Things to do in Atacama Desert
Discover the best attractions and experiences Atacama Desert has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore the desert’s ancient sites and colonial landmarks that tell the story of the Atacama.
Pukará de Quitor
A hilltop fortress overlooking San Pedro, a key archaeological site in the desert.
Tulor Archaeological Site
Ancient circular adobe village remains showing early Andean settlement.
Museums
Discover Atacama's past and geology through its museums.
Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum
Exhibits on Atacameño cultures and regional archaeology.
Museo Regional de Atacama
Regional history and geology displays from Copiapó and the Atacama Desert.
Religious Monuments
Religious landmarks reflect the fusion of Indigenous and colonial faiths in the desert.
Iglesia de San Pedro de Atacama
A historic church that anchors the town’s religious life.
Catedral de Copiapó
Prominent brick-and-stone cathedral in the regional capital.
National & Theme Parks
Stark landscapes and protected areas define the Atacama's natural heritage.
Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos
Snowy ranges and flamingo-filled lagoons in a pristine reserve.
Salar de Atacama
Expansive salt flats with dramatic lagoons and reflective surfaces.
Neighborhoods
Explore the communities that make the desert come alive.
San Pedro de Atacama Old Town
Historic center with adobe houses, plazas, and craft stalls.
Toconao
Desert village known for crafts, a white-washed church, and mountain scenery.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy the desert sights without an entry fee.
Valle de la Luna sunset viewpoint
Watch the sun sink behind dramatic rock formations.
Stroll through San Pedro de Atacama town square
Relax in the Plaza de Armas and observe desert life.
Desert night skies over the town
Take in one of the clearest night skies from open desert spaces.
Gastronomy
Sample the hearty and traditional dishes of the Atacama region.
Empanadas de pino
Flaky pastries filled with spiced meat and olives.
Cordero al palo
Tender lamb roasted over an open fire, a desert favorite.
Mote con Huesillos
Sweet, refreshing dessert of dried peaches and husked wheat.
Nightlife
Evening options in San Pedro and surrounding towns.
Coming Soon!
We're currently working on adding nightlife recommendations for Atacama Desert. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Entertainment
Evening experiences and unique desert activities.
Stargazing tours in San Pedro de Atacama
Guided astronomy sessions under one of the world’s clearest skies.
Geysers del Tatio sunrise tour
Early-morning geysers offering dramatic steam and mountain scenery.
Flamingo lagoons visits in Los Flamencos Reserve
Wander among flamingos at sunset-lit lagoons.
Sports
Adventure sports in the desert.
Sandboarding in Valle de la Muerte
Zip down the crested dunes on a sandboard.
Dune buggy rides around the dunes
Thrilling off-road rides across sea of dunes.
Off the Track
Unconventional experiences off the beaten path.
ALMA Observatory Visitor Center
Learn about cutting-edge astronomy on the high plateau.
Puritama Hot Springs
Relaxing hot springs set in a scenic canyon.
Lagunas Altiplánicas (Cejar, Ojos del Salar)
Visit remote lagoons with striking color contrasts.