Exploring the Wonders of San Pedro de Atacama with Friends

Atacama Arrival: A Lunar Welcome

After a long journey from Potsdam, via Berlin and Calama, I finally arrived in San Pedro de Atacama. The change of scenery is stark, swapping the familiar Brandenburg countryside for the arid beauty of the Atacama Desert. The high altitude air is crisp, and the landscape is unlike anything I've ever seen. I am eager to share my experiences with you all, and I hope you enjoy reading about them as much as I am enjoying living them.

The flight to Calama was thankfully uneventful, and the drive to San Pedro de Atacama offered a tantalizing glimpse of the landscapes to come. Arriving at the Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama, our base for the next two weeks, I quickly settled in. The hotel is comfortable and centrally located, perfect for exploring the town and venturing out into the desert.


Experience the charm of San Pedro de Atacama at the cozy Diego de Almagro, featuring comfortable accommodations, a pool, and superb dining.

Our first order of business? Food! We headed to Restaurant El Diablillo for breakfast. It was a great way to start the day, fueling up for the adventures ahead. The food was hearty, and the atmosphere was welcoming. It’s always a pleasure to try local flavors and immerse myself in the culinary culture of a new place. I made a mental note to try to recreate some of the dishes back in Potsdam for Klara and Mateo.


Experience the authentic flavors of Chile at Restaurant El Diablillo in San Pedro de Atacama - where every meal is a celebration of local cuisine.

With breakfast settled, it was time to explore the town. San Pedro de Atacama is charming, with its adobe buildings and laid-back vibe. We wandered through the Feria Artesanal San Pedro de Atacama, a bustling market filled with local crafts. I picked up a few souvenirs – a small copper llama for Mateo and a woven bracelet for Klara. I am always on the lookout for unique items that capture the essence of a place.


Explore the Feria Artesanal San Pedro de Atacama for authentic crafts, local flavors, and a vibrant cultural experience in the heart of Chile.

The desert is a canvas painted with the hues of time, each grain of sand a testament to the enduring beauty of our planet.

Valley of the Moon: A Surreal Landscape

Our main adventure for the day was a trip to the Valley of the Moon. This place is simply otherworldly. As someone who spends his days developing tourism apps, I am always fascinated by landscapes that offer a truly unique experience, and the Valley of the Moon certainly delivers. The formations, sculpted by centuries of wind and erosion, resemble a lunar surface. It’s easy to see why it’s a popular spot for photographers and adventurers alike. Rupal's Travel Diaries described it as looking more like Mars, and I have to agree.


Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Valley of the Moon, a stunning natural wonder located in the heart of Chile's Atacama Desert.

We hiked through the valley, marveling at the bizarre rock formations and the vast, open spaces. The silence was broken only by the crunch of our boots on the sandy ground. It felt like we were the first people to ever set foot there, even though I knew that hundreds of people visit each day. I took countless photos, trying to capture the essence of this surreal place. I made sure to bring my camera, remembering my forgotten sunglasses and extra camera batteries from my essentials list.

One of the highlights was climbing the Duna Mayor, a large sand dune that offers panoramic views of the valley. The climb was challenging, especially at the high altitude, but the view from the top was well worth the effort. From there, we could see the entire valley stretching out before us, a sea of sand and rock formations bathed in the afternoon sun.

As the day wore on, we made our way to Mirador de Kari - Piedra del Coyote. This viewpoint is famous for its stunning sunset views, and it did not disappoint. As Jason M. mentioned in his review, it can get crowded, but the spectacle is worth sharing. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and purple. The landscape transformed as the shadows lengthened, creating a dramatic and unforgettable scene. I have seen many sunsets in my life, but this one was truly special.


Experience the stunning landscapes of the Atacama Desert at Mirador de Kari - Piedra del Coyote, a breathtaking viewpoint perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

Evening Delights and Tomorrow's Plans

After the sunset, we were all quite hungry. We decided to have lunch at La Casona. The restaurant has a traditional Chilean atmosphere, and the food was delicious. I tried a local specialty, pastel de choclo, a savory corn pie filled with meat and vegetables. It was hearty and flavorful, the perfect way to end a day of exploring.


Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at La Casona in San Pedro de Atacama—where tradition meets taste amidst breathtaking desert scenery.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we decided to check out the local nightlife. We stopped by ChelaCabur, a popular bar in town. The atmosphere was lively, and the drinks were refreshing. It was a great way to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures. I chatted with some fellow travelers, swapping stories and tips about the region. As someone who enjoys indie music, the rock music playing in the background was a bonus. I learned that the bar is decorated with football shirts, which reminded me of the passion for football back in Chile.


Discover the lively nightlife of ChelaCabur, a bar in San Pedro de Atacama offering local drinks and a vibrant atmosphere.

For dinner, we chose Adobe, a restaurant known for its local cuisine and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant is built in the adobe style, which is typical of the region. There was even a bonfire lit outside, adding to the ambiance. I opted for a traditional Chilean dish, lomo a lo pobre, a hearty plate of steak, fries, onions, and eggs. It was delicious and satisfying. I noticed the ceramics by Tatané Durán, adding a cultural touch to the experience.


Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Adobe in San Pedro de Atacama, where tradition meets flavor in an inviting atmosphere.

As I sit here writing this, I am already looking forward to tomorrow. We plan to visit Laguna Chaxa and Ojos del Salar, two more of the region’s natural wonders. I have heard that Laguna Chaxa is home to a variety of bird species, including flamingos, and I am eager to see them in their natural habitat. I am also excited to swim in the Ojos del Salar, two deep, saltwater lagoons that are said to have healing properties. Before that, we'll be sure to have breakfast at El Huerto and recharge our batteries for the day ahead. And, of course, I will be on the lookout for more photo opportunities and unique experiences to share with you all. I might even swing by Atacama Store to pick up a few more souvenirs.

San Pedro de Atacama is a special place, a blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. I am grateful for the opportunity to explore it with my friends, and I am excited to see what the next two weeks will bring. I’m also looking forward to sharing these experiences with Klara and Mateo when I return to Potsdam. Until then, stay tuned for more updates from the Atacama Desert!

The moon tonight is full, which makes the desert landscape even more magical. According to Time and Date, there was a Micro Full Moon on April 12th, which might explain why it looks so big and bright. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love to travel, to experience new cultures, and to share my adventures with the world. Good night from San Pedro de Atacama!