This guide includes: 
- The basics 
- Climate 
- Getting there and getting around 
- Where to stay 
- What to pack 
- Top things to do 
- Sample 3-day itinerary 
- Fun facts 

Chile

Atacama, Chile

South America

Complete Guide To The Atacama Desert

Boasting surreal terrain, breathtaking views, and untouched wilderness, the Atacama Desert in northern Chile offers a paradise for hikers, photographers, nature and wildlife lovers, and individuals seeking tranquil relaxation. To ensure smooth and effortless planning, I have curated a detailed guide covering everything you need to know and more. The following guide includes:

- Basic Information including signal/internet connectivity, electricity, currency, and language 

Atacama Desert Interactive Google Map

- A few fun facts about the Atacama Desert 

Due to it being a vast and sparsely population region, signal and internet connectivity in the Atacama Desert can be unpredictable. Consequently, the remote nature of this region means that a stable internet connection can never be guaranteed during your visit. In preparation for your trip, I recommend downloading the entire region on Google Maps, thus ensuring you can always find your way to your destination or back to your accommodation. You can download regions to be used offline on Google Maps by following the steps below: 

1.   Download and open the Google Maps app and tap on your profile icon   

2. Select "offline maps" as indicated by a cloud with a line crossing 

3. To download a new region, tap the "select your own map" option and 

     move the map so that the desired region fills the blue square outline

If you are travelling to Chile from the United States, other parts of South America, or parts of Asia, your electrical appliances, such as hairdryers and curling irons, will not function properly due to the voltage difference. To ensure your appliances work smoothly, it is important to purchase a voltage converter or consider purchasing dual-voltage appliances.

Chilean outlets are typically Type C (two-pin Europlug) and/or Type L (three-pin plugs). Consequently, you might need to purchase an adaptor if your electronic devices are designed for alternative plug types. Universal adaptors can easily be found on Amazon, in travel stores, or in airports, and these ensure you are able to charge your devices wherever you travel to. 

The official currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso. While most services and stores accept major credit cards, it is a good idea to carry cash for tips (typically around 10%). As of May 2024, here are the approximate currency exchange rates: 

1 Chilean Peso = 0.00011 USD   0.0015 CAD   0.00087 GBP   0.0010 EUR

The official language of Chile is Spanish, however, most individuals in the town centre, hotels, and tourist attractions speak English relatively well. Knowing a few phrases and words in Spanish can be beneficial to your visit. The following are some examples: 

Good morning → Buenos días (BWEH-nos DEE-as) 

Good night → Buenos noches (BWEH-nos NOH-chess)

I don't understand → Yo no entiendo (no hen-TYEN-doh)

The cheque/bill = La cuenta (lah KWEN-tah) 

Aside from the polar regions, the Atacama Desert is the driest place on Earth, receiving less than 1mm of precipitation each year. Despite being a desert, the region experiences a relatively mild climate in comparison to other deserts around the world. During the summer months of January, February, and March, temperatures range between 27°C (81°F) and 16°C (61°F), which is typically experienced during the night. During the winter months (June, July, and August), temperatures range from 22°C (72°F) during the day to as low as 4°C (39°F). Sunscreen is critical when visiting the Atacama Desert. Due to its high altitude and often cloudless conditions, this region frequently experiences UV levels of 10 and above. The average highs and lows for each month in the Atacama Desert can be found in the table below

Due to its popularity and isolated nature of this region, accommodation can be particularly expensive in the Atacama Desert. Fortunately, there are many accommodation options, ranging from camping and hostels to luxurious boutique hotels. 

When travelling to San Pedro de Atacama, individuals commonly opt for two main routes. The first option involves flying into the nearby city of Calama, which is accessible via domestic flights from Santiago, La Serena, and Concepcion. Given that Santiago is the main international gateway to Chile, this is the most common starting point for travellers. Numerous daily flights from Santiago to Calama are provided by airlines like Sky Airline, JetSMART, and LATAM Airlines and have a duration of approximately two hours. From Calama airport, travellers have the option to rent a car for the ~100 km (~ 62 miles) drive to San Pedro de Atacama, arrange a transfer through official companies/your accommodation, or take an $18 USD shuttle into town. 

