South America : Chile : North : San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atatcama is a town in Northern Chile. It is a very popular destination among chilean tourists and international visitors alike. Visitors come in large numbers to use the town as a stepping stone to the amazing landscapes around it. Prices in any of the laid back bars and restaurants compare with a normal western European city.

Travel to San_Pedro_de_Atacama, visa requirements

There are several buses per day to Calama (2 hours) and onwards to Antofagasta (4 hours). At the Calama airport you may rent a car, hire a Taxi, or buy a ticket for the shuttle bus (about 14.00 USD).

Get around

San_Pedro_de_Atacama attractions and sightseeing

City tours

Horseriding or cycling around San Pedro, but make sure you choose your ride leader from a stable and not one of the many agents in town. follow old Inca trails, sandstone canyons, cycle out to the valle de la luna
Dozens of identical firms will offer to whisk you off in a transit van or jeep to "take pictures" of the landscapes. Watch out for campsite owners trying to over charge you.

Shopping, San_Pedro_de_Atacama souvenirs

There is a kind of "city market" just beside Police Station in the main Plaza where you have the Church and Sermatur office. You can find almost anything on that market. If you are going to El Tatio and Lagunas Altiplanicas, you may want to buy some Coca tea to get yourself prepared for the altitude.

If you go all the way "inside the market" you'll end up in a street, turn left and a few meters away you find the Turbus office where you can buy tickets to Calama and where buses pick up passangers.

Good restaurants and cheap meals

San_Pedro_de_Atacama nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.

Hotels, youth hostels, lodging

Hostal Terracota - Tocopilla 517: is a good place with afordable prices and friendly owner. All rooms have private bathrooms. Give it a try.

Get out

Day trips

The following day trips are being offered by all of the local agencies. These locations are worth a visit, and it's hard to get there if you don't have your own car, so paying to go there in the mini-van is an option.

Salar de Atacama - a salt plain with flamingos, rather crowded because all minivans seem to arrive at the same time
Lagunas Altiplano - trip to two beautiful lakes in the altiplano at 4200m altitude
El Tatio - watch the sun rise at a geyser surrounded by the impressive andean landscape
Valle de la Luna - most agencies offer trips at sunset where you can only spend a short time in this amazin area. You'd better rent a bike to get there.

By car

Alternatively, rent a car in the town one stop before San Pedro (forgotten the name, it's the town where you can catch a train to Bolivia ... that'll be Calama). With a 4x4 you can visit some very remote sites with live volcanoes, the salt plains, geysers and hot springs. Bring a spare.

Be advised that you may end up in real trouble if your car breaks in the middle of nowhere. It may turn into a death risk situation.

It is pretty easy to get lost in the desert. Renting a car and going around all by your self is not for everyone.

By train

If the nearby salt plains appeal, take the 3 or 4 day train ride to Bolivia (bring warm clothes!). The amazing train is essentially a cargo train that carries a handful of Bolivian peasants between the coast and the altiplano, but it provides an incredible vista.

The train to Bolivia runs from Calama, 2 times a week. Visit FCA's (Ferro Carril Andino) web site for information on schedules and fees.

You should also remember that the Yellow Fever vaccine is needed to enter Bolivia.

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