Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountain range, you’ll find one of the driest places on earth – the Atacama Desert. Home to landscapes that look more like the surface of the moon than earth, the saltiest bright blue lagoons, golden sand dunes, powerful geysers and crystal clear night skies that light up with the milky way.

Needless to say, Chile’s Atacama Desert and its iconic city, San Pedro are bucket list destinations with a whole lot to offer. Which is why in this blog I’m sharing my tried and tested itinerary for the best three days exploring this wild region. Including the must-see sights and activities, tastiest restaurants and cafés, and cosiest stays. Plus lots of inside tips and tricks along the way!

Read from the top for all the details or use the options below to jump to the sections you’re most interested in. Let’s go…

1. Where is the Atacama Desert?
2. Is the Atacama Desert worth visiting & is 3 days enough?
3. How to get there
4. Best time of year to visit & stargazing tips
5. Day 1: Float in salty blue lagoons & marvel at the milky way
6. Day 2: Cycle across Death & Moon Valley to get closer to ancient civilisations
7. Day 3: Visit smoking geysers & relax in hot springs
8. Best places to stay
9. Best places to eat & drink
10. What to pack & know before you go
11. How much a trip to the Atacama Desert costs

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, so if you do make a purchase through them I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Atacama Desert at a glance…

• Most incredible stargazing tour (with hot cocoa + snacks)
• Best spotless budget hostel (beds from £10!)
• Best mid-range place to stay (cosy dome houses)
• Best Baltinache Lagoon tour
• My favourite bakery + coffee shop

Where is the Atacama Desert?

Before we dive into the detail, let’s look at where the Atacama Desert is located. As you can see from the map below, the Atacama is in the far north of Chile, close to the border with Bolivia.

Here, unlike the lower southern plains of Chile, the elevation climbs quickly and the desert sits at around 2,500m above sea level beside the Andes mountain range. That height combined with its position on the globe makes it the driest non-polar desert in the world with only a few millimetres of rain each year.

The main town in the desert, and where I would recommend basing yourself for this trip is called San Pedro de Atacama just one hour from the Bolivian border.

Travelling via Santiago? Check out my ultimate itinerary for 2 days in Chile’s capital for more tips & advice.

Is the Atacama Desert worth visiting & is 3 days enough?

As you can see from the map, the Atacama Desert is a relatively remote destination and it might have you thinking – is it actually worth travelling all that way for…? My answer is a resounding YES! The Atacama was one of my favourite places not only in Chile but all of South America.

With sweeping views across to towering volcanoes, bright blue salty lagoons, incredible rock formations and the chance to sip hot cocoa and marvel at the milky way with the naked eye – it’s one of the most special places in the world. Not to mention, the desert town itself is really unique, there are some great spots to eat and drink and the atmosphere is so laid back. Think surf chill but in the desert, it’s almost like being in a film!

With all that to see, is three days enough in the desert? While there is a lot to pack in, I think you can see the best spots in and around San Pedro de Atacama in three days. The town itself is pretty compact with just 10,000 inhabitants spread along a handful of main streets. Of course, you can always spend longer in a destination to take your time soaking up the place but I wouldn’t cut your trip any shorter than three days. You need that time to properly explore.

More South America travel guides:

• Ultimate Itinerary For 2 Days In Baños, Ecuador 2026
• Ultimate Itinerary For 1 Day In Puerto Natales, Chile 2026
• Ultimate Itinerary For 2 Days In Santiago, Chile 2026
• Ultimate Itinerary For 3 Days In La Paz, Bolivia 2026
• Ultimate Itinerary For 4 Days In El Calafate, Argentina 2026
• Ultimate Itinerary For 2 Days In Quito, Ecuador 2026

How to get there

More good news is that while San Pedro is pretty remote, it’s actually not that hard to get to. Here’s how…

Travelling from Santiago, Chile: If you’re travelling from within Chile, the easiest way is to fly from Santiago to Calama, the closest airport to San Pedro. The flight is only about two hours and multiple operators fly the route including LATAM, Sky, and JetSmart. We flew with Sky and it was under £100 for both of us one way but you can often find cheaper tickets depending on when you’re going. I’ve seen them as low as £15.

