The Mysteries of the Atacama Desert, one of the world’s most extreme environments, are accessible from San Pedro de Atacama, located in the far north of Chile, near the borders with Argentina and Bolivia. According to the “Complete Guide to the Atacama Desert,” this guide will assist you in making travel plans and, additionally, in locating the town’s top attractions. Firstly, explore the unique landscapes and natural wonders with the help of this comprehensive resource.
Complete Guide to the Atacama Desert: Explore San Pedro de Atacama
Located approximately 1,150 miles (1,850 km) north of Santiago, San Pedro de Atacama stands as the premier tourist hub in northern Chile. According to the “Complete Guide to the Atacama Desert,” this area, amidst an oasis within one of the driest deserts on the planet, boasts a rich history of human habitation. Additionally, perched at an elevation of 7,874 feet (2,400 m), San Pedro de Atacama was originally inhabited by the Atacameño culture and later influenced by the Tiwanaku and Inca empires before the Spanish conquest. Furthermore, in recent decades, it has transformed into a prominent tourist destination, integral to the “gringo trail” across South America. Today, no exploration of Chile is considered complete without a visit to this captivating town.
Planning Your Visit.
Consider allocating a minimum of four days for your stay in San Pedro, as recommended by the “Complete Guide to the Atacama Desert.” This duration allows for an itinerary encompassing numerous key attractions in the vicinity. However, for a more in-depth exploration of the Atacama Desert, such as the comprehensive ten-day tour outlined here, a significantly longer stay is essential.
Furthermore, San Pedro can effortlessly be integrated into a broader Chilean journey, as depicted in this two-week itinerary featuring Santiago, Valparaíso, and Chiloé. Additionally, leveraging San Pedro’s tour and transportation connections with northwest Argentina and southwest Bolivia, it can also be seamlessly included in a more expansive, multi-country excursion.
Moreover, the town boasts several ATMs, and many establishments, particularly upscale hotels and restaurants, readily accept credit and debit cards.
Complete Guide to the Atacama Desert: Climate and Conditions
San Pedro experiences consistently warm daytime temperatures, typically ranging between 70°F and 77°F (21°C and 25°C) year-round, with notably cooler conditions at night. According to the “Complete Guide to the Atacama Desert,” the warmest months span from December to March, while the coolest months are from May to August. Additionally, the Atacama Desert registers minimal rainfall, making it one of the driest locations on the planet, resulting in minimal precipitation in San Pedro. Furthermore, the area contends with high UV levels, emphasizing the importance of wearing a hat and applying ample high-factor sunscreen for protection.
Complete Guide to the Atacama Desert: Getting There & Away
The closest airport is situated in the unassuming city of Calama, approximately 62 miles (100 km) northwest of San Pedro. According to the “Complete Guide to the Atacama Desert,” daily flights to and from Santiago are facilitated, along with several weekly flights to Iquique, Copiapó, La Serena, and Antofagasta. Additionally, from Calama, a 3-day excursion to Uyuni, the access point to the Salar de Uyuni, can be embarked upon. San Pedro is eminently walkable, though rental bicycles and cars are available. For taxi services, arrangements should be made through your travel agent, guide, or lodging provider.
Highlights & Activities.
Some of Chile’s most amazing views can be found in the area surrounding San Pedro de Atacama, including enormous salt flats, strong geysers, historic castles, sparkling lakes, and surreal desert vistas. While it is possible to visit some of them on your own, making the most of your time is best achieved by taking a tour, preferably one that spans many days. Furthermore, before making a reservation, it’s a good idea to visit a few travel companies and talk to previous passengers, because tour standards differ.
Valley of the Moon.
The Valley of the Moon, a short drive west of San Pedro, lives up to its name thanks to its wind-sculpted rock formations, sand dunes, and subdued color palette. Additionally, this valley, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, is a great place to see both the sunrise and the sunset. Here, you can almost literally feel as though you’ve been transported to another planet. Moreover, the Valley of the Moon is definitely one of the Mysteries of the Atacama Desert.
Salar de Atacama.
This is the largest salt flat in Chile, covering 1864 square miles (3000 sq km), and it’s a dazzling expanse that crackles like ice underfoot. Additionally, many stunning lakes can be found here, including the flamingo-populated Laguna Chaxa and the emerald-green Laguna Cejar, which has a salt content higher than that of the Dead Sea. Furthermore, this area is definitely one of the Mysteries of the Atacama Desert.
Pukará de Quitor.
Perched on a hill a short walk north of San Pedro, this ruined stone fortress was built by a pre-Inca culture in the 12th century. Partially restored, the site offers superlative views back across town and its namesake river.
El Tatio geysers.
Trips to El Tatio begin well before sunrise, entail a rough three-hour drive, and elevate you to an astounding 14,100 feet (4300 meters) above sea level. However, the experience seems well worth it when you see these erupting, bubbling geysers in action. A frequent stop on many excursions to the world’s highest geysers, the Puritama thermal springs, are located 37 miles (60 km) south of El Tatio.
Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miñiques.
Part of the Flamencos National Reserve, these are two of the most picturesque high-altitude lakes in the San Pedro region. Firstly, the heart-shaped Miscanti is the larger of the pair, surrounded by pastel-colored volcanoes and mountains. Additionally, Miñiques is smaller but similarly impressive, with its deep blue waters. Furthermore, these lakes offer stunning views and are a must-visit in the Atacama Desert.
Stargazing.
Because there is no artificial light, the heavens over San Pedro are extraordinarily clear. Additionally, a few operators provide unforgettable stargazing experiences. Furthermore, a trip to the town’s little yet educational Meteorite Museum is the perfect complement to your astronomical adventures. This combination offers a comprehensive view of the night sky and its wonders, enhancing your visit to San Pedro and the Atacama Desert.
Complete Guide to the Atacama Desert: Lodging & Dining.
Complete Guide to the Atacama Desert: Where to Eat
San Pedro boasts a surprisingly diverse food scene, considering its tiny size. For comforting home food, head to Las Delicias de Carmen; for a sleek, contemporary restaurant with great fish and Asian-inspired fare, head to Blanco. The greatest thin-crust pizza in town can be found at the tiny Pizzeria El Charrúa, and Tierra Todo Natural serves excellent juices and a variety of vegetarian and health-conscious cuisine. Visit Babalu for dessert; they have excellent ice cream.
San Pedro’s nightlife is undoubtedly laid back. The majority of establishments provide wine, but you usually also need to purchase food. The Finnish-owned Chela Cabur, which serves a wide selection of beers from Chile and other countries, is the best of the bars.The food here is definitely one of the Mysteries of the Atacama Desert.
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