San Pedro de Atacama: Romance, adventure, and relaxation in the heart of the desert
LANDSCAPES:
DESERT AND ALTIPLANO
Updated on 21 de July, 2026
Unforgettable experiences in the driest desert
3 TO 5 DAYS
San Pedro de Atacama combines romance, adventure, and relaxation in an extreme and fascinating setting. This five-day itinerary takes you through valleys, hot springs, geysers, and desert lagoons, bringing together cultural experiences, surreal landscapes, and outdoor activities—ideal for those looking to unplug, connect with nature, and enjoy unique skies all year round.
SEASON
ACTIVITIES
Inicio del itinerario
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Sunsets in surreal landscapes
On the first day, you’ll visit a magical place called Vallecito. It’s located in the Cordillera de la Sal, just like the Valley of the Moon, so you can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world in a dreamlike setting. There’s an old abandoned bus on site where you can take amazing photos.
To wrap up the day, there’s nothing better than dinner at one of the local restaurants, with traditional dishes and, at times, live music. Enjoy must-try options for every taste!
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Sunsets in surreal landscapes
On the first day, you’ll visit a magical place called Vallecito. It’s located in the Cordillera de la Sal, just like the Valley of the Moon, so you can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world in a dreamlike setting. There’s an old abandoned bus on site where you can take amazing photos.
To wrap up the day, there’s nothing better than dinner at one of the local restaurants, with traditional dishes and, at times, live music. Enjoy must-try options for every taste!
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Hot Springs and Hiking
The second day is all about rest and relaxation. Located 30 km north of San Pedro and at 3,475 meters above sea level, you’ll find the Puritama Hot Springs. Their waters, which naturally emerge from the earth at an approximate temperature of 33°C, will soothe your body and spirit, surrounded by the striking landscapes of the driest desert in the world.
After this relaxing moment, you’ll be ready for a hike. It’s a 7 km trek where you’ll walk through the Río Salado tunnel, surrounded by huge red rock walls, where the Salado and Grande rivers meet to form the San Pedro River. You’ll have to walk through the water as you observe the petroglyphs carved into the rocks.
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Hot Springs and Hiking
The second day is all about rest and relaxation. Located 30 km north of San Pedro and at 3,475 meters above sea level, you’ll find the Puritama Hot Springs. Their waters, which naturally emerge from the earth at an approximate temperature of 33°C, will soothe your body and spirit, surrounded by the striking landscapes of the driest desert in the world.
After this relaxing moment, you’ll be ready for a hike. It’s a 7 km trek where you’ll walk through the Río Salado tunnel, surrounded by huge red rock walls, where the Salado and Grande rivers meet to form the San Pedro River. You’ll have to walk through the water as you observe the petroglyphs carved into the rocks.
Attractions included on this day
Day 3
Geysers and Stars
It’s time to discover one of the must-sees: the Tatio Geysers, where water and steam burst powerfully from deep within the earth. They sit at over 4,000 meters above sea level, making them the highest in the world. The trip takes about an hour and a half, and its peak moment—when the jets reach up to 10 meters high—is between 5:30 and 7:00 AM, so you’ll need to be ready to set off before dawn.
You’ll have the unique opportunity to take a pottery class with renowned artist Fernando Alfaro, where you can learn more about Atacameño culture. At night, it’s time for stargazing under one of the world’s most famous skies, known for the quality of its views.
Attractions included on this day
Day 3
Geysers and Stars
It’s time to discover one of the must-sees: the Tatio Geysers, where water and steam burst powerfully from deep within the earth. They sit at over 4,000 meters above sea level, making them the highest in the world. The trip takes about an hour and a half, and its peak moment—when the jets reach up to 10 meters high—is between 5:30 and 7:00 AM, so you’ll need to be ready to set off before dawn.
You’ll have the unique opportunity to take a pottery class with renowned artist Fernando Alfaro, where you can learn more about Atacameño culture. At night, it’s time for stargazing under one of the world’s most famous skies, known for the quality of its views.
What you should know
How to get there by air
The main air access is Calama’s El Loa Airport (CJC), with regular flights from Santiago (SCL). From Calama, San Pedro de Atacama is about 100 kilometers away, a journey you can make by rental car, transfer, or authorized tourist services, crossing the iconic landscape of the Atacama Desert.
How to get there by land
From Calama, you can reach San Pedro de Atacama via Route 23, which is fully paved. It’s also possible to arrive from Antofagasta or Iquique via intercity routes and regular buses. To visit nearby attractions, a private vehicle or organized tours are recommended, as many roads are gravel and cross isolated areas.
Climate and clothing
The climate is desert, with hot days and cold nights year-round. Light clothing is recommended for daytime, warm layers for the afternoon, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and constant sun protection.
Must-Know Tips
Stay well hydrated, carry cash for areas without ATMs, and respect attraction hours and rules. Book authorized tourism services, consider travel insurance, and adjust the pace of activities to the altitude to avoid discomfort.