From Calama airport, it’s about a 1.5 hour drive into San Pedro de Atacama. The best option is to book a transfer in advance. I’d recommend Transfer Pampa’s door-to-door service that you can book for £14 per person here. They met us at the airport exit and dropped us off right outside our AirBnB.

Travelling from Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: If you’re travelling south from Bolivia, the best option is through the salt flats and Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina. The border crossing is just a one hour drive away from San Pedro de Atacama and you’ll get to see some incredible southern Bolivian landscapes and volcanoes along the way.

We actually did the opposite and travelled from San Pedro up through Bolivia and onwards through the salt flats. We did this with a tour company and while the border crossing was a little slow it was all very easy and simple. You can find tours that run from Bolivia into San Pedro as well as round trips too.

Best time of year to visit

Now you know why you should visit and how to get there, let’s talk when to go. As you can see from the table below, one thing you definitely don’t need to worry about year-round is rain! With almost no rain all year, the only change through the seasons is the temperature.

But even that doesn’t vary much! With just a couple of degrees difference between summer (December – February) and winter (June – August) you can visit the Atacama Desert at almost any time. However, to avoid the peak tourist seasons and have the best conditions for stargazing (more on that next!) I’d recommend visiting between April and September. We travelled here in September and it was perfect – warm sunny days and cool crisp clear nights.

Month	Average High Temperature	Average Low Temperature	Average No. Rainy Days
January	24°C	5°C	1.3
February	24°C	5°C	1.4
March	23°C	4°C	0.8
April	23°C	2°C	0.2
May	22°C	-0.5°C	0.2
June	20°C	-0.5°C	0.1
July	20°C	-1°C	0.1
August	22°C	-1°C	0
September	22°C	-0.5°C	0
October	23°C	1.5°C	0.1
November	24°C	3°C	0.2
December	24°C	4°C	0.5

Best & worst times to visit for stargazing

It’s not just the temperature to consider when planning your visit to San Pedro. In my opinion, the absolute must-do activity is a stargazing tour and for that you need the right night sky conditions too! Here’s what to look for to choose the right days:

Opt for winter: For the best views of the milky way, you want colder temperatures which lower humidity leaving the night sky crystal clear and free of fog and dust. So if stargazing is your must-do activity too, then try to visit between April and September for the best visibility.

Avoid the days around a full moon: The moon is also a big factor. Generally stargazing tours don’t run in the couple of days before and after a full moon because it’s too bright. So make sure you check the moon phases before you book and aim to travel during a new moon, waxing crescent or waning crescent.

Aim for clear cloud-free days: Lastly, of course you want to try and avoid cloudy nights. Clouds are generally less common in winter as there’s almost no rainfall anyway but if you’re visiting in spring or autumn, check the forecast or contact tour providers for advice. If the conditions are too poor – your stargazing tour provider will contact you to move the trip back a day or two.

TOP TIP: If in doubt, check an astrology site like Night Sky Live for the latest and predicted conditions to help you plan when to book your trip.

Day 1: Float in salty blue lagoons & marvel at the milky way

Now let’s dive into the full itinerary – on your first day in the desert, it’s all about getting your bearings and Atacama’s wonders. Here’s the plan…

Float in the salty blue waters of Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache

*Note: As of June 2024, swimming is not allowed in the lagoons. You can still visit the lagoons to walk around and explore, just not swim. I’ll update this blog when that changes. Update: From March 2025, one of the bathing lagoons has reopened so you can swim!*

After breakfast, start your day by heading out to the beautiful naturally super salty waters of Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache. Much like the Dead Sea in the Middle East, this collection of seven lagoons have such a high salt content that make swimmers extra buoyant. In fact it’s impossible to sink here – you can just sit back and relax without having to move a muscle!

Plus, the water itself is such an incredible bright blue and surrounded by landscapes that look like the surface of the moon. This is the ultimate Atacama experience to kick off your trip. Spend a couple of hours here wandering around the pools, taking a dip and then washing off afterwards – trust me you don’t want to keep a crust of salt on your body!

