Located in the Antofagasta Region of Chile, the little town of San Pedro de Atacama is well-known for the abundance of breathtaking landscapes that surround it. Mountains, deserts, salt lakes, and other types of landscapes can be found in close proximity to the town. The charming hamlet of San Pedro, which is full of dusty cobblestone lanes, is a very popular tourist attraction. It is the ideal location from which to experience the joys that the Atacama Desert has to offer.
Visitors have the ability to quickly explore the pre-Columbian ruins that are located nearby, go to the magnificent hot springs, or see the strange landscapes that are scattered across the area since the town is home to a large number of tour companies. San Pedro de Atacama, which is located on a high plateau overlooking an oasis, is a destination that should not be missed by anybody who is in Chile since it offers a wide variety of activities for tourists to enjoy.
El Tatio Geysers
El Tatio Geysers are breathtaking, and they are a major draw for tourists that come to the Atacama Desert. The geysers are characterized by their wispy jets of steam and water that burst into the air, which give them a magnificent appearance from the barren environment that surrounds them.
At sunrise, when the light hits the water in such a stunning way that it nearly gives the impression that you are on another planet, the geysers are at their most gorgeous. The El Tatio Geysers are a phenomena that is really one of a kind and are surely among the numerous highlights that the desert has to offer. They are located a few hours’ drive away from San Pedro de Atacama.
They have the distinction of being the highest geothermal field on the planet, perched at an elevation of 4,320 meters. In order to believe these geysers, it is necessary to view them in person since stratovolcanoes may be seen all around them. The El Tatio Geysers are not to be missed since they provide a variety of attractions, including mud pools, hot springs, and breathtaking vistas.
Laguna Chaxa
If you want to get a glimpse of these incredible animals, the Laguna Chaxa is an excellent place to go. It is home to large flocks of pink flamingos, and the beauty that is on display is just breathtaking. In the distance, mountains can be seen on the horizon, and the enormous salt lake seems to extend on forever below the blue sky that are above it.
Because there are three different kinds of flamingos, the walks and trails will lead you past their flocks, and you will often be able to observe many hundreds of them at the same time. It is impossible for tourists to leave Laguna Chaxa without being delighted and amazed by the captivating terrain, which is especially stunning when the sun is setting.
Getting from San Pedro de Atacama to Laguna Chaxa
Take Route 23 out of San Pedro and go about 41 kilometers in the direction of Toconao. When you are just outside of the settlement, you will see a large green sign with a smaller green sign that is similar to the one in front of it. This sign will take you to Salar de Atacama. Beyond there, you will find a little sign that says Laguna Chaxa 24. It will be very instantly visible.
Make a right turn onto Route B-355 and continue on this road for another 11.5 kilometers. If you keep an eye out for a right turn onto Route B-373, you will arrive at the end of the line, which is the parking area for Laguna Chaxa, ten kilometers later. Pay attention to this turn. The journey ought to take around half an hour.
Salar de Tara
The Salar de Tara is a spectacular setting that is simply breathtaking, and visitors to the salt flats always leave raving about the incredible vistas they have seen during their time there. A very thin coating of water covers the salt fields, which stretch out into the horizon and stretch out in all directions.
Because of this, there are some quite remarkable reflections of the blue sky and fluffy white clouds that are located above. Exploring the Salar de Tara is a lot of fun since it is filled with many magnificent mountains that spring up here and there. When a significant portion of the terrain is so flat, it is possible to produce a great deal of intriguing optical illusions. Observing the salt flats of Salar de Tara, which are a phenomena that is really one of a kind, is likely to leave an indelible mark on one’s mind.
Pukara de Quitor
The historic stronghold of Pukara de Quitor, which dates all the way back to the 12th century and is one of the most impressive man-made landmarks in the area, is a sight that is really remarkable to see. The pre-Columbian fortress archaeological site is set on the slopes of a desert hillside and is located only a few kilometers outside of San Pedro de Atacama. It is a wonderful place to roam about and is located in a location that is easily accessible.
The defensive walls are constructed out of piled stones, and they wind their way around these areas. They provide an outstanding perspective of the scenery that is all around them, as well as the oasis that is located below.
The settlement is located around three kilometers (two miles) to the north of San Pedro de Atacama. Access may be gained via walking, riding a bicycle, or driving a vehicle. Adults must pay a fee of $10,000 to enter the facility, while students must pay a fee of $2,000 to do so. If you enter the building, you will have the opportunity to climb a nearby hill and get a bird’s-eye view of the city. In the city proper, entry is not allowed under any circumstances.
