Atacama Chile travel tips

Atacama Desert Travel Tips

Tierra Atacama

Atacama in Northern Chile – one of the most surreal places on earth.

A great place for nature lovers to start or finish an adventure in Chile. Captivating landscapes, rock formations of kaleidoscopic colours, hot springs, canyons and geysers make a trip to the Northern Chile desert an enthralling experience. However, conditions can be quite extreme and therefore it is important to plan your Atacama Desert travel with care.

Atacama Desert Altitudes can be quite varied. For instance, the village of San Pedro is at an altitude of 7,900ft above sea level, whereas excursions to some of the most stunning high-altitude lakes go as high as 18,480 feet. Atacama Desert Temperatures vary depending on the time of year, the time of day and the elevation. This is the reason that you can see snow in the Chilean Desert if you visit over the winter months of June – September.

In this section you will find some expert tips to prepare for your trip to San Pedro de Atacama and the desert.


IMPORTANT: From May 16, 2020 Australian Passport holders need a visa to enter Chile. This must be obtained online here.


The Atacama Desert, Chile – Discover this amazing place

Sitting high up in the Altiplano of northern Chile, the Atacama Desert is known for its captivating landscapes of sand dunes, hot springs, canyons and geysers. Here, glowing sunrises and mind-blowing sunsets are the norm, while after dusk, the sky is illuminated with a canopy of blinking stars, a sight unmatched anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Atacama Desert, Chile – Discover this amazing place

San Pedro de Atacama – Insider Tips

The village is an interesting destination to explore in its own right. There’s a range of restaurants, a historic church and handicraft market, as well as streets shaded by gnarled desert trees and lined with hand-made fences.

San Pedro de Atacama – Insider Tips

Atacama Desert Map and Tierra Atacama Location

Reaching us in the Atacama Desert is easy thanks to the many daily flights from the capital, Santiago, to Calama in northern Chile, which is an hour’s drive from San Pedro de Atacama. Road transfers from Calama Airport to the hotel are included in our all-inclusive packages.

Atacama Desert Map and Tierra Atacama Location

Atacama Desert Weather, Temperatures & Packing List

Given the range of temperatures in the Atacama Desert, we recommend dressing in layers, with a warm jacket or fleece to hand for the cooler moments during the day. Take a look at our suggested packing list to help you prepare for your trip

Atacama Desert Weather, Temperatures & Packing List

Atacama Desert Sample Itinerary

The Atacama Desert in Northern Chile is one of the most surreal places on earth, and a great place to start or finish your adventure in Chile. At Tierra Atacama, our expert guides and friendly staff are on hand to ensure you get the most out of your trip.

Atacama Desert Sample Itinerary

Tierra Atacama Rates

Rates include:  Transfer to and from Calama Airport (CJC). Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open Bar (includes mineral water, sodas, juices, house wine and liquors). Premium wines and vintage liquors available for an additional cost. Two half day excursions or one full day excursion daily in small groups with other guests. Use of pools, sauna […]

Tierra Atacama Rates

Kids & Teens Free

We believe that our family-friendly Tierra Hotels in Chile should be enjoyed by the whole family. Checkout out our programs where your children stay for free and the whole gang enjoys an adventure together.

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Tierra Atacama