10 Best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama in 2 to 3 days

Introduction

San Pedro de Atacama, often shortened to SPDA, is a small desert town in northern Chile surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscapes in South America. Originally settled by the Atacameños around the 1400s, the city grew between an oasis and the vast, arid Atacama plateau. It later became Chilean territory after the War of the Pacific, and today it’s a hub for travellers eager to explore the Atacama Desert attractions scattered all around it.

You’ll be wandering at 2,400 metres of altitude, where temperatures can swing from 0°C to 28°C in a single day. It’s dry, dusty, and incredibly beautiful — and one of the best places to start or finish your journey if you’ve just crossed from Bolivia after the Uyuni Salt Flats tour. That’s exactly what we did, and San Pedro de Atacama instantly became the perfect base to slow down, stretch, and get ready for new adventures.

In this guide, you’ll find all the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama, how to plan your days, and which San Pedro de Atacama attractions you shouldn’t miss. Most places in town only open around 9 am, so there’s no need to rush — enjoy a relaxed morning, grab breakfast, and then head out to explore.

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Getting there

Getting to San Pedro de Atacama is easy, but it always involves at least one connection. The closest airport is Calama (CJC), about 1 hour and 15 minutes from town. You can fly there from Santiago, La Serena, or even Iquique, and once you land, shared shuttles are waiting right outside the terminal. They’ll take you straight to your accommodation in San Pedro for a fixed price, so it’s the simplest option if you don’t feel like arranging transport in advance.

If you’re arriving from Bolivia — especially after the Uyuni Salt Flats tour — you’ll likely finish the 3-day trip at the Chilean border and continue by bus to San Pedro de Atacama. That’s how we arrived, and after hours of surreal landscapes, crossing into Chile and finally reaching town felt like stepping into a small oasis.

Buses also connect San Pedro de Atacama with other cities in northern Chile, but keep in mind that distances are long. If you’re short on time and want to focus on the main Atacama Desert attractions, flying to Calama and taking a shuttle is the most efficient way.

Once you’re in town, everything is compact, walkable, and easy to navigate — the perfect base for your 2- or 3-day adventure.

Moving Around

San Pedro de Atacama is small, dusty, and incredibly easy to get around. You can walk almost everywhere inside town — the streets are flat, the centre is compact, and most agencies, cafés, and shops sit within a few minutes of each other. If you’re staying close to the main square, you won’t need transport at all for exploring the town itself.

To reach the main San Pedro de Atacama attractions, you have a few options:

• Walk: Perfect for staying inside town or visiting nearby viewpoints. The town is tiny, so you’ll naturally end up walking a lot.
• Bike: Renting a bike is one of the best ways to experience the desert. You can cycle to places like the Devil’s Throat, Pukará de Quitor, or even the Valley of the Moon if you’re up for the effort. We did a half day biking around SPDA and it was a great way to see more without joining a tour.
• Tours: For anything farther away — geysers, lagoons, the salt flats — joining a tour is the easiest option. Agencies will pick you up directly from your accommodation, and the roads in the Atacama Desert can be long and isolated, so it’s also the most practical choice.
• Renting a Car: You can rent a car in Calama or in San Pedro, but it’s only worth it if you want full independence and plan on visiting remote spots. Most travellers rely on tours and bikes instead.

San Pedro de Atacama may sit in one of the most extreme deserts on the planet, but moving around is surprisingly simple — all you need is good shoes, plenty of water, and a sense of adventure.

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When to Visit

You can visit San Pedro de Atacama at any time of the year, but the experience changes a lot depending on the season. Days are dry, skies are usually clear, and temperatures can swing from freezing to summer-warm within a few hours. Planning around that makes your trip smoother.

• Summer (December to February): Expect hot days, strong sun, and cool evenings. Temperatures can climb to 28°C (82°F) during the day and drop close to 5°C (41°F) at night. It’s a popular time to visit, so book tours early if you’re targeting the big Atacama Desert attractions like the geysers or Valle de la Luna.
• Autumn (March to May): One of the best seasons. Days are comfortable, with temperatures between 12–25°C (54–77°F), and the crowds thin out. If you want soft light, quiet viewpoints, and pleasant biking conditions, this is the ideal moment to explore all the things to do in San Pedro de Atacama.
• Winter (June to August): Cold, especially in the early morning when geyser tours usually start. Temperatures can drop below 0°C (32°F) before sunrise but warm up nicely during the afternoon. Clear skies make this season great for stargazing, and prices tend to be lower.
• Spring (September to November): Dry, sunny, and comfortable — another great period to visit. Temperatures are similar to autumn, and you get long days to enjoy San Pedro and the surrounding desert.