Piedras Rojas
It is not hard to see why the Piedras Rojas, also known as Red Rocks, are such a well-liked tourist site; the scenery is a brilliant assortment of hues that contrast with one another. The red of the rock formations stands out pleasantly against the turquoise waters of the neighboring salt lake, the glistening white of the salt flat, and the gorgeous blue sky above. This is because the rock formations are located at an elevation of more than 4,000 meters above sea level.
With a ring of snow-capped mountains around them, the Piedras Rojas are a sight to see, and the breathtaking beauty is definitely something that should be experienced on a journey from San Pedro de Atacama.
ALMA Observatory
The absence of lights and human settlements in the Atacama Desert makes it possible for the night sky to be lighted with gorgeous stars that dot the skies. If you are someone who enjoys stargazing, the Atacama Desert is an exquisite delight. An excursion to the ALMA Observatory is an absolute need for tourists who have an interest in the night sky; it is the biggest and most powerful observatory that is available to the general public anywhere in the international community.
It is both intriguing and enlightening to go around the control room, labs, and antennas within the facility. It is a fantastic experience to understand how ALMA operates and what accomplishments the observatory has made possible, and your guide will teach you all there is to know about ALMA. What a fascinating experience!
Valle de la Luna
An truly enchanted location to discover, the Valle de la Luna is properly titled; the arid environment seems to be reminiscent of the moon despite its lack of vegetation. Moon Valley, or Moon Valley as it is called in English, is a vast area that is characterized by a variety of rock formations, hills, tunnels, and beaches.
It is inevitable that guests would leave the location in awe of its beauty, and there are a multitude of wonderful activities available for them to take part in. It is quite convenient to visit since it is located in close proximity to San Pedro de Atacama. Visitors have the option of travelling around this breathtaking landscape via driving, cycling, hiking, or rock climbing.
Although it is one of the most well-known tourist locations in the Atacama Desert, the Valle de la Luna is an absolute need for anybody who is going to be in this breathtaking region of the world. It is home to a multitude of breathtaking vantage points.
Valle de la Muerte
When you view the unending red rocks and cruel landscape that define this region of the globe, it is simple to see why Valle de la Muerte is thus named. In English, it is ominously referred to as Death Valley.
The dusty red rock formations that seem so stunning have given it the moniker “Mars Valley,” and it definitely does feel as if you are on another planet. Mars Valley is located close to the north of Moon Valley. The experience of wandering among the sand dunes, vast valleys, and towering mountains is one that will definitely stick with you forever, and the sights are really magnificent.
In addition to offering some of the best opportunities for hiking and sand boarding, horseback riding, and mountain biking, the Valle de la Muerte is packed with a wide variety of sights and activities, making it seem almost like your very own personal playground for adventure.
Lagunas Miscanti y Miniques
It should not come as a surprise that the aquamarine waters of Lagunas Miscanti y Miniques are so breathtaking to see, given that they are situated in the middle of such a barren and dry landscape. However, the warm yellows and browns of the hills provide a beautiful contrast with the lakes themselves, despite the fact that the desolate landscapes that surround them are harsh and merciless.
The Piedras Rojas and Salar de Talar are two of the other important attractions in the desert, and they are not too far away from the two shimmering pools of water that light up the Andean altiplano. The two bodies of water are located at an elevation of more than 4,000 meters above sea level. When in San Pedro de Atacama, it is highly recommended that you pay a visit to the Lagunas Miscanti y Miniques since the vistas that they provide are nothing short of heavenly.
Laguna Tebinquinche
There are some fantastic images and chances for photography that can be found on the mirrored surface of this enormous saltwater lake that is located in the dry Atacama Desert. The environment is simply breathtaking, and in the distance, there is a range of mountains.
An array of yellows, reds, and oranges illuminate the shimmering, mirror-like waters of the lake at sunset, making it one of the most stunning places to take in the beauty of the lake. Because of the magnificent lake, the salt-crusted shorelines, and the towering mountains, the views during the day are just as breathtaking as they are at night.
Laguna Cejar
When you are floating on the salty waters that make up the Laguna Cejar, you will experience a sense that is like to paradise. As you do so, you will see volcanoes rising up all around you, and the sky will seem to stretch on forever towards the horizon. Not only is the lagoon a serene and tranquil location, but it is also breathtaking.
In the middle of the scarlet desert where it is located, its turquoise waters stand out brilliantly, and clouds that are passing by are mirrored in its waters. When tourists arrive at Laguna Cejar, which is located not too far from San Pedro de Atacama, they will have an easy time getting there, and they will undoubtedly have a remarkable experience as they quietly float on its serene waters while taking in the breathtaking surroundings.