San Pedro de Atacama stands out as a captivating destination, enchanting visitors with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It's a place where the past and present intertwine, offering a unique experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Described as a gateway to the desert and the Atacama plateau, San Pedro de Atacama is a region that welcomed its first inhabitants over 11,000 years ago, and it’s like no other place in Chile. Visitors often describe the landscape as extraterrestrial, akin to scenes long depicted in movies.
How to Get to San Pedro de Atacama? To reach San Pedro de Atacama, you first need to travel to the city of Calama, home to the El Loa Airport. From there, you can rent a MITTA car and take a comfortable 100 km drive to San Pedro.
If this is your first trip to San Pedro de Atacama, here are some key spots you can’t miss and helpful tips to make your visit more enjoyable. Keep reading!
What to Do in San Pedro de Atacama?
Start Your Journey in San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama, declared a "Typical Zone" in 1980, is the perfect starting point for exploring the Atacama plateau. You’ll find everything you need for your adventure, from accommodation options and bicycle rentals to cafes, restaurants, stores, and ATMs.
The town’s narrow streets, continuous facades, and stone and adobe buildings have been declared Historical Monuments and stand the test of time. One such landmark is the Church of San Pedro de Atacama, built in 1557 and located in the main square.
You'll also find artisan fairs with local products, gift shops, cafes, and spots to enjoy the altiplanic cuisine, which is primarily cooked in solar ovens with local ingredients like quinoa, llama meat, patasca, and rabbit.
Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos
Created in 1990, the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos protects endangered wildlife such as culpeo foxes, vicuñas, pumas, tamarugo trees, and carob trees. Covering over 70,000 hectares, the reserve is divided into different sectors, each offering distinct landscapes and attractions.
Some of the stunning landscapes in Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos include the Salar de Atacama and the Valle de la Luna. The latter is known for its salt formations and incredible erosion patterns caused by the wind.
Tours and excursions to the reserve are available from San Pedro de Atacama, but you can also visit with your own vehicle. The reserve is open year-round, and depending on the conditions, hiking can be done in all areas with the guidance of park rangers who provide information on trails and observation spots.
Tourism in San Pedro de Atacama: Travel Tips
While San Pedro de Atacama has everything you need to make your trip comfortable, it’s always helpful to take advice from other travelers. Here are some tips:
- Get up early: Distances can be long, and many excursions start early to take advantage of the hours before sunset when the temperature drops significantly. Several attractions, like Valle de la Luna, close early.
- Always carry cash: Some places and tourist sites don't accept cards. There are ATMs in San Pedro, but they are limited and often in high demand, so it’s good to withdraw enough in advance.
- Consider traveling in winter: The crowds are smaller, and you can explore at a leisurely pace without congestion. However, some places may close during this time, especially due to snow, so be sure to check beforehand.
- Buy tickets online in advance: Whether for tourist sites or excursions, buying tickets ahead of time saves you from waiting in line or rushing from one place to another.
Car Rental in San Pedro de Atacama
If you prefer to travel at your own pace, safely and comfortably, MITTA Rent a Car offers a variety of vehicles and services for your trip to San Pedro de Atacama. You can get a quote and book your vehicle online, then pick it up at MITTA’s Calama locations. With MITTA, your trip to San Pedro will be unforgettable!