Discover the Charms of Toconao: A Hidden Gem in the Atacama
Explore the stunning village of Toconao, a hidden treasure in the Atacama Desert, offering unique culture, breathtaking landscapes, and artisan crafts.
Toconao, a quaint village near San Pedro de Atacama, captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Renowned for its picturesque adobe architecture and vibrant local crafts, this charming destination offers a unique glimpse into Chile's Atacama Desert. Explore the beauty of its surroundings, including the nearby lush oasis and the majestic Volcán Láscar, while experiencing the warmth of local hospitality.
A brief summary to Toconao
- Volcán Láscar 230, RX8V+29, Toconao, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, CL
Local tips
- Visit early in the day to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Don't miss the local artisan market for unique handmade souvenirs.
- Try local dishes at small restaurants to experience authentic Atacama cuisine.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the desert sun can be intense.
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of San Pedro de Atacama, head southwest on Caracoles street until you reach the main road (Route 23). Turn right onto Route 23 and walk approximately 1 kilometer until you reach the Toconao turnoff. This will be marked with signs indicating the direction to Toconao. Continue walking on the roadside; please be cautious as the road may have traffic. The total walking distance is around 38 kilometers (about 10 hours), so it is advisable to start early in the morning or consider alternative transportation.
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Bus
From the main plaza in San Pedro de Atacama, locate the bus terminal, which is located on the corner of Calle Toconao and Calle Caracoles. Look for the buses that head towards Toconao; they usually have signs displayed in the window. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs around 2,000 CLP. Buses run frequently throughout the day. Once you arrive in Toconao, disembark at the main square, which is the heart of the town.
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Shared Taxi (Colectivo)
You can find shared taxis, known as 'colectivos,' at designated stops in San Pedro de Atacama. Head to the area near Calle Caracoles and Calle Toconao, where you will find colectivos waiting. You can negotiate the fare, but it typically costs around 5,000 CLP per person. The colectivo will drop you off at the main square in Toconao. This option is faster than buses and may take around 20-25 minutes.
Discover more about Toconao
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Salar de Atacama
12.2 km
Explore the stunning Salar de Atacama, Chile's largest salt flat, known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife experiences.
Casas Valle de la Luna
34.9 km
Discover tranquility and breathtaking landscapes at Casas Valle de la Luna, your perfect base in the heart of San Pedro de Atacama.
Chaxa
35.5 km
Discover the heart of San Pedro de Atacama at Chaxa, a cozy bed and breakfast offering a unique blend of comfort and adventure.
Atacama
35.6 km
Experience the magic of the Atacama Desert from a cozy hotel that blends comfort with adventure, perfect for unforgettable journeys and starry nights.
Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa
35.7 km
Experience the beauty of the Atacama Desert at Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa, where luxury meets nature in a breathtaking setting.
Craft village
35.8 km
Explore the Craft Village in San Pedro de Atacama for authentic handicrafts and a glimpse into the rich artistic traditions of the Atacama desert.
Fundación de Cultura de San Pedro de Atacama
35.8 km
Discover the heart of Atacama's culture at the Fundación de Cultura de San Pedro de Atacama, a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts.
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
35.9 km
Experience the charm and comfort of Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás, your serene base for exploring the stunning landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama.
Hostal Atacama Ancestral
35.9 km
Discover the heart of San Pedro de Atacama at Hostal Atacama Ancestral, where traditional charm meets modern comfort amidst stunning desert landscapes.
Ojo del Desierto
35.9 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of the Atacama Desert at Ojo del Desierto, a charming mountain cabin hotel perfect for your next adventure.
Atacama Extrema
36.2 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Atacama Desert with Atacama Extrema's expertly guided sightseeing tours.
Jama Hostel | San Pedro de Atacama
36.2 km
Discover the charm of San Pedro de Atacama at Jama Hostel, your gateway to an unforgettable adventure in the Atacama Desert.
San Pedro Atacama Tours
36.3 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Atacama Desert with San Pedro Atacama Tours, offering unforgettable excursions into nature's most stunning landscapes.
Hostal Pueblo de Tierra
36.3 km
Experience the warmth and comfort of Hostal Pueblo de Tierra in Antofagasta, your ideal base for exploring the breathtaking Atacama Desert.
Astronomicos.Apacheta.Sanpedro
36.3 km
Experience breathtaking stargazing in San Pedro de Atacama with Astronomicos Apacheta, your gateway to the cosmos in the Atacama Desert.
Unmissable attractions to see
Mirador Toconao
0.5 km
Experience breathtaking views and the enchanting beauty of the Atacama Desert at Mirador Toconao, a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers.
Plaza de Toconao
0.6 km
Explore the serene Plaza de Toconao, a cultural gem in the Atacama Desert, surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich heritage.
