San Pedro de Atacama is considered the gateway to the driest desert in the world. The town combines a protected Pueblo and a diverse range of cultural activities with nighttime astrotourism; nearby are scenic destinations with different travel and timing considerations. When planning your trip, a helpful first question is therefore whether you mainly want to explore the town or plan several excursions into the surrounding area.
Meteorites, Local History and Handicrafts
Three blocks north of the Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama is the Museo del Meteorito. According to the museum, its collection of more than 6,700 meteorites that fell in the Atacama Desert area is among the largest in the world. Seventy-seven particularly significant specimens are on display; collection figures may change as the collection develops. In the sensory area, a personal guide demonstrates how to distinguish meteorites from terrestrial rocks.
The town's history can also be traced through specific dates: the Pueblo de San Pedro de Atacama was declared a Zona TÃpica on March 28, 1980. A further decree on July 15, 1994, expanded the protected area. Those interested in local crafts can find wool clothing, woven and knitted goods, goldsmithing, ceramics, sculptures, mosaics and paintings, among other things, at the Pueblo de Artesanos. The selection also includes crafts made from stone and cactus wood, as well as leather clothing and shoes. Since 1993, the Agrupación de Artesanos Licancabur has been dedicated to promoting art and handicrafts in San Pedro de Atacama.
Local Culture and the Night Sky
As of September 2024, the Feria Costumbrista Ckunsa Ckapar was organized monthly by the Fundación de Cultura and the municipality. Visitors can learn about traditional techniques, from making textiles to preparing local foods. Check the current event date before your trip. Another cultural date to note is June 29: an event born of the syncretism of Andean peoples takes place in San Pedro de Atacama every year.
At night, San Pedro de Atacama also offers astrotourism and the opportunity to observe one of the clearest skies in the world. Cultural experiences in town can thus be combined with an activity beneath the night sky; both are worth considering when deciding what to focus on during your trip.
Landscapes and Excursions in the Surrounding Area
Valle de la Luna is 15 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama, along Ruta 23. You can get there by private vehicle, bicycle or as part of a guided tour. Wind and time have shaped dunes, craters, sharp ridges, and formations of salt and rock. The different ways of getting there offer a practical planning consideration, without prescribing a specific length of visit.
Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos is located in the municipality of San Pedro de Atacama, in El Loa Province, Región de Antofagasta. It covers 73,986.50 hectares. Sector 6 is home to the Duna Mayor hiking trail: it is 919 meters long, and the full route is listed as taking 45 to 60 minutes. Seasonal closures may apply; take this restriction into account when planning.
The Géiseres del Tatio lie in the Andes at an altitude of more than 4,300 meters and showcase the region's volcanic energy. Tours from San Pedro de Atacama start at around 4:00 a.m. The drive takes about an hour and a half and covers 80 kilometers along the gravel Ruta B-245. Termas de Puritama lies northeast of San Pedro de Atacama and can be reached via the same Ruta B-245: the 30-kilometer drive takes about 40 minutes by car. The natural springs feed eight pools of thermal water at approximately 33 °C. The pools are said to have therapeutic properties and a revitalizing effect.
As of February 10, 2026, public visits to the nearby Observatorio ALMA were suspended; work was underway to resume them. Check the current visitor status before making plans.
Getting There and Finding Accommodation
From El Loa Airport in Calama, Ruta 23 runs for more than 100 kilometers to San Pedro de Atacama; the drive takes about an hour and a half. The very early start of the Tatio tour and the different travel options for nearby destinations give you practical guidance for tailoring your stay to your own travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Calama.
View the broader travel overview: El Loa Province.
