7+ Adventurous Things to Do in San Pedro De Atacama Chile & Wild Day Trips
The adorable hamlet of San Pedro de Atacama Chile is an adventure-seekers paradise. This “oasis village” is smack-dab in the center of the Atacama Desert of Chile and provides a glimpse into the world of unique rock formations, the Andean high plateau (Antiplano), and feels like you may just be traveling to the moon. Welcome to the driest non-polar deserts in the world!
Wander past the picturesque white adobe buildings of San Pedro de Atacama and try hiking (or biking) across the moon in the nearby Valle de la Luna. Don’t miss the Pukará de Quitor hillside Pre-Inca fortress or the diverse Catarpe Valley across the San Pedro River. These two sites can be combined and make a fun and budget friendly day trip from San Pedro de Atacama.
Hop on the “astrotourism” bandwagon and learn all about the stars and our infinite universe by looking up at the clear night sky in the Atacama Desert. Leave behind the village on dusty roads and explore the vastness that is the Antiplano Chile. There are many Antiplanic Lagoons, volcanic views, and salt flats, many which are located within the boundaries of Los Flamencos National Reserve. There’s wine tasting, geysers, hot springs, and salty lakes all along desolate desert trails.
Here’s the best and most adventurous things to do in San Pedro de Atacama Chile.
Table of Contents
- How to Get to San Pedro de Atacama Chile
- What to See in San Pedro de Atacama Chile
- San Pedro de Atacama | Tips for Travelers
- Walk on the Moon | Valle de la Luna
- Catarpe San Pedro de Atacama
- Visit Pukará de Quitor | Hilltop Pre-Inca Fortress
- Watch the Sky | San Pedro de Atacama Stargazing
- Explore the Arid Altiplano and the Altiplanic Lagoons
- High Desert Wine Tasting
- Even More San Pedro de Atacama Tours
- Final Thoughts | What to Do in San Pedro de Atacama Adventure Activities
How to Get to San Pedro de Atacama Chile via Public Transportation
Whether you are coming from the north or south of Chile, all buses will most likely stop and require a transfer in the town of Calama. Some of the layover times, especially in the morning can be an hour or two. It’s important to note that Calama can be dangerous, so stick close to the bus terminal during the transfer.
The Best Way to Reach San Pedro de Atacama via Bus
The San Pedro de Atacama bus terminal is small, but efficient, and is the most common way to reach the village. The San Pedro de Atacama bus station has restrooms, a few restaurants, and is a casual 10 minute walk to the center of the village.
Public Transportation Tips | North Chile to San Pedro de Atacama
Personally, I moved from the under-appreciated north of Chile down to San Pedro de Atacama. The north is very untouched and holds many treasures.
From Peru, it’s easy to cross the border into Chile’s coastal city of Arica. A highlight of this border city is visiting the Cuevas de Anzota, the stunning sea caves right along the dry desert ocean coastline.
To help break-up the long bus ride, visit the bustling “Miamiesque” city of Iquique, which has an awesome seafood market, miles of beaches, and is close to the ghost-town mining village of Humberstone.
Iquique to San Pedro de Atacama Bus Logistics | Catch the buses here: Iquique Bus Terminal | Reliable Bus Company: Pullman, night buses are best | Average Fare Cost: Iquique to Calama 9,000 CLP ($12 USD)/ Calama to San Pedro de Atacama is 3,000 – 6,000 CLP ($4 – $8, depending on company) | Duration: 5 hours to Calama, Calama to San Pedro de Atacama under 2 hours
Public Transportation Tips | South Chile to San Pedro de Atacama
Coming from the South, the most popular city of departure will be Antofagasta. Remember buses will first stop in Calama where multiple companies run transfers to San Pedro de Atacama.
What to See in San Pedro de Atacama Chile
San Pedro de Atacama is the perfect base to explore the otherworldly Atacama Desert. The village also acts as the grand entrance to the Antiplano Chile. The altitude of San Pedro de Atacama can be intense, as the village sits around 7,900 ft (2,408 m). There are plenty of things to see and do here to help pass the time while acclimating.
