In the arid desert of Chile lies San Pedro de Atacama. Travel through the dunes to visit cultural relics, the Licancabur volcano and the famous geysers.
Here we are traveling to South America, precisely the northern area of Chile, where a small city stands in the middle of the desert, almost on the border with Bolivia. Is called San Pedro de Atacama and it is a gem of the province of El Loa that interrupts, at least for a moment, the boundless sand dunes. Among its many peculiarities is that of reaching 250 meters above sea level and being based here will allow you to undertake some of the best organized excursions to discover the wonders of the Chilean desert.
In the center of San Pedro de Atacama, visit the now church of San Pedro, a small but important place of worship, whose white surfaces stand out in the desert beige in which it is set. Upon entering, observe the trapezoid-shaped wooden roof and the wall behind the altar where some colorful statues depicting sacred figures are placed.
Also dedicate an hour to Meteorite Museum, five minutes from the church and reachable via the Tocopilla road. In this building some fragments of meteorites found in the Atacama desert during past excavations are shown. This is one of the most fascinating exhibitions which links this splendid terrestrial landscape to the infinity of the sky with nights that literally sparkle due to the immense quantity of stars that you can see above you.
After this short visit to San Pedro de Atacama, inquire at local agencies to find out what excursions are scheduled. We describe some of the most recommended…
The first is undoubtedly the one that will lead you to a small town just 3 kilometers away, that is Pukara of Quitor. In this place you will find an archaeological site which documents some housing installations dating back to the 12th century which were used to defend themselves from the populations of the villages in other areas of the desert.
12 kilometers west of San Pedro de Atacama you will find one of the most evocative areas of the desert, namely the Valley of the Moon. This valley is a beautiful setting and its colors are rich in history and a little unusual especially thanks to the dazzling white areas, a sign of the presence of salt. In addition to this, you will be amazed by the rocky and sandy areas that are generated spontaneously by the erosive action of the wind. First observe the singular compositions of rocks that your gaze will try to assimilate to known shapes, then move your gaze towards the high and immobile sand dunes that only the wind dares to move and shape into increasingly spectacular shapes.
The area north of San Pedro de Atacama hides incredible natural beauties including the Altissimo Licancabur volcano which has not erupted for some time, although this does not make it completely inactive. With its 5.920 meters of height and its almost perfect pyramid shape, the volcano is one of the most popular destinations for hiking professionals, but tackling its paths is not a walk within everyone's reach and a bit of experience is required in the mountain adventure.
Another beautiful area that can be reached thanks to organized tours in San Pedro de Atacama is that of the geyser of El Tatio. Visits usually take place in this place in the early hours of the morning because only in this way is it possible to enjoy the colors and fumes that are generated in the geyser area in the best possible way.
If you've been walking for a long time and want to reinvigorate your skin and muscles, get to them now Puritana natural thermal areas. Located 28 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama, these spas are one of a kind, considering that they are located at 4.000 meters above sea level. It's impossible not to leave this adventure relaxed: the water temperature averages around 33° C, all in a desert setting that will make the experience indescribable and absolutely worth trying.
Obviously this whole trip cannot be accompanied by just any food so when you are in San Pedro de Atacama, take the opportunity to taste the local dishes. For the bravest palates we recommend the pebre, a set of vegetables cut into pieces and immersed in oil flavored with garlic and chilli, but we bet that the fragrant choripan made with bread and chorizo will also tempt you? And to end a meal in style (or for a tasty break), try a chocolate accompanied by desserts, one better than the other.
