Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m
Planning
The vast majority of the locals in this town work with cash. You must have enough money for the trip and visit the exchange houses.
If you are going out to the lakes, remember to correctly fill your gas tank. The only gas station in the city is settled in Toconao.
Inside Information
You must have someone to guide you at the Highlight places. This person will be the one to indicate the following signs on all the routes.
Regardless of the time you choose to travel to San Pedro de Atacama, you must always carry the following things:
- Sunblock
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Water and snacks
Keep in mind that there is intense ultraviolet radiation.
History
The oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama has survived with its incredible human settlements for more than 900 years. The Atacaman people have spread across the desert until they could be established as an oasis.
Over the years, they developed agriculture, harvesting, and livestock. In the same way, the Inca empire arrived at their lands and passed on their traditions. They built walls in their cities and worshipped the sun.
Today, this place is the perfect one for those who crave archaeology, desert adventure or just plain solitude.
Websites
- www.visit-chile.org
- www.sanpedroatacama.com
- www.explora.com
- www.altiplanico.com
Other nearby attractions
Besides knowing the incredible landscapes and archeological places that there are in this place, you have to know its town.
This little town has stolen the hearts of thousands of tourists with a mixture of Atacameña and Spanish culture. At first, you can walk through it from Caracoles Street. There, you will be accompanied by incredible people such as residents or another tourist. Later, you will visit the Plaza de Aremas, where you can rest in the trees’ shade and admire their beauty.
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