The lagoons are just under an hour’s drive away from San Pedro but be warned most of this is on unpaved (but very beautiful) roads that are pretty bumpy. So strap in well! To get there you can rent a car in the town (ideally a 4×4) and split the cost with other travellers if you meet people also wanting to head there. Alternatively, as we did you can join a tour that takes you directly to the lagoons and also provides a literal hosing down service afterwards – all part of the Atacama fun ahah!

BOOK HERE: This is the lagoon tour I took and would recommend. They picked us up directly from our accommodation and as the morning tour starts at 7:30am breakfast is actually included too. Tickets cost £27 per person for the 5 hour tour plus £8 for the park entrance fee.

Explore the desert streets and colourful markets of central San Pedro

Spend your afternoon back in town exploring the heart of San Pedro de Atacama. As I mentioned before, while it might not be a large place, it still has a lot to offer.

Take your time to wander the main streets overlooked by volcanoes and soak up the laid back atmosphere, stopping for a coffee or juice along the way (coffee shop recommendations in the next section!).

Visit Iglesia San Pedro

One place you can’t miss is the town church which is supposedly the second oldest church in all of Chile. Built in the 17th century from indigenous adobe materials, it’s been restored in places over the years but the current walls are still in place from 1744.

Today you can wander inside the church and admire its original style that’s so pretty in the sunlight. The church is usually open from 10:30am to 6pm on weekdays and closed on weekends but it does vary so stop by to check. There’s no entrance fee so it’s free to visit.

Learn about space rocks at the Meteorite Museum

To start preparing for your evening of stargazing, another great stop is the Meteorite Museum on the edge of town. Here you’ll find two geodesic domes filled with actual meteorites that have fallen in the area as well as incredible fragments of unique minerals from space.

There’s an audioguide that walks you through the different rocks and explains how they arrived on Earth and why they’re so important to our understanding of the solar system.

This is also the best time to visit the museum as it’s only open between 5pm and 8pm on Tuesdays to Sundays (closed Mondays). Entrance costs £4 per person, just note they only take cash so have $5,000 CLP ready.

Go stargazing after dark to sip hot chocolate under the milky way

Then in the evening, it’s time for the literal star of the show – a night sky tour. For me, this is the absolute best experience in San Pedro de Atacama.

Because of the town’s high elevation, remote position away from large sources of light pollution and climatic conditions that make for clear skies, San Pedro is one of the best places to see the milky way in the world.

Of course, you can step out after dark to look up at the stars yourself but to see all the wonders you’ll still need a telescope. Which is why I’d 100% recommend joining a tour where you can learn more about the solar system and see some incredible sights.

The tour we joined was brilliant. Our guide Felipe picked us up from our accommodation in the evening and took us to his telescope station just outside the town. Here he had a cosy set up with blankets, hot cocoa and biscuits surrounded by telescopes. Over the course of two hours we learned how ancient Andean people interpreted the stars, what we now understand with modern science and incredibly we were able to see Saturn’s rings and Jupiter with three of its moons in perfect clarity. This was honestly a mind-blowing couple of hours looking into the universe and I couldn’t recommend it and Felipe more!

Plus, he took the incredible photo you can see above of us with the milky way and a few more that we treasure. So make sure you book your stargazing trip if you want to see the planets for yourself and keep in mind the tips I shared earlier in this blog on the best times to go!

BOOK HERE: This was the incredible stargazing tour we took where we got the photo above and were able to see Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, the Milky Way and so many other stars. Book your spot here as far in advance as you can!

TOP TIP: Book your stargazing tour for the first day of your trip as if it has to be pushed back due to poor conditions, you’ll still have time!

Day 2: Cycle across Death & Moon Valley to get closer to ancient civilisations

On your second day, it’s time to head out into the desert. From cycling to hiking, here’s what I recommend…

Explore ancient Pukará de Quitor

As you head out of town and into the desert, your first stop should be to the ancient fortress, Pukará de Quitor. Built in the 12th century, this walled city was designed to protect the indigenous people inside from both rival peoples and European conquistadors.

