Hidden gems in San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama’s secluded sites range from the hypersaline Cejar Lagoon, where high salt concentrations allow for effortless floating, to the 12th-century stone fortifications of Pukará de Quitor. The Quebrada de Jerez provides a rare desert oasis with a wooded canyon and swimming pools. Geological exploration continues in Devils Canyon, known for its winding rock formations and trails suitable for biking or horse riding. In the village of Toconao, the central plaza features a historic bell tower built from local volcanic stone.

Negrorodrigo / CC BY-SA 3.0

Cejar Lagoon

They say that if you haven't been to the Dead Sea, this will do the trick. The salt concentration in this turquoise water is even higher.

Lorna-Lorna / CC BY-SA 3.0

Fort Quitor

Pukará de Quitor is a pre-Columbian archaeological site in northern Chile.

Michael Lejeune

Quebrada de Jerez

Explore this unique wooded area with an oasis. There are even pools suitable for swimming.

Lidia Robres

Plaza Toconao

Central square featuring the 18th-century San Lucas bell tower, a National Monument built from white volcanic liparite stone. The plaza is surrounded by traditional Andean architecture and serves as the heart of a village known for its fruit orchards.