San Pedro De Atacama: Desert Landscapes and Starry Skies

San Pedro De Atacama is considered the gateway to the driest desert in the world. Around the town, strikingly shaped landscapes offer special insights into the region’s nature, culture, and history.

Desert Formations and Andean Landscapes

In Valle de la Luna, near San Pedro de Atacama, wind and time have shaped dunes, craters, and sharp ridges. Salt and rock formations also define the landscape. The valley is 15 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama, along Ruta 23. You can reach it by private vehicle, bicycle, or as part of a guided tour—three different ways to explore the area.

Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos covers 73,986.50 hectares and is located in the municipality of San Pedro de Atacama, in El Loa Province in the Región de Antofagasta. Trail Duna Mayor is in Sector 6 of the protected area: it is 919 meters long and takes 45 to 60 minutes to complete. These specific details can help you fit a visit to the trail into your day’s plans.

Meteorites, Crafts, and Starry Skies

Museo del Meteorito is dedicated to meteorites that have fallen in the Atacama Desert. Its collection includes more than 6,700 pieces and is among the largest in the world; 77 particularly significant meteorites are on display. The museum is three blocks north of Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama. In the sensory area, a personal guide demonstrates how to tell meteorites apart from terrestrial rocks. The visit thus combines an extensive collection with an engaging, hands-on introduction to the subject.

Pueblo de Artesanos offers a wide range of handicrafts, including wool clothing, woven and knitted goods, goldsmithing, ceramics, sculptures, mosaics, and paintings. There are also items made from stone and cactus wood, as well as leather clothing and shoes. Since 1993, Agrupación de Artesanos Licancabur has been dedicated to promoting arts and crafts in San Pedro de Atacama.

The night sky is another of the town’s special experiences. San Pedro de Atacama offers astrotourism and the chance to observe one of the clearest skies in the world. If you are interested in stargazing, you can take this into account when planning your trip, alongside day trips and cultural discoveries.

Traditions and Regional Cuisine

Feria Costumbrista Ckunsa Ckapar is organized every month by Fundación de Cultura and the municipality. Visitors can learn about traditional techniques there, from making textiles to preparing local foods. The fair thus offers insight into both handicrafts and the region’s culinary traditions. Another annual event takes place in San Pedro de Atacama on June 29; it arose from the syncretism of the Andean peoples.

Destinations Around San Pedro de Atacama

Géiseres del Tatio lies in the Andes at an altitude of more than 4,300 meters and reveals the region’s volcanic energy. Tours from San Pedro de Atacama depart at around 4:00 a.m. The drive along the gravel Ruta B-245 covers about 80 kilometers and takes approximately an hour and a half. If you plan to visit, be sure to factor the early start into your travel plans.

Termas de Puritama offer a different kind of nature experience. The eight natural pools are fed by thermal water at around 33 °C, which is said to have therapeutic properties and an invigorating effect. From San Pedro de Atacama, Ruta B-245 leads there in a northeasterly direction. The route is 30 kilometers long and takes about 40 minutes by car. This gives you a choice between different kinds of excursions: a high-altitude Andean destination or thermal pools.

To get there, Ruta 23 runs 100 kilometers from El Loa Airport in Calama to San Pedro de Atacama; the drive takes about an hour and a half. Public visits to Observatorio ALMA are currently suspended, and work is underway to resume them. This information is important for planning your excursions if a visit to the observatory is among your travel ideas.

For the broader travel overview: El Loa Province.