Chile A World-Class Desert Destination.
The narrow streets of old towns are home to the mysticism of ancestral cultures and all the trappings of modern tourism. This unique blend of past and present has made places like San Pedro one of the most photographed places in specialized journals.
Located 102 km from Calama (the closest city), the land around San Pedro de Atacama is primarily owned by native peoples whose focus is agriculture and tourism. Its old town square features a church (built in 1774) that reveals some of local architectural style: cactus wood details, adobe construction and leather-bound algarrobo beams. Nearby, you'll find the R.P. Gustavo Le Paige Archeological Museum, where you can marvel at mummies and everyday objects that offer a glimpse into the richness of the area's past.
The town is filled with artisanal crafts stands where you can buy knit goods, jewelry and herbs, including coca leaves that can be used to combat altitude sickness on visits to the El Tatio Geysers. You can enjoy a wonderful view of the geothermic field at sunrise from 4,300 meters above sea level. The geysers are one of the area's most popular tourist attractions. On the way back, treat yourself to a relaxing visit to the Puritama Hot Springs. Pure delight.
Heading southeast from San Pedro, you'll come across a number of attractions: the town of Toconao, the Atacama Salt Flat and the Chaxa Lagoon, which is home to flamingoes and other bird species.
A few destinations are best visited at sunset, such as Valle de la Luna and Valle de la Muerte. Both offer gorgeous shadows and shifting colors that make them perfect for photography. You can reach both places from San Pedro by bike.
All of these sites are part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, whose nearly 74,000 hectares are divided into seven sectors, each of which contains different natural settings. You can explore all of them on guided tours.
San Pedro de Atacama offers a host of pubs and restaurants that will tempt you with their excellent cuisine and bring a day of tours and spectacular sites to a pleasant close.
Come nightfall, there's nothing better than awaiting sleep surrounded by stars and the songs of owls.
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