Besides exploring the surrounding Atacama Desert. and taking excursions, there’s a few highlights to experience in San Pedro de Atacama.
- Twist and turn along the dusty desert roads of the charming “oasis village” that is San Pedro de Atacama
- Relax in the Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama and appreciate the views of the adobe church, Iglesia San Pedro.
- Wander through the hip and trendy Mercado Blanco which is filled with restaurants, bookshops, and artisanal goods.
- Eat traditional Chilean food from the food stalls near the soccer (football) field . These awesome little stands serve daily two coursed menus for around $4,000 CLP ($5 USD). Find them a few blocks from the plaza on Licancabur Street.
San Pedro de Atacama | Tips for Travelers
These travel tips will come in handy before arriving in San Pedro de Atacama.
- In San Pedro de Atacama, tours are sold EVERYWHERE. One of the most popular things to do here is to travel away from San Pedro de Atacama on multiple long day trips to explore the vast landscapes. There is NO NEED to book a San Pedro de Atacama tour in advance, unless you have your heart set on a specialized or specific tour. (Think a stargazing or telescope experience of the night sky). Almost all of the agencies sell the same exact tour and then the groups are combined in the tour vans. The busy and main Toconao Street is lined with a wide range of different tour groups.
- If a tour is not your thing, it’s possible to rent a car or van in San Pedro de Atacama. Wicked Campers also rents campers and 4WD vehicles.
- Liquor and wine can only be consumed with purchase of a food item. Don’t plan on sipping on a cocktail or a glass of wine after an adventurous day out. Beer can be consumed without food at a few select bars. Try Quenching your thirst at the popular soccer bar Chela Cabur.
Where to Stay in San Pedro de Atacama
There’s a wide range of hotels in San Pedro de Atatcama and budget friendly hostels.
I loved staying a little outside of town at Rey Lagarto Hostel. This hostel is clean, has a nice outdoor space, kitchen, and has free bicycle rentals for in-town usage.
Walk on the Moon | Valle de la Luna
Want to know what it feels like to “walk on the Moon” and experience a truly out of the world landscape? Make sure to visit one of the most popular San Pedro de Atacama attractions, Moon Valley, or Valle de la Luna.
Some of the unique highlights of Moon Valley include: a salt cavern, a fascinating Dune Path, the distinct Amphitheatre Rock, the Achaches hiking path with volcano views, the abandoned Victoria Mine, Three Marys (actually only two Mary’s now), and the Lookout Stone of Coyote.
Moon Valley Logistics | Location: 8 km from San Pedro de Atacama Chile | Hours: Daily 8:00 – 18:00 | Stone of Coyote Viewpoint closes at 19:30 | Standard Admission Ticket: $2,500 CLP ($3.50)
How to Visit Moon Valley
From San Pedro de Atacama, tours depart daily via multiple tour companies. There are a few different options for Moon Valley tours for any type of budget and traveler. Intrepid adventures may wish to visit independently by car or with. some serious determination and a sturdy mountain bike. Travelers visiting without a tour must arrive before 13:00, as the afternoon is strictly for Valle de la Luna tour groups.
There are pros and cons of discovering the Valle de la Luna by tour and by bicycle. Either way, the Valle de la Luna is a top thing to do in San Pedro de Atacama Chile.
Want to bike on the Moon? Find all the details for biking the Valle de la Luna here.
Catarpe San Pedro de Atacama
Often overlooked, the Catarpe San Pedro de Atacama is another fantastic valley just on the outskirts of the village.
Catarpe Valley is very different than the nearby Valle de la Luna. The Moon Valley is all about unique rock formations in the Atacama Desert, while the Catarpe Valley has ancient civilization relics, modern man-made structures, and some pretty stunning natural wonders like ravines.
Catarpe Valley Logistics | Location: less than 2 miles from the center of San Pedro de Atacama Chile | Hours: Daily 8:30 – 19:30 | Cost: $3,000 CLP ($4 USD)
The best way to explore the Catarpe San Pedro de Atacama is to rent a bike. At the beginning of the valley, find an abandoned tunnel from the early 1900’s, which its main purpose was to connect the village of San Pedro de Atacama with Calama. The highlight of this adventure is the gorge that is Chulakao Ravine, or better known as the Devil’s Throat. Hop off the bike and explore the multiple twists and turns of this interesting canyone, or if feeling frisky, hike up to an impressive viewpoint.
