What to Pack & Bring: San Pedro De Atacama

Layering Essentials

Pack clothing for varying temperatures and conditions:

Activity-Specific Attire

Consider specific attire for your planned adventures:

Specialized Clothing:

Hiking: Layered clothing, sturdy hiking pants.
Swimming (Hot Springs/Lagoon): Swimsuit, towel, flip-flops.
Stargazing: Warm layers, including a warm jacket, hat, and Gloves.
Casual clothing for around town.

Footwear Essentials

Hiking & Touring

Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good ankle support are suitable for uneven terrain, trails, and walking on salt flats.

Ankle support recommended.

Around Town

Comfortable walking sandals or Sneakers work well for navigating the town's unpaved streets and casual exploration.

Comfort is .

Hot Springs

Flip-flops or Water shoes are useful for Puritama Hot Springs and similar locations with wet or slippery surfaces.

For wet environments.

Required Documents

Your Travel Papers

Carry all essential documents for a smooth trip:

Original passport; digital and physical copies.
Travel insurance policy info (print and digital).
International Driving Permit (IDP) and domestic license (if renting car).
Vaccination record and medical information.

Printed and digital copies of reservations (accommodation, tours, flights).
Physical list of important contacts (family, embassy, insurance, local emergency).
Valid ISIC card (if applicable for discounts).
Keep documents in separate places.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Ensure your devices are ready for Chile:

Device Readiness:

Voltage: 220V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
Plug Type: Type C and L. A Type L Power adapter is necessary.
Local SIM cards from Entel, Movistar, WOM available (e.g. from Airalo).
Limited cell service outside San Pedro town center. Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Camera Gear

Capture the desert's beauty:

Photography Essentials also from B&H Photo:

DSLR or Mirrorless camera with good low-light performance.
Wide-angle lens for landscapes and night skies.
Sturdy tripod for long exposures and stargazing.
Extra batteries (cold weather drains them faster).
Dust-proof Camera bag.

Digital Aids & Backup

Portable Chargers

Portable chargers and power banks are useful for keeping devices charged during long tour days. A High-capacity power bank is recommended.

Recommended Apps

Download Google Maps (offline maps), Maps.me (offline maps), Google Translate (Spanish offline pack), and WhatsApp for communication. Check AccuWeather or a local weather app.

Backup Solutions

Use cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox for photos and documents. This provides a backup solution for your important files.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid Kit

Prepare a destination-specific First aid kit:

Kit Essentials from Adventure Medical Kits:

Pain relievers (e.g., Ibuprofen) for altitude-related headaches.
Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze for minor injuries.
Anti-diarrhea medication (e.g., Imodium).
Altitude sickness medication (if prescribed).
Blister treatment (e.g., Compeed blister pads).

Hydration & Hygiene

Maintain hydration and personal hygiene in the dry environment:

Essential Supplies:

High-SPF sunscreen and Lip balm with SPF.
Bottled water, or a Portable water filter for sustainability.
Personal toiletries; specific brands are harder to find.
Hand sanitizer for convenience.

Special Medications

Prescription Medications

Carry prescription medications in original packaging.
Include a doctor's note or prescription.
Consult a doctor about Diamox for altitude sickness.

Over-the-Counter Essentials

Cold or flu remedies, allergy medication, antacids.
Non-drowsy motion sickness tablets for winding roads.
Electrolyte packets for rehydration.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

For stability on uneven terrain:

Hiking poles are a useful addition.
Can be rented from local gear shops.
Enhances balance and reduces strain.
Important for diverse trails.

Stargazing Gear

To enhance your night sky experience:

Compact astronomy Binoculars.
A Headlamp with a red light option.
Most tours provide telescopes.
Bring warm layers for cold nights.

Specialty Items

Consider unique items for desert conditions:

A Dust mask or bandana for dusty roads.
Swimsuit for Puritama Hot Springs or Cejar Lagoon.
Oxygen tanks are often provided on high-altitude tours.
Bicycles are available for rent locally.

Gear Acquisition: Rent vs. Buy

Advantages of Renting

Cost-effective for single use or infrequent trips.
No need for transport or storage of bulky items.
Access to well-maintained, specialized gear.
Supports local businesses.

Considerations for Buying

Higher upfront cost.
Transport and baggage fees for personal gear.
Maintenance and storage after the trip.
Certain items are difficult or expensive to purchase locally.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Enhance your travel comfort and security:

Smart Additions:

Travel neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs for long rides.
Money belt or hidden pouch.
TSA-approved luggage locks.
A compact camera or smartphone with good camera for quick shots.

Sustainable Travel Items

Travel responsibly with these items:

Eco-Friendly Choices:

Reusable water bottle.
Reusable shopping bag.
Reusable utensils for meals on the go.
Support local businesses and minimize waste.

Region-Specific Items

High-Quality Sunglasses

Shield your eyes from intense desert sun and glare.

Moisturizer & Lip Balm

Combat extreme dryness for skin and lips.

Portable Power Bank

Keep devices charged during long tours.

Wide-Brimmed Hat

Additional sun protection for face and neck.

General Travel Tips

Smart Packing Strategies

Pack light and efficiently for easy movement.
Utilize layering for varying temperatures throughout the day.
Consider compression bags for bulky items.

Unexpected Item List

Saline nasal spray for dry air.
A good book for downtime.
Universal travel adapter, even if Chile-specific.

Pro Packing Advice

Categorize items by use (clothing, tech, health) for efficient packing and retrieval.

Roll clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles.

What to Pack & Bring