Backpacking in Atacama Desert 🏆 Top pick region ranked #1 By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated September 4, 2026 ✨ Why go? Ranked #1 region in Chile Why Atacama Desert should be on your travel list 💡 Highlights What this place is best known for Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) — Mars-like dunes, salt spires and wind-sculpted rock that literally look otherworldly at sunset. Walk the short trails, time it for the golden hour, and you’ll understand why the desert’s light is such a big deal here. (Personal favorite — nothing beats sitting on a dune watching the colors shift.) Salar de Atacama & Laguna Chaxa (Los Flamencos National Reserve) — Massive salt flat fringed with bright turquoise lagoons where Andean, Chilean and James’s flamingos feed. It’s the best place in the region to watch high-altitude birdlife against a flat, reflective landscape. El Tatio Geysers — One of the highest geyser fields in the world; visit at sunrise when steam columns plume into freezing air and the ground hisses. It’s a raw, almost theatrical geothermal Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) — Mars-like dunes, salt spires and wind-sculpted rock that literally look otherworldly at sunset. Walk the short trails, time it for the golden hour, and you’ll understand why the desert’s light is such a big deal here. (Personal favorite — nothing beats sitting on a dune watching the colors shift.) Salar de Atacama & Laguna Chaxa (Los Flamencos National Reserve) — Massive salt flat fringed with bright turquoise lagoons where Andean, Chilean and James’s flamingos feed. It’s the best place in the region to watch high-altitude birdlife against a flat, reflective landscape. El Tatio Geysers — One of the highest geyser fields in the world; visit at sunrise when steam columns plume into freezing air and the ground hisses. It’s a raw, almost theatrical geothermal show — bundle up and arrive very early for the full effect. Laguna Miscanti & Laguna Miñiques — Twin blue lagoons sitting at 4,000+ m with snow-capped volcanoes behind them and vicuñas grazing the shore. The isolation and alpine light make these altiplano lakes feel like a different planet — great for photography and quiet walks. Puritama Hot Springs (Ojos del Puritama) — A string of warm, stepped pools tucked into a narrow canyon fed by natural springs. Far more pleasant than crowded baths: you hike through desert, then soak in clear, mineral-rich water — perfect after a long day of trekking. Pukará de Quitor — A well-preserved pre-Columbian fortress above the Rio San Pedro with sweeping views over San Pedro and the valley. It’s a compact, tangible link to the region’s indigenous past — easy to reach and great for a short cultural stop. Tulor Archaeological Site — Hidden gem: the low, circular adobe ruins of a 3,000-year-old village that show early Atacameño life and settlement patterns. Often overlooked by day-trippers, it’s peaceful, interpretive, and gives real context to the ruins you see scattered across the desert. Laguna Cejar & Ojos del Salar — Salt-saturated turquoise pools where you can float effortlessly and snap surreal photos against a backdrop of salt crust and volcanoes. It’s an addictive, splurgy way to play in the desert and a short drive from San Pedro. Toconao village and its stone bell tower — Hidden gem: a tiny town built from volcanic rock with a distinctive bell tower, local stonemasonry, and artisan markets selling llama-felt and carved cactus wood. It’s a quiet cultural pit stop that feels authentic — try the local bread and llama cheese. Machuca hamlet and highland grazing culture — Hidden gem: a handful of adobe houses and a simple church where locals herd llamas and alpacas, sell roasted corn and squash, and live the altiplano rhythm. It’s small, real, and a quick way to see traditional high-Andean life without the tourist gloss. Things to do around Atacama Desert Unique 3-Day Tour in San Pedro de Atacama Lascar Volcano ascent from San Pedro de Atacama Discover the Universe: Astronomical Tour in the Atacama Desert Astrophotographic Astronomical Tour Astronomy Safari in the Atacama Desert Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you. ⌛️ 5 days How to make the most of Atacama Desert 🌤️ When to go? Seasonal considerations and timing Weather: The Atacama Desert is a land of extremes. From October to April, expect dry, clear skies with daytime highs around 25-30°C (77-86°F). Winter months (June-August) bring colder nights, sometimes dropping below freezing, which can be brutal if you’re camping.