There are some Inca ruins (Tambo de Catarpe), but they are temporarily closed. It’s possible to appreciate them from the far off distance. Finally, find the tiny San Isidro Chapel that sits spectacularly nestled at the end of the bike route.
More Info on Biking Catarpe Valley
Interested in discovering the Catarpe Valley? Rent a bike, download this interactive map, and visit one of the most overlooked things to do in San Pedro de Atacama Chile
Visit Pukará de Quitor | Hilltop Pre-Inca Fortress
Across the San Pedro River from the entrance to the Catarpe Valley is the interesting Pre-Inca fortress, Pukará de Quitor. There are two sections of the Quitor Archaeological Park, the hillside fortress, and the Plaza de Quitor. The plaza is quite small, but boasts two large head sculptures. One is carved into the dramatic rocky cliffs, while the other is attached to an old arched gateway.
Travel Tip | Combine Pukará Fortress with Catarpe Valley for an awesome full day excursion in San Pedro de Atacama
Although it’s not possible to walk through the fortress itself, there is an easy to follow uphill hike to the Mirador Pukara Quitor. While climbing the hillside, don’t miss out the spectacular views of nearby Death Valley. This is yet another unique valley that is found just steps away from San Pedro de Atacama. You won’t need to purchase a ticket into the actual Death Valley, since the views from here will literally take your breath away.
Logistics of Quitor Archaeological Park | Location: Across the San Pedro River of Catarpe Valley | Hours: Daily 8:30 – 17:00 | Admission Ticket Cost: $3,000 CLP ($4 USD)
Watch the Sky | San Pedro de Atacama Stargazing
One of the most popular things to do in San Pedro de Atacama is to book a tour to observe the night sky. Yes, the Atacama Desert has some of the best stargazing opportunities on Earth. The altitude of San Pedro de Atacama is at a high elevation of just shy of 8,00 feet (2,407 m), so the sky feels so close that you could reach your hand out and touch the stars. Another added bonus is the Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar desert in the World, so the chance of humidity and cloud coverage blocking those fantastic skies is low. Well…. except for January and into February.
Travel Tip | I visited San Pedro de Atacama Chile in the month of January. I signed up for Stargazing in San Pedro de Atacama, but it was canceled every single night (5 nights) due to cloudy skies. January is the worst month to try to stargaze in San Pedro de Atacama. February can be iffy, too. If your main purpose is to watch the sky, book any other months. Don’t worry, if the tour is cancelled the full tour cost is refunded.
The Stargazing tours, like most San Pedro de Atacama tours, book with each individual booking agents and then combine with all the other tour groups. Load up into a van and drive a bit out of town to avoid the small light pollution of the village. Expect a quick astronomy lesson with detailed photos, then move outside and observe constellations, galaxies, and take some epic photos. Snacks and beverages are usually provided.
Stargazing Tour Logistics in San Pedro de Atacama | Where to Book: Multiple tour companies offer Stargazing Tours | Hours: Tours start time depends on the season, tours can start as early at 19:00 and as late as 21:45 | Standard Tour Cost: $18,000 CLP ($24.50 USD)
Explore the Arid Altiplano and the Altiplanic Lagoons
Another popular day trip from San Pedro de Atacama is exploring the high plateau plain of the Andes. While the most visited Antiplano region of the Andes is found in Bolivia and Peru, there is a small section in that can easily be explored from San Pedro de Atacama Chile.
The high desert Atacama altitude produces intriguing landscapes like altiplanic lagoons and salt flats, all with towering active volcanoes in the backdrop.
A great option to explore the Altiplano Chile is to head down towards Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks) and the Laguna Salar de Talar. This can done independently or via an early morning San Pedro de Atacama tour. This specific tour usually makes stops at the Lagunas of Miscanti and Miñiques. Of course, there are additional fees for these places, which most oftentimes are not included in the tour prices.