It stayed under Incan rule until 1536 when after 20 years of fighting the Spanish finally took over the city. While it lay abandoned after that, it was built so well that the structure has survived to this day and you can now visit the site and climb a neighbouring hill for great views over the fortress. This high position also gives you beautiful views of the nearby volcano and back across to San Pedro.

It’s definitely worth a trip and the climb up the hill! Just note, you’re not permitted to enter any of the inside of the fortress, just to look at it from the outside but I think you can get enough of a sense of it from that.

To get to Pukará de Quitor, you have three options. You can take a taxi the 10 minutes outside town, walk 30 – 40 minutes there (which we did) or rent bikes for the day and cycle there as your first stop (about 8 minutes). While we walked there I would actually recommend cycling if you can. You’ll need a bike for the rest of the day so it makes sense to rent it in the town at the start of the day and cycle the short ride to the fort. We rented ours from Cicles Atacama and found the them to be really friendly and helpful and the bikes were good quality. But there’s also Ciclo Adventura Atacama which has fantastic reviews and is in the centre of town.

The fortress site is open every day from 8am to 6pm and you’ll need to buy an entrance ticket which is 5,000 CLP (about £4). They only accept card here so make sure you have one ready and not just cash.

Ride the twisting paths of Devil’s Throat

From Pukará de Quitor, your next stop is the epic Devil’s Throat. This is essentially about an hour’s hike or shorter bike ride up to a beautiful view point before getting an adrenaline rush riding back down through the deep ravine paths.

From Pukará de Quitor, the cycle to the entrance is only about 10 minutes. There you’ll need to pay an entrance fee that’s around $5 (sometimes more or less depending on the season) – it’s best to have cash for this too. At the start of the trail, you’ll find a map of the route with key landmarks plotted on and distances. So you can plan how far into the trail you want to go and where could be a good place to stop for lunch!

Plus, as there are no facilities in this area, I’d recommend stocking up on lunch supplies and snacks for the day. By the time you reach the view point here, you’ll be ready to refuel!

TOP TIP: Always take a quick photo of maps at the entrance of national parks like this so you can look back at them if you need to. This has saved me going the wrong way many times as you never know what the signage is like further on the path!

Cycle across epic Valle de la Luna or Valle de la Muerte

After a busy morning of activity, I’d recommend choosing either the so called Moon Valley or Death Valley to explore in the afternoon. As they’re both pretty large, exploring either on bike will still take at least a couple of hours so it’s best to pick just one unless you’re arriving by car.

So, how do you choose which is right for you? Here’s what you need to know… Firstly, Death Valley is much closer to central San Pedro, just 10 minutes cycle while Moon Valley takes closer to 30/40 minutes to cycle there (depending on how fast you cycle). So consider how much energy you have left for the journey.

When it comes to what to see and do there, Moon Valley follows a 5km trail through unique other-worldly rock formations, salt pans and some sand dunes. It’s an out and back trail with some hills and steep sections but doable for anyone of moderate fitness. You’ll be rewarded with some incredible views and the chance to experience a landscape forged four million years ago by changing tectonic forces. You can find the route map and main sights here.

Meanwhile, Death Valley has a main 3km up and back trail to a view point that looks over the area and Valle de la Luna but is surrounded by more big sand dunes that you can explore. This is a really unique experience and you can even join a sandboarding tour to enjoy a rush on the dunes! Sandboarding was one of my favourite things I did in Peru and if I went back to San Pedro, I’d definitely try sandboarding here too.

Sandboarding tours: You can find a highly rated sandboarding tour in Valle del la Muerte here. Just be sure to book well in advance as tours tend to book up early, especially in peak season.

There are also places to lock your bikes up at both parks so if you do want to hike sections rather than cycle, you can. Now the final consideration is probably cost as you have to pay an entrance fee for both. It costs about £4 to enter Valle de la Muerte (have both cash and a card in case their card machine isn’t working). Valle de la Luna costs around £11 for adults and you now have to buy your tickets in advance through their website here. Try to make sure you’ve bought them at least the day before you plan to visit.

