We want to recommend three must-do activities in San Pedro de Atacama: indigenous tourism, astrotourism, and mountain tourism.
These experiences will allow you to connect deeply with Lickanantay wisdom, the secrets of the cosmos, and the grandeur of the Andes Mountains, transforming your trip to this oasis in the world’s driest desert into a lifelong memory.
1. Astrotourism
Imagine stargazing under the clearest skies in the world. Extreme aridity, low light pollution, and high altitude make San Pedro de Atacama an excellent place for astrotourism and discovering the secrets of space. It’s no wonder powerful observatories like ALMA have been set up nearby.
While stargazing, guides will tell you about the Andean worldview and provide telescopes to observe the stars in depth.
2. Indigenous tourism
Just outside the town center, you’ll find the ayllus, ancestral agricultural oases where you can share experiences with the Lickanantay people, better known as the Atacameños.
You can go on ancestral treks, delve into the secrets of their medicinal herbs, learn about their worldview, and taste their unique cuisine featuring products like camelid meat, capia corn, and chañar. Discover a deep connection with the Earth, where the Atacama Desert isn’t a hostile place, but a home.
3. Mountain tourism
In San Pedro de Atacama, you’ll find mountain tourism experiences that allow you to discover the landscapes hidden within the peaks of the Chilean Altiplano.
From Cerro Toco for beginners to Láscar Volcano for the experienced, it’s an activity that will leave you with an unforgettable memory due to the challenge and preparation involved. Keep in mind that the Andes reach some of the highest altitudes in the world!
You can check at the Sernatur office located in front of the main square in San Pedro de Atacama or search directly through Sernatur’s registered services.
The best way is to fly to Calama and then travel the rest of the way by land. Find out more in our post dedicated to this mystical town.
