When people talk about the best stargazing in the world, the Atacama Desert in northern Chile is always part of the conversation. But this otherworldly place is more than just a night sky. It’s salt flats, towering volcanoes, flamingo-filled lagoons, and small desert towns that feel straight out of an old western movie.
To get there, most people fly into Santiago, Chile and then take a domestic flight from there to a town called Calama, which is about an hour outside of San Pedro de Atacama.
We decided to experience Atacama Desert travel differently. Instead of flying to Calama like most visitors, we spent eight days driving a camper truck from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama, which is over 1,000 miles through some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes in South America. We camped under the stars and woke up to nothing but sand and salt for a week, before reaching our final destination, a luxury resort called Nayara Alto Atacama.
From Camper Dust to Luxury Welcome Drinks
After eight days of camping in the desert, we finally arrived at Nayara Alto Atacama Resort. Picture this: my husband hosing off our truck in the parking lot of a 5-star resort with a maintenance hose that the hotel was kind enough to let us borrow and me covered in desert dust and slightly disheveled, looking a little too much like an extra from the movie Mad Max.
The sweet staff at Nayara Alto Atacama Resort greeted us with cold drinks and warm smiles, unfazed by our less-than-glamorous arrival. Slightly embarrassing? Absolutely. But it broke the ice! We instantly became known as “the camper couple” who showed up looking like they’d survived the apocalypse.
Now, let’s get into what you are really here for! Here’s your complete Atacama Desert travel guide with everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Chile’s stargazing capital.
How to Get to the Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert stretches across northern Chile, between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. To the east, it touches Bolivia and sits close to Argentina. It is one of the driest places on Earth, with some areas going decades without measurable rainfall. The desert’s high altitude, ranging from 7,900 to over 13,000 feet (2,400 to 4,000 meters), is one of the reasons the skies are so remarkably clear.
- Fly: The fastest way is a 2-hour flight from Santiago to Calama, then a 1-hour drive to San Pedro de Atacama.
- Drive: If you have time and want an adventure (and don’t mind a little sand in your hair & a slightly chaotic check in experience), the road trip from Santiago is incredible. Keep in mind, you’ll need around 8 days to enjoy it comfortably.
Why the Atacama Has the Best Stargazing in the World
The Atacama Desert is an astronomer’s dream for good reason:
- Dry air: With virtually no humidity or rain, visibility is exceptional.
- High altitude: Thinner atmosphere means sharper, more stable views.
- Minimal light pollution: Vast, empty spaces with no city glow.
- Clear skies year-round: About 300 nights of perfect stargazing conditions annually.
PRO TIP: If you can, book an astronomy tour that takes you out into the desert at night. The astronomy tours from the hotels were great, but there was something magical about being in the quiet surroundings of the desert away from town and seeing the stars wrap all the way around you. We loved seeing constellations unique to the Southern Hemisphere, like the Southern Cross, and learning how travelers have navigated by stars for centuries.
Best Time to Visit San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro is small and rustic, with cobblestone streets, adobe buildings, and a very laid-back vibe. In low season (like our July trip), it can feel like a ghost town, with most shops and restaurants opening later than usual. In high season, the town comes alive with travelers, street vendors, and a buzz of activity.
The Atacama Desert is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. High season (December–February) brings warm weather, Chilean holidays, and bigger crowds. Low season (June–August) is quieter and more affordable, though nights can be very cold. For most travelers, the shoulder months (March–May and September–November) are the best time to visit the Atacama Desert, with clear skies, mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and moderate prices.
PRO TIP: Plan your trip around the moon cycle. The best time for stargazing in the Atacama Desert is during a new moon, when the skies are at their darkest. You can still see stars during other cycles, but avoid the full moon if stars are top of your list. We timed our visit for the week of July 24, a new moon right in the middle of Chilean winter. The nights were cold but we came prepared and bundled up!
Where to Stay in Atacama
The town offers everything from luxury lodges to hostels:
- Nayara Alto Atacama – All-inclusive luxury with gorgeous grounds, spa, and private excursions.
- Awasi Atacama – Ultra-luxury, personalized service, private guides.
- Casa de Don Tomás – A charming mid-range boutique stay.
- Noi Casa Atacama – Stylish and contemporary.
You’ll want to spend at least 3 nights in San Pedro de Atacama but 4 to 5 nights is better so you can experience more excursions without feeling rushed. If you have the time, you can spend a full week here and not run out of things to do.
Not sure which hotel is best for you? Our travel specialists at Explore the Americas can help. Get in touch HERE and we’ll talk you through the best option for your trip.
