Atacama Desert in 5 Days: What to Do

The Atacama Desert is one of those places you need to see with your own eyes to truly understand. Photos are impressive, of course, but no image does justice to the grandeur of the landscape, the intensity of the colors, or the absolute silence that surrounds everything.

Our journey began with a flight to Santiagowhere we spent two days exploring the Chilean capital. If you’re planning to make that stop too, check out our post on what to do in 2 days in Santiago..

From there, we took a flight to Calamaand continued by land to San Pedro de Atacamathe starting point for all tours in the region. That’s how our 5-day adventure in the driest desert in the world began,an experience that goes far beyond the landscapes.

Get ready for a post full of practical tips, tour suggestions, and some personal reflections that only the Atacama can spark.

How to Get to San Pedro de Atacama

The best way to get to San Pedro is by first flying into Santiago, Chile (SCL). From there, take a domestic flight to Calama (CJC) — the closest city to the desert, with a well-equipped airport.

The journey from Calama to San Pedro takes about 1.5 hours by car. There are both private and shared transfer services that operate directly from the airport. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season.

Where to Stay and How to Get Around

San Pedro is a small, charming, and rustic town. Staying near Caracoles Street makes things much easier, as that’s where most restaurants, shops, markets, and tour agencies are located.

We stayed at Our Habitas and really liked it. The only downside was that it was a 10-minute walk from the town center, and by the end of the trip, those walks to go out for dinner started to feel a bit tiring.

No need to rent a car: tours usually include transportation, guides, and meals.

But if you really want to:

💡 Tip to save on car rental:

If you're booking through Rentcars, use my link and apply the code STVR to get 5% off.
The discount only shows up if the code is applied during the final step of payment — and it only works for those who access through my link..

Atacama Desert in 5 Days: Our Complete Itinerary

Below is what we did during our 5 days in San Pedro de Atacama:

Day One – Arrival and First Impressions of San Pedro

In the morning, we set out to stroll along Caracoles Street, bought coca candies to help with altitude adjustment, visited the main square, and calmly explored the town. We also took the opportunity to check out restaurant menus and soak in the local atmosphere.

San Pedro de Atacama sits at approximately 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level, which already requires some light acclimatization on the first day. Mornings are quite chilly, but once the sun comes out, temperatures can easily reach 30 °C (86 °F). The town is surrounded by volcanoes, including the iconic Licancabur, which dominates the horizon. This volcanic presence, combined with the region’s aridity and altitude, shapes the driest desert in the world into a landscape that looks straight out of another planet. Now let’s move on to the tours:

1. Vallecito (Afternoon of the First Day)

Our first official tour was Vallecito — and it quickly became one of my favorites.

Learning how the Cordillera de la Sal was formed and what happened there millions of years ago felt like an open-air geology class. The tour includes a light hike through the desert, with stretches of strong wind, sand blowing in your face, and breathtaking views.

The altitude is similar to that of the town, but the dry climate and light physical exertion still demand some stamina. The total duration was about 4 hours.

One of the stops was at the famous Magic Bus, an abandoned vehicle once used by miners in the region. Today, it sits in the middle of the dunes and has become one of the most photogenic spots of the tour.

Before heading to the viewpoint, we had a lovely break: an afternoon coffee in the desert, topped off with a pisco sour toast. The contrast of a chilled drink with the dry heat was amazing, and that pause amidst the vastness of the desert added a special charm.

At the end of the day, we climbed to a natural viewpoint to watch the sunset — and it was simply stunning. As the sun began to set, a chilly breeze kicked in. I had brought a fleece and a windbreaker, which were just enough to enjoy the moment without feeling cold.

2. Piedras Rojas (Second Day – Full-Day Tour)

This was a full-day tour — and perhaps the most diverse in terms of landscapes. We left San Pedro early in the morning headed for Piedras Rojas, but not before making several unforgettable stops.

The first was Laguna Chaxa, located within the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos. There, we saw dozens of flamingos in their natural habitat, feeding in shallow, mirror-like waters. A silent, mesmerizing scene.

Next, we visited two altiplanic lagoons: Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miñiques. Both are situated above 4,000 meters in altitude, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and filled with deep blue waters. It’s hard to say which one is more beautiful.

Then came the highlight of the day: Piedras Rojas. The reddish rocks create an unbelievable contrast with the turquoise-blue lake and the volcanoes in the background. The landscape looks straight out of another world.

We wrapped up the day with a symbolic stop at the Tropic of Capricorn, complete with the classic photo next to the sign marking this imaginary line.

Throughout the tour, we were served breakfast and a simple lunch.

mportant tips: bring a jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, plenty of water, and warm clothing. We were lucky not to get strong winds or cold temperatures, but the weather here is unpredictable and can change quickly.

3. Geysers del Tatio (Morning of Day Three)

This was the coldest tour of the trip — and also one of the most impressive. We left in the early morning, around 4:30 AM, and faced temperatures of -7 °C at the Geysers del Tatio, located at over 4,300 meters above sea level.

El Tatio is the highest geothermal field in the world and home to more than 80 active geysers. The steam columns are much more intense at dawn, when the contrast between the underground heat and the freezing surface is at its peak. The scene is surreal: smoke clouds rise from the ground, surrounded by mountains, and everything takes on a magical feel.

