Be amazed by every single one of San Pedro de Atacama’s places
LANDSCAPES:
DESERT AND ALTIPLANO
Updated on 5 de January, 2026
Volcanoes, geysers, and lagoons in the Atacama Desert
4 DAYS
San Pedro de Atacama, the most vibrant oasis in the world’s driest desert, invites you on a journey of extreme contrasts. From pre-Inca fortresses and healing hot springs to high-altitude turquoise lagoons and gravity-defying geyser fields. Four days of mystical adventure amidst volcanoes, salt flats, and one of the clearest skies on the planet. Truly a bucket-list destination.
DISTANCE
510 km (316 mi)
DAYS
4 Days
DESTINATIONS
LANDSCAPES
Inicio del itinerario
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
History on Pedals: Pukará de Quitor and Devil's Gorge
San Pedro de Atacama has many incredible places within a few kilometers. In fact, some are so close that it’s best to get there on a bike. Like for example Pukará de Quitor, a pre-Inca fortress located just 3 km from San Pedro’s town center, where you can see the fort and typical dwellings of a native culture flourished in spite of the adverse weather conditions. And if you are more daring, ride your bike a little further, 23 km or 14 miles to the Quebrada del Diablo (Devil’s Gorge).
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
History on Pedals: Pukará de Quitor and Devil's Gorge
San Pedro de Atacama has many incredible places within a few kilometers. In fact, some are so close that it’s best to get there on a bike. Like for example Pukará de Quitor, a pre-Inca fortress located just 3 km from San Pedro’s town center, where you can see the fort and typical dwellings of a native culture flourished in spite of the adverse weather conditions. And if you are more daring, ride your bike a little further, 23 km or 14 miles to the Quebrada del Diablo (Devil’s Gorge).
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Oasis Relaxation: Puritama Hot Springs
After a day of touring on bike, you may need a day of rest and relaxation. Well, the Puritama Hot Springs are just 28 km (17 mi) from town. This unique place offers energizing and medicinal waters that invite you to soak in several pools, at staggered heights, flowing with sulphurous hot water, rich in minerals that will guarantee a relaxing day. A true paradise embraced by nature, this unique environment will give you an experience that will sooth all your senses.
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Oasis Relaxation: Puritama Hot Springs
After a day of touring on bike, you may need a day of rest and relaxation. Well, the Puritama Hot Springs are just 28 km (17 mi) from town. This unique place offers energizing and medicinal waters that invite you to soak in several pools, at staggered heights, flowing with sulphurous hot water, rich in minerals that will guarantee a relaxing day. A true paradise embraced by nature, this unique environment will give you an experience that will sooth all your senses.
Attractions included on this day
Day 3
The Altiplano: Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons
After a nice day of relaxation, let’s continue touring! This time we recommend going a little further, 115 km towards the Andes Mountains to visit the Miscanti and Miñiques High Plateau lagoons. These two wonders of nature, 4.300 meters above sea level, at the feet of two volcanoes with the same names, has a view that will take your breath away. Look carefully and pay attention, because on the way there you are likely to come across flamingos, foxes, Andean gulls and groups of vicuñas.
Attractions included on this day
Day 3
The Altiplano: Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons
After a nice day of relaxation, let’s continue touring! This time we recommend going a little further, 115 km towards the Andes Mountains to visit the Miscanti and Miñiques High Plateau lagoons. These two wonders of nature, 4.300 meters above sea level, at the feet of two volcanoes with the same names, has a view that will take your breath away. Look carefully and pay attention, because on the way there you are likely to come across flamingos, foxes, Andean gulls and groups of vicuñas.
Attractions included on this day
Day 4
El Tatio Geysers
And to close the day with a flourish, we recommend one of the most impressive attractions of San Pedro de Atacama: the Tatio Geysers. Please note that to go to the geysers you will have to leave before dawn travel 89 km from the town of San Pedro, to arrive with the first rays of sun. It’s a wonderful way to start an impressive day. Be amazed by the steam fumaroles jumping out from the ground at very high temperatures. You’ll love it!
Attractions included on this day
Day 4
El Tatio Geysers
And to close the day with a flourish, we recommend one of the most impressive attractions of San Pedro de Atacama: the Tatio Geysers. Please note that to go to the geysers you will have to leave before dawn travel 89 km from the town of San Pedro, to arrive with the first rays of sun. It’s a wonderful way to start an impressive day. Be amazed by the steam fumaroles jumping out from the ground at very high temperatures. You’ll love it!
What you should know
How to get there by air
El Loa Airport (CJC) in Calama is the closest terminal. it receives daily flights from Santiago (SCL) and other Chilean cities. Upon landing, you must take a transfer or bus to San Pedro de Atacama (100 km). The trip takes just over an hour on a paved road that offers your first stunning desert views.
How to get there by land
San Pedro is connected via Calama through Route 23. If traveling from Santiago, the journey is approximately 20 hours (1,670 km) along Route 5 North. High-end “bus cama” (sleeper buses) are recommended for comfort. To move around the desert, you can rent a 4×4 vehicle or use the numerous local tour operators available in town.
Climate and clothing
Desert climate with extreme temperature swings. Hot days (25°C-30°C) and freezing nights, especially at high altitudes (below 0°C). Dress in layers (“onion style”), use trekking shoes, a hat, and high-factor sunscreen. Do not forget heavy thermal clothing for the Geysers.
Must-Know Tips
Purchase your park tickets online several days in advance, as capacity is strictly limited in 2026. Stay hydrated constantly to combat “puna” (altitude sickness) and avoid alcohol on your first night. Carry cash in Chilean pesos, as card signals can be unreliable. High-quality sunglasses are essential due to the intense salt flat reflection.