TOP TIP: Make sure you pack enough water for the day as there are very few places to refill your bottle or buy more water. The same goes for food and snacks so plan ahead and pack enough. The sun also beats down out in these open areas so make sure you wear a hat and keep slapping on the SPF to avoid getting sun burned. I also chose to wear a long sleeved top and leggings to cover my skin more and appreciated this in the midday sun! Lastly, always try to find a little shade behind a rock for your snack, water or rest stops – it makes a big difference.

Catch sunset at stunning Mirador de Kari

On your way back into San Pedro, you could make one final stop to see the sun set over the desert. This is Mirador de Kari, a rocky outcrop that looks like it’s hanging over the desert floor. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views across the landscape and the nearby volcanoes bathed in orange and red light.

This is much closer to Valle de la Muerte and just 10 minutes cycle from San Pedro which is why it’s such a popular sunset spot. There is an entrance fee to get to the main site but if you already have a Valle de la Luna ticket, it’s included in your price so there’s no need to buy another. For those without a Moon Valley ticket it’s around £4 entry. Just make sure you enter before 8pm as this is the cut off point. Ideally aim to arrive around 7:30pm. This is the perfect way to end your day before you head back to town for some much deserved dinner!

Day 3: Visit smoking geysers & relax in hot springs

On your final day in the Atacama, it’s all about the watery wonders. Here are the top sights…

Marvel at El Tatio’s smoking geysers

North of San Pedro de Atacama you’ll find another natural wonder – El Tatio. This is a high elevation area of over 80 active geysers that shoot steaming water high into the air. With so many active sites, it’s the third largest geyser field in the world and at 4,320m elevation, it’s the highest geyser field in the world. So it’s a pretty special spot!

The geysers reach their peak activity between 5:30am and 7:30am when columns of water can hit 10 metres high. So expect a trip to El Tatio to be an early one! Whether you take a tour or rent a car to drive the 2ish hours to the site, you have to set off before sunrise. Just note, like the Baltinache Lagoon, the roads can be pretty bumpy along the way and at this time and elevation temperatures can dip as low as -20°C so wrap up warm for the journey.

But you can often warm up with a dip in the hot volcanic pools. Access depends on current conditions so pack swimming gear in case, you’ll be told when you arrive if you can swim or not.

If you’d rather join an organised tour, you can find a really well-reviewed option here that will take you to the geysers in time to enjoy a sunrise breakfast before exploring the area. On the way back you’ll also stop a Putana Valley to spot flamingos and other flora and fauna.

If you’d rather hire a car and drive yourself, you can absolutely do that. Especially as all the other tours leave at around the same time, it makes navigating to the geysers a little easier and most of the route follows one main route out of San Pedro (B245).

Just note, the park entrance fee is $15,000 CLP (about £12) and can only be paid in cash on site so make sure you have it to hand.

Sit back and relax at Puritama Hot Springs

If you want all the relaxation of hot volcanic pools without the long drive or you’re driving yourself and want to stop for an extra dip, head to Puritama. This is also just off the main B245 road from San Pedro, this time just 30 minutes drive outside of town.

Here you’ll find a collection of beautiful natural hot springs nestled between the rocks that are perfect for sitting back and relaxing. Their temperatures range from 28°C to 30°C and the waters are renowned for their mineral properties that are considered healing. The perfect way to end your stay in the Atacama Desert!

When it comes to planning your visit, the pools are open for a morning session and an afternoon session. If you’re coming from Et Tatio you’ll probably be passing in time for the morning session that runs from 9:30am to 12:30pm. If you’re coming from San Pedro, dodge the midday heat by heading to the afternoon session between 2pm and 5pm. Just be sure to book your tickets online in advance through their website here. You can also find more detail about their facilities, lockers and what to bring on their FAQs here.

There is also a shuttle service that runs to the hot springs if you’d rather not rent a car. You can book your place here.