Despite the brutal cold at the beginning, the temperature becomes more bearable once the sun comes up. Even so, it's essential to dress properly: layered clothing is key — thermal base layers, fleece, windbreakers, and a good insulated jacket. Don’t underestimate the cold, even during the summer.

After walking among the steamy vents, we had breakfast right there, atop the mountain. Simple, but comforting.

On the way back, we stopped at Machuca, a small village with stone houses and straw roofs, and then at a wetland in the middle of the desert, where we saw more flamingos than the previous day. An unexpected and charming bonus!

4. Laguna Cejar (afternoon of the third day)

After the intense morning cold at the geysers, nothing beats a dip in salty, crystal-clear waters. Laguna Cejar is known for its high salt concentration, which makes you float effortlessly — a super fun sensation and, without a doubt, the highlight of the tour.

The site has facilities with bathrooms and showers, which are essential for rinsing off the salt after swimming. This is especially important considering the heat we experienced — it was around 35 °C when we were there, and keeping your skin covered in salt in that kind of weather is definitely not ideal.

The tour typically includes three stops: Laguna Cejar itself, the Ojos del Salar (two round lagoons in the middle of the desert), and Laguna Tebenquiche, where we enjoyed a big afternoon coffee break with a privileged view.

5. Ruta de los Salares (morning of the fourth day)

This was the only tour we did without any bathroom facilities along the way — so it’s a good idea to prepare before heading out. We left around 7 a.m. and returned around 1 p.m., with breakfast and lunch included.

Despite the more rustic logistics, it was one of the days with the most stunning landscapes of the entire trip. We visited beautiful Andean salt flats surrounded by volcanoes, colorful lagoons, and clear skies. The stops were made at scenic viewpoints, with no need for hiking or long walks — perfect for those who want to enjoy the views at a relaxed pace.

Along the way, we passed the edge of an extinct megavolcano, where gigantic rock formations resemble natural sculptures. The energy of the place is powerful — and so is the wind. It was windy throughout the entire tour, which highlights the importance of bringing a windbreaker and sunglasses.

In addition to flamingos and wild donkeys, we also spotted many vicuñas — relatives of llamas, with light-colored fur and elegant movements. These native Andean animals are incredibly agile and well-adapted to high altitudes. It was a privilege to see them in groups, roaming freely across the altiplano.

And as if that wasn’t enough, we even got lucky and saw a zorro, the desert’s native fox. A rare encounter that wrapped up the tour perfectly!

6. Ancestral Caravan (afternoon of the fourth day)

This tour was a true immersion into Atacameño culture — a sensory and emotional experience that completely deviates from traditional itineraries. Everything is led by people born and raised in the region, who share knowledge passed down through generations.

The first part of the activity takes place in a community space, where we got to interact with local spices, native seeds, medicinal herbs, and traditional infusions. We also got hands-on: we crafted small pieces with clay while learning about the importance of pottery in the artisanal traditions of the Atacameño people.

Then came the highlight of the experience: a gentle walk through the desert alongside llamas, as the sun began to set on the horizon. The golden light, the desert’s silence, and the presence of the animals created a moment of introspection and connection with nature that’s hard to put into words.

More than just a tour, the Ancestral Caravan is a deep dive into the local way of life and spirituality. A moment of pause, listening, and respect for a land rich in history.

7. Puritama Hot Springs (morning of the fifth day)

To wrap up the trip on a lighter note, we chose two relaxing tours for the final day — and the morning was dedicated to the Puritama Hot Springs. These natural hot pools are tucked away in a canyon, surrounded by typical desert vegetation.

The thermal waters range between 28°C and 33°C, and access is via wooden walkways that connect one pool to another. The atmosphere is peaceful, relaxing, and perfect for slowing down after several intense days of exploration.

The facilities are excellent: bathrooms, changing rooms, and resting areas make the experience even more comfortable. Pro tip: arrive early to avoid the larger crowds later in the day.

8. Astronomy Tour (night of the fifth day)

We ended our trip in the best way possible: gazing at the sky. The Astronomy Tour in Atacama is a truly unique experience, thanks to the clear, dry skies and virtually zero light pollution — making it one of the best places in the world for stargazing.

We started with a mini astronomy lesson while enjoying some Chilean wine and snacks in a cozy setup in the middle of the desert. Then we moved on to the telescopes, where we observed planets, constellations, and nebulae — even though we couldn’t clearly see the Milky Way, perhaps due to the time of year, the starry sky was still breathtaking.

At the end, there was a photo session with the stars as the backdrop, capturing that magical desert moment. Right before heading back, we were treated to one more glass of wine as we waited for our transfer.

Important: It gets very cold at night, so be sure to bundle up with layers and a warm thermal jacket.

It was five intense, surprising, and contrast-filled days. From scorching heat to biting cold, from lunar landscapes to thermal baths, from silent walks to toasts in the desert. Atacama is not just any destination — it captivates you, challenges you, and transforms you.

Each tour brought a different emotion: the vastness of Piedras Rojas, the steam of the Geysers del Tatio, the weightlessness of floating in Laguna Cejar, the silence of the Caravana Ancestral, the starry sky of the astronomy tour. It's hard to pick a favorite — maybe what truly stays with you is the whole experience.

And perhaps that’s the greatest beauty of the desert: it forces you to slow down, listen to the silence, and look inward. More than a trip, it was a reconnection with what truly matters.

Did you like this itinerary?

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