Exploring the Wonders of San Pedro de Atacama with Friends

A Day of Highs and Local Finds

Today was all about soaking in the views and diving deeper into the local culture of San Pedro de Atacama. It's amazing how much this desert town has to offer, from stunning vistas to quirky attractions and, of course, delicious food. My friends and I were ready to explore every nook and cranny, and let me tell you, it didn't disappoint.

We kicked off our day with breakfast at Aura Andina. I've been trying to start my days with a hearty meal, especially knowing the amount of walking and exploring we'd be doing. The restaurant was a delight. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with decor that reflected the local culture. I opted for a traditional Chilean breakfast, which was both filling and flavorful. It was the perfect fuel for our morning adventure. My friends enjoyed their meals as well, and we all agreed that Aura Andina was a culinary gem in San Pedro.


Discover Aura Andina: A culinary delight offering authentic Chilean flavors in San Pedro de Atacama's stunning desert backdrop.

Next on our list was Mirador San Pedro. As a mobile app developer specializing in tourism apps, I'm always on the lookout for the best viewpoints and photo spots. This mirador didn't disappoint! The panoramic views of the Atacama Desert were simply breathtaking. You could see for miles in every direction, with the vast expanse of sand and rock stretching out before you. It was the perfect spot to take some photos and just soak in the natural beauty of the area. I could have stayed there for hours, just gazing at the landscape. It reminded me a bit of the views you get from the mountains near my hometown of Los Ángeles, Chile, but with a completely different kind of beauty.


Experience the breathtaking views of the Atacama Desert at Mirador San Pedro, a must-visit attraction for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Sometimes, the most unexpected places offer the most profound experiences.

After the mirador, we decided to check out something a little different: the Stone Zoo. I must admit, I was a bit skeptical at first. A zoo in the middle of the desert? But I was pleasantly surprised by what we found. The Stone Zoo was home to a variety of species. It was fascinating to see these animals in a desert environment, and it made me appreciate the diversity of life even in such an arid landscape. It was a fun and quirky experience that added a unique touch to our day.


Explore the enchanting Stone Zoo in Caldera, Atacama, where wildlife meets stunning landscapes for an unforgettable adventure.

For lunch, we headed to Cocineria Tchiuchi. I had heard great things about their traditional Chilean cuisine, and I was eager to try it for myself. The restaurant had a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I ordered the roast chicken with fries, which came highly recommended. The chicken was perfectly cooked, with crispy skin and tender meat. The fries were also delicious, and the portion size was generous. My friends tried other local dishes, and everyone was raving about the food. Cocineria Tchiuchi definitely lived up to its reputation as a place to immerse yourself in the delightful world of traditional Chilean cuisine.


Discover authentic Chilean flavors at Cocineria Tchiuchi in San Pedro de Atacama – where every dish tells a story.

In the afternoon, we decided to do some shopping at Artesanías Santa Ana. I always like to pick up a few souvenirs when I travel, and I also wanted to support the local artisans. The shop was filled with beautiful handmade crafts, from textiles to ceramics to jewelry. I ended up buying a colorful woven blanket and a few small trinkets for my family back in Potsdam. It's nice to bring back a little piece of the place I've visited, and I know my wife, Klara, and my son, Mateo, will appreciate the gifts. I even found a small, hand-carved wooden llama that Mateo will absolutely adore.


Discover exquisite handmade crafts at Artesanías Santa Ana in San Pedro de Atacama, where local artisans showcase their vibrant creations.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Restaurant CASA COLQUE for dinner. I was ready for another taste of Chilean cuisine, and this place came highly recommended for its local dishes. The restaurant had a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing evening meal. I ordered a traditional cazuela, a hearty Chilean stew, which was absolutely delicious. The flavors were rich and complex, and it was the perfect comfort food after a long day of exploring. My friends enjoyed their meals as well, and we all agreed that CASA COLQUE was a great choice for dinner.


Experience authentic Chilean flavors at Restaurant CASA COLQUE in San Pedro de Atacama - a culinary haven amidst stunning desert landscapes.

To cap off the night, we decided to grab a drink at Roots Cafe Pizza. I had heard that it was a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and I was curious to check it out. The cafe had a laid-back vibe, with a cool mural of famous artists and intellectuals. I ordered a local craft beer, and my friends tried some of their signature pizzas. The beer was refreshing, and the pizza was surprisingly good. It was the perfect place to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures. We chatted, laughed, and enjoyed the lively atmosphere of the cafe.


Experience the delightful flavors of Roots Cafe Pizza in San Pedro de Atacama, where every bite tells a story of local ingredients and culinary passion.

Today was a fantastic day of exploration and discovery in San Pedro de Atacama. From the stunning views at Mirador San Pedro to the quirky charm of the Stone Zoo, and the delicious food at Cocineria Tchiuchi and CASA COLQUE, every moment was filled with something new and exciting. I also enjoyed supporting the local artisans at Artesanías Santa Ana and relaxing with a drink at Roots Cafe Pizza. Traveling with friends always makes these experiences even more special, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share these adventures with them.

As I sit here writing this, I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's adventure. We're planning to visit the Hand of the Desert and Parque Nacional Pan de Azúcar, and I can't wait to see what those places have in store for us. I've heard that the Hand of the Desert is a striking sculpture in the middle of nowhere, and Parque Nacional Pan de Azúcar is known for its unique landscapes and wildlife. I'm sure it will be another day filled with unforgettable experiences. And of course, I'll be sure to share all the details with you here on the blog. Until then, ¡hasta mañana!

It's funny, being here in the Atacama Desert, so far from my current home in Potsdam, Germany, and even further from my childhood home in Los Ángeles, Chile, I feel a strange sense of connection to both. The vastness of the desert reminds me of the open spaces I explored as a kid, and the warmth of the people reminds me of the close-knit community I grew up in. And yet, being here also makes me appreciate the life I've built in Germany with Klara and Mateo. It's a reminder that home is not just a place, but a feeling, a connection to the people and experiences that have shaped me into who I am today.