Best places to eat & drink

To fuel your days of exploring and adventuring, you need the best food and drink. Here are my favourite spots in San Pedro de Atacama…

Franchuteria

This was hands down our absolute favourite spot in San Pedro. It’s a beautiful bakery and coffee house with delicious fresh bread, sandwiches, croissants and other sweet treats, as well as excellent coffee, fresh smoothies and incredible hot chocolate. Plus, the setting is lovely. The tables are mostly outside under pretty trees so you can soak up the sun and listen to the birds chip while you sip your cappuccino. Just be warned, this place is popular for a reason so get here earlier in the morning or before the lunchtime rush if you can.

In short, if you only visit one place in San Pedro, make it Franchuteria!

Emporio Andino

For more savoury bakes, head to one of the best empanada spots in town. This is Emporio Andino with a super cosy atmosphere and hearty comfort food that’s just what you need after a day of hiking.

Roots Café Pizza

For the best pizzas, choose quirky Roots Café. In this buzzing little spot you’ll find tasty fresh dishes in their rustic and arty space. With seating inside and out, head here if you’re craving some fruit and vegetables that can be harder to find in the desert. They also have a great gluten free menu if you have allergies.

Astro Burger Bar

For the best burgers in town, choose Astro. This fun spot is newer on the scene but already becoming a firm favourite with delicious juicy burgers and perfectly fried chips. The reviews speak for themselves!

Adobe

For more refined authentic Chilean food and a little taste of luxury, head to Adobe. Set around a beautiful courtyard lit by the stars and an open fire, you can dine on the finest local produce from ceviche and stews to quinoa risotto and lomo a la pobre. All while sipping a pisco sour!

Best places to stay

For the best night’s sleep, here are the top hostels, hotels and apartments for every budget…

Budget: Casa Voyage Hostel (dorm beds from £10 per night)

For travellers on a tighter budget, choose Casa Voyage Hostel. This bright, fun and Andean inspired hostel is set within a large 250 year old historic house with a central beautiful pool surrounded by trees to lounge by.

They offer female-only and mixed dorms as well as a small selection of private rooms so you can pick what works best for you. The friendly owners provide free tea, coffee and cereal for quick snacks but there’s also a full kitchen and BBQ area if you want to cook your own meals. With lots of cosy lounge spaces inside and out, this is the perfect spot to kick back and relax after a long day in the desert!

Mid-range: Domos Pujllai (from £86 per night)

For something a little more private (and even more unique), choose Domos Pujllai. These hand-built dome rooms are like little cosy cocoons with custom built furniture and fittings to perfectly fit the space. Each dome has it’s own bathroom, lounging area and rooftop terrace so you can watch the stars at night.

Positioned in the heart of San Pedro, the domes are also in a great location for exploring the town and having easy access to the main restaurants and shops. But if you do want to cook any of your own meals, there’s also a fully-equipped communal kitchen with dining tables. Overall, a truly unique stay you won’t forget!

Luxury: Casa Solcor Boutique Bed & Breakfast (from £207 per night including breakfast)

For ultimate indulgence, choose Casa Solcor. This boutique bed and breakfast oozes cool calm desert oasis with luxurious rooms set around their lush courtyard garden and bright blue pool.

Enjoy lazy afternoons here relaxing on loungers, having a massage in the hammam, sipping tea on your own private patio or watching the stars from around the fire pit. Plus, a super fresh and delicious breakfast is included in your stay as well as bikes to get around – what more could you want!?

What to pack & know before you go

As with any new destination, there are always quirks and differences that are helpful to know in advance for the best experience. Here are some key things to know about the Atacama Desert and packing tips for San Pedro before you go!

Prepare for the altitude: San Pedro de Atacama sits at 2,400m above sea level and visitable areas of the Atacama rise beyond that too. That’s high enough for some people to potentially experience some altitude sickness as there’s less oxygen in the air. While who is and isn’t affected is pretty random, there are things you can do to help your body acclimatise, especially if you’re heading on to even higher areas like the Bolivian salt flats afterwards.

