Atacama Desert, Antofagasta Region Travel Guide

4.5 (1298)

Explore the Atacama Desert: Discover otherworldly landscapes, clear night skies, and unique geological wonders in the driest desert on Earth.

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is the driest non-polar desert on Earth, renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, clear skies, and unique geological formations. Spanning across the Antofagasta region, it offers a diverse range of attractions, from salt flats and lagoons to geysers and stargazing opportunities.

A brief summary to Atacama Desert

Antofagasta, Antofagasta, CL

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Atacama Desert.

Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak season (December to February).
Bring layers of clothing as temperatures can fluctuate drastically between day and night.
Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to combat the desert's dryness.
Carry cash in Chilean pesos for entrance fees and smaller establishments.
Rent a 4x4 vehicle for exploring remote areas, but be a confident driver due to the challenging road conditions.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Hand of the Desert

Reserva Nacional La Chimba

Playa Paraíso

Huanchaca Ruins Museum

Huanchaca Cultural Park

Explore Atacama Desert on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Atacama Desert, mapped for you.

Getting There

Air Travel

The most common way to reach the Atacama Desert is by flying into Calama Airport (CJC), the closest airport to San Pedro de Atacama. From the airport, you can take a pre-booked shuttle, a rental car, or a bus to San Pedro de Atacama, which is approximately a 1 to 1.5-hour drive. A shared transfer from the airport to accommodations in San Pedro typically costs around 12,000 CLP.
Bus

Several bus companies operate routes from Santiago and other major cities in Chile to Calama. From Calama, take a local bus to San Pedro de Atacama, which takes about 1.5 hours. Bus fares from Santiago to Calama range from 31,200 CLP for a semi-bed bus. Keep in mind that the bus journey from Santiago to Calama can take over 20 hours.
Car Rental

Renting a car in Calama provides flexibility for exploring the Atacama Desert. However, it's recommended to rent a 4x4 vehicle due to the unpaved roads and challenging terrain. Be aware that some rental agencies may have restrictions on driving into Calama. Expect to pay around $460 USD for a 6-day rental.

Discover more about Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert presents a dramatic tapestry of arid beauty, stretching across northern Chile. As the driest non-polar desert in the world, it offers a surreal experience with its diverse landscapes, from the Valley of the Moon's lunar-like terrain to the vibrant turquoise waters of high-altitude lagoons.Historically, the Atacama has been significant for its rich mineral deposits, particularly copper and saltpeter, shaping the region's economy and attracting indigenous cultures for millennia. Today, it's a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts seeking to explore its unique geological formations and clear night skies, ideal for stargazing.Visitors can explore the Atacama Salt Flat (Salar de Atacama), the largest salt flat in Chile and home to various flamingo species. The El Tatio geysers, one of the highest geyser fields in the world, provide a stunning display of geothermal activity at sunrise. The desert's clear skies have also made it a prime location for astronomical observatories, offering tours for those interested in peering into the cosmos.Whether it's hiking through otherworldly valleys, relaxing in hot springs, or simply marveling at the vastness of the desert landscape, the Atacama offers an unforgettable journey into one of Earth's most extreme environments.