San Pedro de Atacama

Best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama: Absolute Must-Sees

Located in the high-altitude Atacama Desert, San Pedro de Atacama serves as a base for exploring the diverse geology of northern Chile. The region features the Cordillera de La Sal's jagged salt formations, the high-salinity waters of the Cejar and Baltinache lagoons, and the volcanic silhouettes of Licancabur. Archaeological sites like Pukará de Quitor provide insight into pre-Columbian fortification, while the Chaxa and Tebenquiche lagoons offer habitats for Andean flamingos within the Los Flamencos National Reserve.

San Pedro de Atacama: Absolute Must-Sees — Map

Negrorodrigo / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

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.

Heretiq / CC BY-SA 2.5

B

Death Valley

Set next to the Valley of the Moon, it has a similiar surface resembling the moon. Incredible views and surroundings, a must-see.

C

Lagunas Escondidas Baltinache

A series of seven turquoise salt pools located deep in the desert. The high salt concentration allows swimmers to float effortlessly. To protect the ecosystem, bathing is typically restricted to specific lagoons.

Lorna-Lorna / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Fort Quitor

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

Víctor M. Gutiérrez Castro / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Tebenquiche Lagoon

This shallow lake reflects its surroundings and it's simply breath-taking. Come here to watch the sunset, you won't regret it!

AndresGottlieb~commonswiki / Public domain

F

Chaxa Lagoon

Enjoy the glorious sunrise or sunset while observing the pink flamingos who live in this lagoon. It's a part of the nature reserve.

Ana Raquel S. Hernandes / CC BY-SA 2.0

G

Tara Salt Flat

Marvel at the beautiful lakes in the area which was declared a Wetland of International Importance. A must-see if you're visiting the desert.

Vale T. Ramos / CC-BY-SA

H

Cordillera de La Sal

Geological formation composed of salt, gypsum, and clay. Tectonic pressure has sculpted the landscape into sharp ridges, caverns, and canyons over millions of years, creating a terrain that resembles the lunar surface.

I

Meteorites Museum

One of the largest meteorite collections in the world containing over 3,000 items. You can even touch some of them!

René Bongard / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Church of San Pedro de Atacama

The Church of San Pedro de Atacama is a Catholic church in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

Albert Backer / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Licancabur

Licancabur is a stratovolcano on the border between Bolivia and Chile, south of the Sairecabur volcano and west of Juriques.

Other Lists

Hidden Gems Andean Volcanoes Viewpoints and Natural Wonders Ancient Archaeological Sites Wetlands and Lakes