Tip: No matter the season, pack layers. You can go from wearing a T-shirt at midday to needing a fleece and a hat at sunset. The desert does not play by regular weather rules — and that’s part of what makes visiting San Pedro de Atacama so special.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Where to Stay

San Pedro de Atacama has accommodation for every style of traveler — from cozy hostels to desert-chic boutique hotels. The town is small, so no matter where you stay, you’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, tour agencies, and the main square. Here are a few great options to help you choose:

Hostal Montepardo: This is where we stayed, and it ended up being one of our favourite places in town. The rooms are simple but very comfortable, breakfast is homemade, and the whole place feels peaceful — exactly what you want after long days exploring the desert. The staff is also incredibly kind, which makes a big difference in San Pedro.

Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás: A classic choice in San Pedro and a solid upgrade if you want more comfort. Rooms are spacious, the design blends desert tones with traditional wood elements, and the property includes relaxing outdoor areas. It’s close enough to walk everywhere, but still quiet at night.

Hotel Desertica: If you’re looking for something extra special, Desertica is one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in town. Circular rooms inspired by ancient Atacameño architecture, a dreamy pool surrounded by desert plants, and soft lighting that makes the evenings magical — it’s perfect for couples or anyone wanting a refined stay in the desert.

No matter which option you choose, staying close to the center will make it easier to enjoy everything San Pedro has to offer — from booking tours to grabbing dinner after stargazing.

Here are all your accommodation options in San Pedro de Atacama

What to Eat

Food in San Pedro de Atacama is surprisingly diverse for such a small desert town. You’ll find everything from Chilean comfort dishes to vegan cafés, pizza spots, empanadas, and even a few higher-end restaurants. Prices are a bit higher than elsewhere in Chile — that’s normal here — but you can still eat well without breaking the bank.

Local dishes worth trying include pastel de choclo (a sweet corn pie), Chilean empanadas, quinoa soups, and anything with llama meat if you’re curious about regional flavours. Many restaurants also serve fresh juices and simple vegetarian plates, which are great after a long hot day.

Most places open late in the morning and don’t stay open too late at night, so planning meals around your activities helps. After biking or exploring the desert all day, you’ll be happy to sit down somewhere cozy in town.

Here are a few places that became favourites for many travellers — and us too:

• Sol Inti: A relaxed spot serving hearty Chilean dishes. Portions are generous, prices fair for San Pedro, and it’s a good place to try local flavours like quinoa soups or pastel de choclo.
• La Franchuteria: Perfect for breakfast or a mid-day break. Fresh bread, pastries, sandwiches, and proper coffee — something you’ll appreciate after spending time in the desert.
• Baltinache: One of the most popular restaurants in town, offering a creative take on Chilean cuisine with a tasting-menu style experience. A bit pricey but excellent if you want a special evening.
• Emporio Andino: A reliable stop for sandwiches, empanadas, salads, and fresh juices. Good for takeaway if you’re heading on a tour.

If you’re planning long excursions like Valle de la Luna, geysers, or lagoons, make sure to grab something ahead of time — San Pedro isn’t the kind of place where you’ll easily find food on the road.

Best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama

Explore town

Start with a slow wander through the adobe streets of San Pedro. The town is tiny, dusty, and full of character. You’ll find cafés, artisan shops, and quiet corners where you can just soak up the desert vibe. It’s also a good way to get used to the altitude before tackling bigger excursions.

Our Favorite Hotels in San Pedro de Atacama

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Hostal Montepardo

Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás

Hotel Desertica

See all available hotels in San Pedro de Atacama

Visit the church

The Catholic church in the central plaza is one of the oldest in Chile and a beautiful example of Atacameño architecture, built with cactus wood during the Spanish colonial period and declared a historical monument in 1951. The church has undergone many renovations through the ages.

Step inside to feel how peaceful it is — a quick stop, but one that tells a lot about the cultural roots of the region.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring a good camera, such as the SONY A7 — it makes all the difference for capturing those unforgettable moments.

Bike to Pukará de Quitor

Once you’ve enjoyed a slow morning in town, grabbing a bike is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to explore beyond the centre. Many hostels in San Pedro lend simple bikes for short rides — our hostel let us borrow theirs because we were only going to Pukará de Quitor. But if you plan to go further or spend the whole day biking, it’s better to rent a proper mountain bike in town.

From the centre, head north and follow the road straight until you reach the small bridge that crosses the river. After the bridge, the road becomes a bit bumpier and dustier, but it’s still manageable. Having an offline map on your phone helps you stay on track, although in reality you can’t miss the entrance — Pukará de Quitor is one of the most important archaeological sites near San Pedro.