The Entrance Fee for Miscanti and Miñiques Lakes is 3,000 CLP ($4 USD).
Nearby is the Tropic of Capricorn and you can grab a photo with the “official sign.” Many tours stop in the tiny village of Toconao to browse the artisanal shops and snap a few photos of the church.
The Chile Altiplano is a long day in the car or bus, but the views are spectacular and the scenery bizarre and outlandish compared to other places in Chile. With the few pit-stops to get out and stretch your legs, it makes it a worthwhile excursion from San Pedro de Atacama.
High Desert Wine Tasting
How about some high altitude wine tasting in the Atacama Desert? Yes, it’s possible and the most notable wineries is coming from the small village of Toconao, Bodega Ayllu. Toconao is less than 30 minutes from San Pedro de Atacama Chile.
Wine tastings and dinner pairing tours can be arranged from San Pedro de Atacama. Please note that this tour requires a minimum of 4 people to book. Many times there is little interest, so the tour can be canceled.
More detailed information on the wine regions found in the Atacama Desert
Even More San Pedro de Atacama Tours
Of course, there are endless options of San Pedro de Atacama attractions than the ones listed above. Another popular day trip from San Pedro de Atacama is witnessing the steamy Tatio Geyser. There are more than 80 geysers here and they are most active in the wee hours of the morning, so prepare for an early morning departure. However, the ultimate reward is witnessing the third largest geyser field in the world at a remarkable altitude of 13,780 feet (4,200 m).
Another popular San Pedro de Atacama tour is Laguna Chaxa, an antiplanic lagoon known for the many flamingos that come to drink the salty water. This area is part of the Soncor section of the Los Flamencos National Reserve.
With the surrounding volcanoes, there are many opportunities to bath in some hot springs. Less than an hour away from San Pedro de Atacama Chile is the Termas de Puritama and multiple tours shuttle eager bathers to relax in the mineral rich waters.
Laguna Cejar is another San Pedro de Atacama tour that allows travelers to float in the high density salt lake.
Estimated Entrance Fees for San Pedro de Atacama Attractions
Please note the entrance fees can often vary and change, these are only approximations for planning purposes.
- Tatio Geyser | $10,000 CLP ($13.75 USD)
- Laguna Chaxa | $5,500 CLP ($7.50 USD)
- Puritama Hot Springs | Most tours don’t include the entrance ticket, varies depending on day of week and time
- Laguna Cejar | $3.000 CLP ($4 USD)
Explore the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia
San Pedro de Atacama is close to the Bolivian border and many tour companies offer the incredibly famous three day Uyuni Salt Flat tour. This is a great opportunity to see one of the most peculiar and extraordinary places on the entire continent of South America.
Standard 3 Day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour Prices | High Season: December – April / $190 USD | Low Season: May – October $100 USD
Final Thoughts | What to Do in San Pedro de Atacama Adventure Activities
In conclusion, San Pedro de Atacama Chile is an adventure seekers paradise and offers charming streets, cute adobe buildings, and lots of places to sample traditional food. While the oasis village itself is inviting, the real appeal of San Pedro de Atacama are the wild and unique experiences that lay outside the city, in the rugged Atacama Desert. It’s possible to explore this region independently or via the multiple daily tours that depart in the early hours of the morning.
Whether it be the Moon Valley, Death Valley, or Catarpe Valley, make sure to explore at least one of the diverse canyons close to the village. Each valley is so different and has stunning natural wonders, ancient ruins, and modern man-made marvels. At night, look up to the heavens and get lost in the abundance of our fascinating sky, or watch the geysers wake up and shoot up high into the Earth’s atmosphere.
There are Antiplanic Lagoons in the Antiplano and the popular Los Flamencos Nature Reserve. From the source of the mighty volcanoes that sit in the backdrop of the arid Atacama Desert, try soaking in a hot spring or floating in salt lake. Enjoy the scenery by sipping on a glass of high desert wine.
San Pedro de Atacama has an endless opportunities to see an uncanny and mystical side of our beautiful world that few travelers have the pleasure of experiencing.
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