What to Do in the Atacama Desert
There are endless things to do in the Atacama Desert, from stargazing tours and sunrise geysers to hiking Rainbow Valley and sandboarding massive dunes. Here are the top activities in San Pedro de Atacama and beyond.
- Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) Sunset – One of the most famous sights in Atacama, Moon Valley looks like another planet with its surreal rock formations and sweeping sand dunes. Visit at sunset to see the desert glow in shades of red, orange, and purple. If you go with the team at Nayara Alto Atacama, they even set up a table with Chilean wine’s and cheeses for you, which is a fun treat! Oh, and look out for the ‘magic bus’!
- El Tatio Geysers at Sunrise – At over 14,000 feet (4,300 meters), El Tatio is one of the highest geothermal fields in the world. The geysers are most active at dawn, when steam rises dramatically into the cold air. Plan to acclimate for 1–2 days in San Pedro de Atacama before visiting, since the altitude is intense. The drive up is beautiful and so diverse, with chances to spot vicuñas, llamas, flamingos, and foxes along the way. It’s seriously cold in the morning so be prepared, but it is worth the early morning wake up call!
- Lagunas Altiplánicas – High-altitude lagoons like Miscanti and Miñiques sit surrounded by snowcapped volcanoes. The deep blue waters against the stark desert backdrop make this one of the most photogenic spots in Atacama.
- Stargazing in the Open Desert – With almost no humidity, virtually no light pollution, and high altitude, the Atacama Desert offers some of the best stargazing in the world. Join a guided astronomy tour to see constellations of the Southern Hemisphere, or literally just walk outside and look up.
- Laguna Chaxa (Salar de Atacama) – This salt flat lagoon is famous for its flocks of flamingos feeding in the shallow, mineral-rich waters. Here you can spot three different species (depending on the season): the Andean flamingo, the Chilean flamingo, and the James’s flamingo, all framed by volcanoes in the distance. The colors here are soft pastels, which makes it really great for pictures!
- Biking Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) – Rent a bike in San Pedro and head to this narrow canyon, carved by wind and water. The ride takes you through dramatic red rock landscapes and it’s moderate in difficulty, but such an amazing experience.
- Floating in the Salt Pools – Just outside San Pedro are salt lagoons like Laguna Cejar and Ojos del Salar, where the high salt concentration lets you float effortlessly, like the Dead Sea.
- Hiking in Rainbow Valley (Valle del Arcoíris) – Known for its hills painted in striking reds, greens, yellows, and purples, Rainbow Valley is a spectacular place for short hikes. The colorful mineral-rich rocks make this one of the most unique and photogenic landscapes in Atacama.
- Sandboarding in Death Valley (Valle de la Muerte) – For adrenaline seekers, sandboarding down massive dunes is a popular thing to do here!
This is just a starting point—there’s so much more to see and do in the Atacama Desert. If you’d like expert guidance, our team can help you plan the perfect itinerary and make the most of your time here. Get in touch with us HERE!
Where to Eat in San Pedro de Atacama
If you stay at luxury resort, the full board package is worth it. In town, you’ll find pizza places, small cafés, and casual restaurants with local dishes, though options can be limited in the low season.
Here are a few favorites and top recommendations for eating in town:
- Café Adobe
- Ckunna
- El Diablillo
- Baltinache
- Cervecería St. Peter
- La Estaka
- Lola
- Solcor Resto-Bar
Altitude Tips for Visiting the Atacama Desert
San Pedro de Atacama sits at about 7,900 ft (2,400 m). The altitude can sneak up on you, so it’s important to pace yourself.
How to Adjust Safely:
- Take it slow: Give your body at least a day to acclimate before tackling high-altitude tours.
- Stay hydrated: Drink more water than usual to help your body adjust.
- Skip alcohol your first night: It can make altitude symptoms worse.
- Try coca tea: A traditional local remedy that can ease mild altitude discomfort.
- Plan smart: Save high-altitude excursions like El Tatio or the Altiplánicas for Day 2 or 3, not your first day in town.
Most travelers adjust just fine with these precautions, but listening to your body is key. If you feel unwell, rest and don’t push yourself. There’s plenty to do closer to town while you acclimate.
Final Thoughts on Traveling to the Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert in Chile is unlike anywhere else on Earth. It truly feels like a visit to Mars or Venus, or maybe even both. At night, the desert sky is unreal.
Whether you spend just a few days or a full week, the Atacama will surprise you, humble you, and leave you wanting to come back for more.
Ready to start planning your trip? From luxury lodges to adventurous road trips, our travel specialists at Explore the Americas can help you design the perfect Atacama Desert itinerary. Get in touch with us here and let’s make your desert adventure unforgettable.
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