This pre-Columbian stone fortress dates back to the 12th century and sits on a hill overlooking the valley. At the entrance you’ll find a bike parking area, a small ticket booth, and restrooms. From there, it’s about a 1-hour hike to reach the main viewpoint, with an additional 30 minutes to descend. The terrain climbs steadily but isn’t difficult, and the views over the oasis and desert plateaus become more impressive with each step. The whole return trip takes around 20 minutes by bike each way (4 km), plus the time you choose to spend exploring.

Visiting Pukará de Quitor is a great way to mix culture, history, and nature — and it’s one of the easiest half-day activities from town.

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Or ride further to the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo)

If you have time and energy left after Pukará de Quitor, continue cycling north for another 4 km to reach Garganta del Diablo, a narrow desert canyon carved by centuries of wind and water. The path becomes rougher here, so a good bike makes it much more enjoyable.

You’ll enter a dramatic maze of sandstone walls, sometimes riding in open spaces, sometimes pushing your bike through tight passages. The temperature drops inside the canyon, and the light filtering between the rock layers creates incredible colours. It’s the kind of place where you feel completely away from everything — just you, the canyon, and the sound of your wheels on the sand.

We didn’t make it that day because we were running out of time, but it’s high on our list for next time. If you love active adventures, this is one of the best spots around San Pedro.

Take a sunset trip to the Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna)

Located just a short drive west of town, Valle de la Luna is the desert’s most iconic landscape — a place that genuinely feels otherworldly. Towering dunes, cracked salt crusts, sharp ridges, stone formations shaped by millions of years of erosion… the entire valley looks like a natural sculpture carved by wind and time.

Whether you bike there or join a guided tour, the experience is unforgettable. We did the sunset tour the day we arrived from Uyuni, and it was the perfect first glimpse of the Atacama Desert. Tours usually stop at salt caverns, the Three Marias rock formations, viewpoints over the desert ranges, and finally a ridge where you can watch the light turn the valley gold and pink.

Biking the valley is also a great option if you prefer independence — the distances are long but manageable, and the scenery changes constantly.

Take a stargazing tour

San Pedro de Atacama is one of the best places on Earth for stargazing. The combination of high altitude, dry air, and minimal light pollution makes the night sky unbelievably clear. You’ll learn about constellations, use professional telescopes, and see the Milky Way as you’ve probably never seen it before.

Our Favorite Hotels in San Pedro de Atacama

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Hostal Montepardo

Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás

Hotel Desertica

See all available hotels in San Pedro de Atacama

Half-day trip to Geyser del Tatio

A very early wake-up, but worth it. You’ll reach the Geyser del Tatio field at sunrise, when the steam columns are the strongest. It’s one of the highest geyser fields in the world, surrounded by mountains and frozen morning air. Bring warm clothes — it gets cold up there.

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Half-day trip to Baltinache Lagoons & the Magic Bus

These turquoise lagoons hidden among white salt make for one of the most beautiful half-day excursions from San Pedro. You can float effortlessly in the salty water, and the landscapes look almost unreal. Many tours also stop at the “Magic Bus,” an abandoned bus in the middle of the desert that became a local photo spot.

Day trip to Piedras Rojas

Another favourite. This full-day trip takes you to high-altitude lagoons, flamingo reserves, volcanoes, and finally the red-rock formations of Piedras Rojas. The scenery changes constantly, and it’s one of the most impressive day trips you can do from San Pedro.

Here are all your accommodation options in San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Sunset Moon Valley Tour

• Morning/Afternoon: Arrival: Arrive in San Pedro de Atacama and check into your accommodation.
• Late Afternoon: Sunset Moon Valley Tour: Head out for a tour to Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna). Explore its unique rock formations, giant sand dunes, and salt flats. Watch the stunning sunset over the desert’s colorful landscapes.
• Evening: Dinner in San Pedro: Return to town and enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Explore the Town and Pukará de Quitor

• Morning: Stroll Around San Pedro:  Take a morning walk around San Pedro’s charming streets. Visit the Church of San Pedro.
• Afternoon: Bike to Pukará de Quitor: Rent a bike and head to Pukará de Quitor, an ancient fortress with incredible views of the desert. Spend time exploring the ruins before biking back to town.
• Evening: Relax:  End your day with a leisurely dinner, reflecting on your time in this magical place.

Day 3: Take a day trip or half-day trip around town

• Geyser del Tatio: Half-day tour from 5:00 am to noon. Visit to the geothermal field, thermal pool, Putana, and Machuca.
• Baltinache Lagoons and Magic Bus Tour: Half-day tour from 2 pm to 7 pm: 7 hidden lagoons of Baltinache and see the crystal-clear waters among rock and sand formations on a guided trip from San Pedro de Atacama
• Piedras Rojas: 1-day tour from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Visit the Miscanti and Miñique lagoons, Salar de Talar, and the Atacameño village of Socair.