The second option entails arriving from Bolivia as part of a combined tour with the Uyuni Salt Flats. Daily buses depart form Avenida Cabrera, Uyuni at 5:30AM and 12:30PM, with the entire journey to San Pedro lasting between 9 and 11 hours. Travellers can expect stops at both the Bolivian and Chilean immigration checkpoints, where entry stamps are issued. It is important to retain the Chile entry visa slip as you will be required to hand it back when exiting Chile. The buses, operated by Cruz del Norte and Trans Salvador, offer semi lie-flat seating and amenities such as TVs, heating, fans, and bathrooms, with one-way tickets priced between $30 and $40 USD. Bus tickets from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama can be purchased in advance from here: 

Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama Bus Tickets 

Exploring San Pedro de Atacama's downtown area can easily be explored by foot, and rental bikes are readily available from various companies. However, the main attractions are located beyond the city centre and require either renting a car or booking a guided tour. Public transport options are very limited, and ride-sharing services such as Uber are not available, necessitating reliance on tour operators or rental cars for transportation. Both renting a car and joining tours offer advantages and drawbacks.

Opting for a rental car allows flexibility in setting departure times, determining the duration of stops, and selecting attractions to visit. However, navigating the potholes and rough dirt roads of the Atacama may pose a challenge and you might therefore feel more comfortable with the guidance of an experienced tour guide. Conversely, participating in a guided tour may constrain scheduling flexibility but provides invaluable insights into the unique landscapes, wildlife, and culture of the Atacama Desert. 

Given the rugged conditions of the Atacama's roads, it is crucial to rent a larger vehicle with 4WD capability if opting for self-guided exploration 

Hostel options in the Atacama Desert include, but are not limited to, Hostel Rural, Sol Atacama Hostel, Backpackers San Pedro, Rural La Florida, and Hostal Iquisa. Mid-range hotels include Terrantai, Desertica, Kimal, and Don Tomas. 

Each of the following luxury accommodation options provide a unique way to experience the beauty and serenity of the Atacama Desert, ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay: 

Packing for a trip to the Atacama Desert is relatively simple. As mentioned above, the Atacama Desert, like all other deserts, can experience fairly low temperatures at night. This is important to remember when deciding what to pack, especially if you plan on going on a stargazing tour or visiting attractions such as the El Tatio Geysers, which are located at high altitudes. The pleasantly mild temperatures of the Atacama Desert mean you can comfortably wear short sleeves throughout the day before adding a layer or two at night. In addition to your everyday items, the following list includes items I would suggest packing for your trip to the Atacama Desert: 

- One or two layers (light hoodie/sweater or lightweight athleisure-style jacket) 

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

- Sandals/comfortable shoes for walking around hotel and hot springs 

- Pants that are comfortable for both walking and spending time in the    car

- Altitude sickness medication if needed 

The Atacama Desert, known for its minimal light pollution, is one of the best destinations on earth for stargazing enthusiasts. Numerous tour companies provide guided stargazing tours, and select hotels feature on-site observatories with complementary sessions for guests. It is, however, worth noting that some tour operators suspend activities during full moon phases, but guests staying at certain hotels may still enjoy stargazing opportunities on-site. Although stargazing is accessible year-round, optimal viewing conditions often occur between October and November. San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations (SPACE) is highly recommended for its comprehensive tours, equipped with 15 telescopes (advance booking is recommended) 

Star Tours

The following is a laid-back 3-day sample itinerary for the Atacama Desert. The itinerary allows for morning excursions, avoiding harsh UV rays, and mostly free afternoons to enjoy at your hotel or exploring the town of San Pedro de Atacama. This Atacama is also designed with those in mind who have rented their own car and are visiting the sites on their own as opposed to with guided tours 

Start your day early, reserving the earliest ticket available for the Lagunas Miscanti & Miniques. These sister lagoons offer beautiful and peaceful landscapes as well as grazing vicunas. It is important to remember that tickets for Lagunas Altiplanicas and Piedras Rojas cannot be bought upon arrival. Individuals who have bought their tickets online in advance are also required to stop in the town of Socaire one hour prior to your selected time in order to receive a physical copy of your ticket(s) 

The Atacama Desert is the driest, non-polar desert in the world → This region, located between the Andes mountains and the Chilean coast, receives very little rainfall, averaging just 1mm of rainfall each year. However, every 5-7 years, intense rainfall results in a blanket of purple wildflowers 

Set out early on day 1, aiming to arrive at Laguna Escondidas de Baltinache right as it opens in order to take in the turquoise blue waters without the chaos and noise of other visitors. Whether you choose to swim here or just take in the beauty of these lagoons, you can expect to spend 1-2 hours here before moving on to the next site 

Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport

El Loa Airport

Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa - $$$$

Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa - $$$$

Explora Atacama - $$$$

Awasi Atacama - $$$$$

Our Habitas Atacama - $$$

CUATRO AVES: • Flamenco andino • Flamenco de James • Piuquén DOS MAMÍFEROS: • Vicuña • Zorro Culeo

Buy Piedras Rojas Tickets Here

Piedras Rojas

Laguna Chaxa

El Tatio

Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache

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Complete Guide To The Atacama Desert

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