Temperature: Days are warm and pleasant during the summer, but nights can swing wildly—think 30°C (86°F) by day, plunging to near 0°C (32°F) at night. Layering is your best friend here. Daylight Hours: Summer offers longer days, up to 14 hours of light, perfect for squeezing in hikes and stargazing. Winter days shrink to about 10 hours, so plan your adventures accordingly. Crowds: Peak season is December through February. Expect more tourists, higher prices, and booked-out accommodations. Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) Weather: The Atacama Desert is a land of extremes. From October to April, expect dry, clear skies with daytime highs around 25-30°C (77-86°F). Winter months (June-August) bring colder nights, sometimes dropping below freezing, which can be brutal if you’re camping. Temperature: Days are warm and pleasant during the summer, but nights can swing wildly—think 30°C (86°F) by day, plunging to near 0°C (32°F) at night. Layering is your best friend here. Daylight Hours: Summer offers longer days, up to 14 hours of light, perfect for squeezing in hikes and stargazing. Winter days shrink to about 10 hours, so plan your adventures accordingly. Crowds: Peak season is December through February. Expect more tourists, higher prices, and booked-out accommodations. Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer a quieter vibe without sacrificing weather quality. Seasonal Activities: Summer is prime for salt flats and geysers, while winter’s crisp air sharpens the clarity of the famous Atacama night skies—ideal for astronomy buffs. Price Fluctuations: Prices spike in the summer holiday months and during local festivals. Booking in shoulder seasons can save you a bundle and still deliver excellent conditions. ✈️ The backpacker research shortcut Chile Travel Guide 🛏️ Where to stay? Choosing the right base 🚌 Getting around Getting around like a local Shared Taxis (Colectivos) : These are your best friends for getting around. They zip between towns and popular sites, leaving when they’re full. Expect to pay around CLP 3,000-5,000 for a ride, depending on distance. They’re fast and can be a bit cramped, but the local chatter makes it worth it. Shared Taxis (Colectivos) : These are your best friends for getting around. They zip between towns and popular sites, leaving when they’re full. Expect to pay around CLP 3,000-5,000 for a ride, depending on distance. They’re fast and can be a bit cramped, but the local chatter makes it worth it. Public Buses : The backbone of budget travel in Atacama. Buses run from San Pedro to places like Calama and Antofagasta. Prices range from CLP 4,000-10,000, with departures typically starting at 7 AM and the last ones around 8 PM. They’re slower than taxis but offer a chance to soak in the scenery. Rental Bikes : For the adventurous, renting a bike in San Pedro is a game-changer. Prices hover around CLP 5,000-15,000 per day. You can explore at your own pace, but be ready for some serious pedaling on those sandy roads. Just remember to hydrate! Private Tours : If you’re looking to splurge a bit, consider a private tour. Prices can range from CLP 30,000 to CLP 100,000, depending on the destination and inclusions. You’ll get a guide who knows the ins and outs, but it’s a hit to your wallet. Still, the comfort and convenience can be worth it. Walking : Don’t underestimate the power of your own two feet. San Pedro is small enough to explore on foot, and many attractions are within a reasonable walking distance. It’s free, and you’ll stumble upon local spots that you might miss otherwise. 🍲 Food Eating & Drinking in Atacama Desert FAQ Common questions from travelers Other Chilean regions near Atacama Desert Valle del Elqui —vineyards, clear night skies, Andean foothills | 722 km away Lake District —volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, temperate rainforest | 1767 km away Chiloé Island —wooden churches, tidal stilt houses, misty forests | 2084 km away We 💚 feedback Summing up the experience 👋 Meet the founder Who’s Behind Take Your Backpack?