Activities & Experiences: San Pedro De Atacama

Outdoor Adventures

The Atacama Desert is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with diverse landscapes for a variety of physical pursuits.

Hiking & Trekking

Easy Routes

Pukará de Quitor: A short, easy hike around the ruins with historical views. Valley of the Moon: Walking on dunes and through caves is an option, though some parts can be moderately challenging.

Moderate Trails

Catarpe Valley: Cycling or walking along the riverbed offers scenic views. Guatin Puritama Trek: This trail follows a river and leads to the hot springs. A guide can assist with this trek.

Challenging Ascents

Volcano Climbing: Ascents of active and inactive volcanoes like Lascar or Licancabur are highly demanding. They require a specialized guide, proper gear, and excellent fitness. These expeditions are for experienced mountaineers.

Water & Adventure Sports

Floating in Laguna Cejar or Ojos del Salar: The high salinity allows for effortless floating. Check current regulations, as swimming in Laguna Cejar is often restricted due to environmental protection.
Soaking in Puritama Hot Springs: Relax in the natural thermal pools, a relaxing experience after desert tours.
Sandboarding: Ride down the dunes in Valle de Marte (Death Valley). Specific tours offer this activity. Find Sandboarding Experiences
Mountain Biking: Rent a bike and explore nearby valleys, like the Catarpe Valley, or try trails in the Valley of the Moon. Check with rental shops for suitable routes.

Wildlife Encounters

Flamingo Watching: See flamingos at Laguna Chaxa in Salar de Atacama, or at the Altiplanic Lagoons.
Vicuñas, Guanacos, Foxes, Vizcachas: These animals are often seen during high-altitude tours or in remote areas.
Bring binoculars for better viewing.

Cycling Routes

Catarpe Valley Loop: Relatively flat and scenic, passing Pukará de Quitor.
Valley of the Moon: Some trails are suitable for mountain biking.
Rent a mountain bike from local shops in San Pedro.

Guided Tours

Most outdoor adventures are accessible through organized tours from San Pedro.
Tours provide transportation, guides, and often meals or snacks.
Book tours in advance, especially during peak season.

Safety Warning for Volcano Climbing

Volcano climbing is for highly experienced mountaineers only. It has inherent risks due to altitude, extreme weather, and difficult terrain. Always use certified guides and proper equipment.

Cultural Immersion & Relaxation

San Pedro de Atacama provides avenues for cultural understanding and quiet moments of rest and rejuvenation amidst the desert landscape.

Cultural Connections

Workshops & Classes: Formal workshops are limited. Some lodges or local initiatives might offer informal cooking or craft demonstrations. Inquire at your accommodation.
Cultural Performances: Occasional traditional music or dance performances occur in the main square during local festivals. Check local listings upon arrival.
Community-Based Tourism: These tours foster direct interaction and understanding with local communities.
Cultural Festivals: Local religious festivals, like Fiesta de San Pedro y San Pablo in late June, and national holidays are celebrated, offering a chance to experience local traditions.

Relaxation & Wellness

Spa & Wellness Centers

Many higher-end lodges (Explora, Tierra Atacama, Alto Atacama) have excellent spa facilities. Some independent massage and wellness services are available in town.

Hot Springs & Natural Therapy

Puritama Hot Springs offers the main natural hot spring experience. Soak in the mineral-rich waters for relaxation.

Yoga & Meditation

A few smaller, independent centers may offer yoga classes or short retreats. Inquire locally for current offerings.

Entertainment & Nightlife

San Pedro is not a party destination. Nightlife is limited. A few restaurants and bars occasionally feature live local music. Most places close by midnight.

Bar Scene

Caracoles Street has several bars and pubs for drinks and socializing. Very limited options for nightclubs or dancing.

Evening Highlight: Stargazing

The main activity after dark is stargazing. This offers an unique kind of entertainment, with many tours available.

Shopping & Markets

San Pedro de Atacama offers unique shopping experiences, with a focus on local handicrafts and regional products.

Local & Artisan Crafts

Traditional Markets: The main artisan market, Feria Artesanal, is near the central plaza. It has a variety of handicrafts.
Artisan Workshops: Smaller shops and individual artisans sell crafts, including textiles, ceramics, and jewelry made with local stones.
Ethical Shopping: Purchase directly from local artisans to promote fair wages. Inquire about the origin of materials.
Avoid: Do not purchase items made from protected or endangered species.

Souvenir Recommendations

Wool Products

Alpaca or llama wool products: sweaters, scarves, ponchos. Check for genuine wool versus synthetic materials.

Local Stone Jewelry

Lapis Lazuli (Chile's national stone, mostly mined further south but sold here), Atacamite, and turquoise jewelry are available.

Other Items

Cactus wood items (sculptures, picture frames from local cardon cactus wood), handwoven textiles (bags, wall hangings), and packaged quinoa products.

Shipping & Luxury Shopping

Small Purchases

Most small purchases fit into luggage, making them easy to transport home.

Larger Items

For larger items, inquire about shipping options from vendors. Direct international shipping can be expensive.

Luxury & Boutique

Luxury and boutique shopping is mainly available within luxury lodges or select boutique shops on Caracoles Street.

Adventure Planning & Safety

When planning outdoor activities, safety is paramount. The desert environment presents unique challenges. Be prepared and choose reliable services.

Altitude Acclimatization

Allow 1-2 days in San Pedro town before high-altitude tours (e.g., El Tatio Geysers, Altiplanic Lagoons).
Drink plenty of water and coca tea.
Rest during your first day.
Avoid heavy meals and alcohol on arrival.

Responsible Travel

Leave No Trace

Carry out all trash, including organic waste. The desert ecosystem is fragile.

Wildlife Observation

Observe animals from a distance. Do not feed them or disturb their natural behaviors.

Cultural Respect

Respect local customs, traditions, and private property when visiting communities.

Sun Protection

The desert sun is intense at high altitude. Use high SPF sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself.

Layered Clothing

Temperatures fluctuate significantly between day and night, and across different altitudes. Dress in layers to adapt to changes.

Footwear

Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for outdoor excursions.
Open-toed shoes are not suitable for most desert activities.

Emergency Preparedness

Stay Hydrated

Carry plenty of water on all tours and outings. Dehydration is a risk in the dry desert.
Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.
Monitor your fluid intake throughout the day.

Inform Others

Inform your accommodation of your itinerary if you are going on a self-guided excursion.
Carry a fully charged phone, though reception can be unreliable in remote areas.
Have offline maps and emergency contact numbers available.

Medical Services

San Pedro de Atacama has basic medical services. For serious emergencies, evacuation to Calama or Antofagasta might be needed. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation is highly recommended.

Activity Planning Summary

Daily Considerations

Morning Tours: Many iconic tours (e.g., El Tatio) start very early.
Afternoon Tours: Valley of the Moon and other sunset spots are popular afternoon trips.
Evening: Stargazing tours are a common nighttime activity.
Acclimatization: Plan for a full day of low activity upon arrival before strenuous tours.

General Recommendations

Group Tours: Most convenient way to visit distant attractions.
Self-Guided: Possible for closer sites like Pukará de Quitor or within town.
Balance: Mix adventure with relaxation (e.g., hot springs) to prevent fatigue.
Flexibility: While planning is good, allow for spontaneous activities based on local recommendations or weather.

Activities & Experiences San Pedro de Atacama