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February 28, 2020

San Pedro de Atacama Chile Travel

San Pedro de Atacama Chile, It's a must-see destination in South America and is known for its lunar landscape. The Atacama Desert is the highest and driest non-polar desert in the world. It's characterized by otherworldly rock formations, salt flats, and volcanoes. The town is small, with a population of around 5,000 people. The town is very calm and sleepy, even with tourists around, in January and February the town is full of tourists as this is one of the starting points of tours going to Salt Flats in Bolivia. The altitude can cause some people to feel tired, lose their breath faster, and experience headaches. It's recommended to spend at least 4 to 5 days to experience the destination comfortably.




Above Picture - Municipalidad De San Pedro de Atacama, is a block away from Caracoles Street, across the street is the Church of San Pedro de Atacama and there is a park, tourist office and a Medical post next to the Municipalidad.



I spent 5 days here, getting myself ready for the high altitude travel to Salar de Uyuni Bolivia. San Pedro de Atacama is Number 2 travel destination in Chile after Patagonia. Don't expect any fancy shopping malls.

Learn some Spanish. Though English is widely spoken.

San Pedro de Atacama Chile has one of the most beautiful night skies

How to get there - I flew from Santiago Chile to Calama, from Calama airport as you walk towards the exit, one sees the Airport shuttle booths, pick one its fixed price. From Calama it takes little over an hour to get to San Pedro de Atacama. The Shuttle is about 10k Chilean Pesos one way and will drop you at your hotel/hostel.

Stay - I stayed at Anka Hostel next to Caracoles Street, stay near Caracoles, its the main street with tons of tours agencies, money exchange, shopping, and great eating places. I loved my stay at Anka. Good breakfast, clean rooms and friendly staff.

Food - I during my 5 days ate at several places. One place that stands out for great Chilean food is Las Delicias de Carmen, its awesome and had a very good beer selection. Picture below.



There was a pharmacy next to my hostel, went there to get some altitude sickness pills and they wanted a prescription, there is a medical post in town, went to see the doctor there free of charge, had to pay for pills only.

Tours - I did the Valley of the Moon tour.



The reason they call it valley of moon is because it resembles the moon surface or so my guide told us. If you do this tour the sunset is beautiful, there are also bicycle tours in the morning where you rent and paddle by yourself to the valley of moon.

My days were spent on the hammock in the hostel yard doing nothing, occasionally going to the ice-cream shop on Caracoles or to a café.

Questions or comments?

1 comment :

  1. Waoo lovel. I have not been to San Pedro de Atacama Chile before. But I think this article has convinced me enough to make a decision. I think, I kinda like the place.

    ReplyDelete

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