Firstly, it’s key to stay hydrated. Your body dehydrates faster at higher altitude so you can help stave off headaches by drinking a little more water than you normally would. We just always carried our reusable water bottles filled up with bottled water to help us remember to drink.

Secondly, caffeine and alcohol can make symptoms worse so if you’re feeling a little out of breath and have a headache, steer clear of alcohol for a day or two. The same goes for physical activity – take it easy for the first day as you’ll probably notice it’s a little harder to walk fast or climb stairs (or mountains).

You can also drink cocoa leaf tea as the local people do or take an over the counter medicine called Diamox which helps your body adjust. I bought this from the travel clinic in the UK and took it every day in Atacama and all the while I was travelling at high altitude in Bolivia and Peru. I found it helped me acclimatise faster and I didn’t experience any altitude headaches, dizziness or nausea but it of course is down to personal choice.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional, this is my own personal experience. If you have symptoms of AMS, HACE or HAPE while at altitude, please seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Sun protection is key: At altitude, you’re also more exposed to the sun’s UV rays so protecting your skin is super important. Be sure to pack a cap and sunglasses and slap on the sun cream regularly to avoid getting burned!

It’s super dusty & dry (like most deserts 😂): Now this one might sound obvious but truly expect everything, and I mean everything to be covered in dust in San Pedro and beyond. Plus, as a lot of the buildings are made from adobe and the roads are usually not paved, there’s sand and dust being kicked up from all directions when cars drive past or the wind picks up.

Which can mean you’re constantly getting sand blown into your eyes and mouth as well as drying out your skin. So make sure you have sunglasses to protect your eyes and a thin buff is great for keeping dust out of your mouth and acting as a little filter. If you’re prone to dry skin like me, I’d also recommend packing a thick moisturiser and lip balm to avoid your skin looking like a lizard (lesson learned the hard way…).

It’s really cold at night: Again, like a lot of deserts – while the temperatures can be high in the day, it really cools down at night. After spending the day in leggings and a t-shirt at 22°C, I was layering on fleeces, an insulated jacket, wooly hat and gloves at night when the temperature dropped below 0°C.

So make sure you’re prepared for the colder nights, especially when you’re outside on your stargazing trip. Definitely pack a warmer jacket, hat, gloves and even a scarf to wrap around you. You can also continue wearing your buff to lock warmth in around your face.

Small town feel: While San Pedro is the major hub in the Atacama Desert, if you’re expecting a bustling city you might have a bit of a surprise. As I’ve mentioned throughout this blog, keep in mind that San Pedro is a pretty small and rural place that’s incomparable to Santiago or Valparaíso. Instead, expect to spend more of your time here relaxing at a desert café, soaking up the atmosphere and getting our into nature!

Don’t drink the tap water: Generally speaking the tap water in Chile is safe to drink in most parts of the country except the Atacama Desert. So if you’re happy to drink the tap water in Santiago for instance, make sure you switch back to bottled water when you arrive in the desert.

Carry some cash: Not all museums, parks or cafés take cards so make sure you have some cash with you for the trip. There are only two ATMs in the town and they both charge a withdrawal fee and on occasion run out of cash so get Chilean Pesos at Calama airport or in your previous destination. If you’re travelling across from Bolivia – you can change Bolivianos at many of the informal bureau de change in the town. Just be sure to agree a rate in advance and compare it to the international rate online.

How much a trip to the Atacama Desert costs

Last but by no means least, you’re probably wondering how much this bucket-list trip will cost. The good news is, while some of the experiences are a little bit of a splurge, the accommodation and food in San Pedro de Atacama is pretty affordable.

If like us you’re on a tight budget, expect to spend as little as £150 to £200 on a three day stay in San Pedro including accommodation and activities while cooking more of your own meals. If you’re looking for more luxury stays and to enjoy more meals out then expect to spend over £400 in your three days.

That’s a wrap on my ultimate tried and tested itinerary for the best three days in the Atacama Desert! This truly was one of my favourite places we travelled and I hope you love it as much as I did. If you have any other questions about visiting this area or wider Chile, please let me know in the comments box below. Happy travelling!

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