How to Spend 3 Days in the AtacamaWelcome to the heart of the highest and driest desert in the world, San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. A total hub for desert adventures, otherworldly landscapes, and the most amazing stargazing, a trip here is filled from sunrise to sunset. Having gone a few times, here’s how to make the most of it!Authorskatherinebeard
DestinationsSan Pedro de AtacamaItinerary

DAY ONE

Mirador Likan- Antay
Just outside of downtown, this viewpoint gives a warm welcome to the Atacama Desert views (before you even arrive in San Pedro).
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Iglesia San Pedro
Pay a visit to this beautiful, desert-style adobe church in the heart of downtown. Set your intentions for the trip if you're into that.
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Feria Artesanal San Pedro de Atacama
Wander around the feria of vendors near the plaza. They will have all kinds of traditional, some kitschy, souvenirs to grab before the end of your trip. My tip is to get an alpaca wool blanket, mine is still my fave!
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Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama
Located in the heart of downtown, this plaza is home to walkers, celebrations, la feria artesanal, a church, and more. Get oriented in downtown with a walk around or people-watch from one of the sitting areas.
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Valley of the Moon
After you've settled into town, go out on your first excursion to this otherworldly valley! It will make you feel like you're walking on the moon's surface, and it’s been studied for its similar properties.
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Magic Bus Atacama
On your excursion, you'll be sure to visit the famous Magic Bus! Once a commuter bus, it went out of service and is now a popular tourist attraction.
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COPEC
If you walk out near this Copec, there is a beautiful view of the towering volcanoes along the Chile-Bolivia border. Perfect for sunset photos!
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Mercado Blanco
For some drinks, live music, and Asian-fusion style cuisine, this is the spot. You'll be loving it after a long day in the desert sun! Try their pineapple cocktail!
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The Roofless Experience San Pedro de Atacama Stargazing Tour
After dinner, don't get tired yet — it's time for an astronomy tour of the Atacama. Because it’s the highest and driest desert in the world, the stargazing here is unparalleled. With a local guide and astrologist, you'll learn more about the Southern Hemisphere's constellations! (If you can, pick the night with the smallest percentage of the moon out.)
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DAY TWO

La Franchuteria
Start your morning at this indoor-outdoor café serving delicious, fresh-baked French pastries (at reasonable prices). Try one of their flavored croissants — they’re so buttery and flaky!
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Piedras Rojas
These red rocks along bright blue pools of water are a sight to be seen in the desert! The rocks have turned red due to the presence of iron and its oxidation over time. Snap loads of photos!
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Full Day Tour to Piedras Rojas, Altiplanic Lagoons and Chaxa
Take a day tour to three of the most iconic Atacama sights — we did this and it saved us time and money! They even include food and snacks for you.
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Miscanti Lake
Located at the foot of the tallest volcanoes in the region, this beautiful lake is home to tranquil waters, vicuñas, walking paths, and other wildlife. It is at a high altitude, so make sure to drink lots of water.
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Laguna Miñiques
Also located below the volcanoes, this lake is a bit smaller but a great spot for views and wildlife viewing. Bring layers when visiting — the weather changes quickly, and it’s chillier at the higher altitudes.
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Laguna Chaxa
Our last stop was the famous Laguna Chaxa, filled with pink flamingos in the Atacama Salt Flat area. It was beyond HOT here, so honestly, bring a buff, sunglasses, and a hat to cover up. The views were out of this world, and seeing flamingos here came as a total surprise.
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Kimal Relax
After a long day in the desert sun, relax and get a massage at the Kimal Spa. Their airy, desert-like space welcomes you with open arms.
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Tierra Todo Natural
Not my favorite dinner spot, but we stopped here for wraps and drinks. It is located in their cool, cozy adobe restaurant and wasn’t too busy, meaning that the food came out fast.
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DAY THREE

Half Day Tour to Geysers del Tatio
Taking a guided tour is the easiest and fastest (boy, the tour guides rip the desert roads) way to see the geysers and learn about their scientific and geological formation.
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El Tatio
Start your day with a beautiful sunrise at the (surprisingly) chilly geysers! Their sprays glow in the morning light. It’s a totally magical sight and a total change from other Atacama landscapes.
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Pasteleria Tackei
This local, hidden gem has some of the biggest and best alfajores I tasted in Chile. A MUST stop for treats!
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Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache
These salty lagoons allow you to float in their cerulean waters without even trying! A truly unique landscape amidst the desert.
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Tour to the Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache
The easiest way to enjoy the lagoons is through a guided tour that will provide transportation. We took a tour and had the best time, didn’t have to worry about getting salt everywhere, and had more than enough time to swim in the lagoons!
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CorreosChile San Pedro De Atacama
Correos Chile had the nicest postal workers! We sent off a package and some postcards here back to the States.
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Ckunna
End your trip to the Atacama with a delicious, Chilean-style dinner and wine at this outdoor, upscale spot. We really enjoyed the local red wine paired with our meal here. You can also sit by the fire once the sun goes down to warm up! The staff is amazing too.
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STAYS

Casa Voyage Hostel | Backpackers San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
IMO, the best hostel to stay at in San Pedro, complete with bunk rooms, private rooms, and an on-site pool. They can even help you arrange your activities during your stay, and there are community-building events on the property.
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Hostal Rural
Not my favorite hostel, and it definitely had a quieter vibe than Casa Voyage. The vibes here were just a little bit off, but the location was super convenient (in downtown)!
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Nayara Alto Atacama
If money were no object, I would splurge and stay here, one of the most exclusive, luxurious resorts in all of San Pedro. Nestled at the base of the red rock mountains, complete with on-site spa amenities and more, be ready to spend a pretty penny here!
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