Toconao Bell tower
0.6 km
Discover the captivating Toconao Bell Tower, a stunning architectural gem in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, surrounded by rich culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Laguna Chaxa Park
20.6 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant wildlife at Laguna Chaxa Park in the Atacama Desert, a must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Laguna Chaxa
22.8 km
Discover the serene beauty of Laguna Chaxa in San Pedro de Atacama, a breathtaking lake surrounded by unique salt flats and vibrant wildlife.
Ojos del Salar
24.0 km
Explore the stunning Ojos del Salar in San Pedro de Atacama, where crystal-clear lagoons meet breathtaking desert landscapes for an unforgettable experience.
Laguna Cejar
25.1 km
Discover the serene beauty of Laguna Cejar, a stunning swimming lake in the Atacama Desert, ideal for relaxation and breathtaking views.
Laguna Tebinquiche
25.7 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Laguna Tebinquiche, a stunning lake in the Atacama Desert, Chile, renowned for its vibrant colors and serene landscapes.
Laguna Piedra
25.7 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Laguna Piedra, a serene oasis in San Pedro de Atacama, surrounded by stunning landscapes and fascinating wildlife.
Laguna Baltinache
29.1 km
Explore the stunning turquoise waters of Laguna Baltinache, a breathtaking lagoon in the Atacama Desert, perfect for tranquility and adventure.
Llama Stargazing
31.3 km
Discover the beauty of the universe at Llama Stargazing, where the night sky comes alive with countless stars and cosmic wonders.
Llano de Chajnantor Observatory
31.5 km
Experience the wonders of the universe at the Llano de Chajnantor Observatory in the breathtaking Atacama Desert, one of the world's premier stargazing locations.
Atacama Large Millimeter Array - ALMA Radio Telescope
31.5 km
Discover the universe like never before at the Atacama Large Millimeter Array, a premier observatory in the breathtaking Atacama Desert.
Mirador Volcán Licancabur
31.8 km
Experience unparalleled panoramic views at Mirador Volcán Licancabur, the ultimate observation deck in the stunning Atacama Desert landscape.
Tulor
34.1 km
Explore the ancient ruins of Tulor, a captivating archaeological site that reveals the history of the Atacameño civilization amidst stunning desert landscapes.
Essential places to dine
Restaurante Ephedra
30.8 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Restaurante Ephedra in San Pedro de Atacama - where every dish celebrates local flavors and traditions.
Colchana
35.5 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Colchana in San Pedro de Atacama - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.
La Conchana
35.5 km
Experience authentic Chilean flavors at La Conchana in San Pedro de Atacama—where every meal tells a story.
Volkanico SmokeHouse
35.5 km
Experience the rich flavors of smoked cuisine at Volkanico SmokeHouse, where every dish tells a story amidst the stunning backdrop of San Pedro de Atacama.
Restaurante Puca Pukara
35.6 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Restaurante Puca Pukara in San Pedro de Atacama – a culinary journey through local flavors.
La Tribu Del Indio
35.7 km
Discover authentic Chilean cuisine at La Tribu Del Indio in Toconao, where traditional flavors meet warm hospitality amidst stunning landscapes.
Restaurante Patta Hoiri
35.8 km
Experience authentic Chilean flavors at Restaurante Patta Hoiri in scenic San Pedro de Atacama - a must-visit for food lovers.
Restaurant CASA COLQUE
36.0 km
Experience authentic Chilean flavors at Restaurant CASA COLQUE in San Pedro de Atacama - a culinary haven amidst stunning desert landscapes.
Ckunza Tilar
36.2 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Ckunza Tilar in San Pedro de Atacama - where flavor meets tradition.
Pulperia Atacama
36.2 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Pulperia Atacama in San Pedro de Atacama, where tradition meets flavor in a vibrant atmosphere.
Al tiro
36.2 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Al Tiro, where local flavors meet warm hospitality in San Pedro de Atacama.
Baltinache Restaurant
36.2 km
Experience authentic Chilean flavors at Baltinache Restaurant in San Pedro de Atacama – a must-visit culinary destination for every traveler.
Kankas
36.2 km
Discover Kankas in San Pedro de Atacama - where traditional flavors meet modern culinary artistry in a vibrant gastropub setting.
Lefranchute
36.2 km
Experience authentic French cuisine at Lefranchute in San Pedro de Atacama—where desert landscapes meet exquisite flavors.
Restaurant El Diablillo
36.2 km
Experience the authentic flavors of Chile at Restaurant El Diablillo in San Pedro de Atacama - where every meal is a celebration of local cuisine.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
El Telar
0.6 km
Discover the essence of San Pedro de Atacama with unique handicrafts and local wines at El Telar, a charming souvenir store.
Viña Santa Romina
1.1 km
Experience the beauty and flavor of Viña Santa Romina, a serene vineyard in San Pedro de Atacama, where exquisite wines meet breathtaking landscapes.
Atelier de Joyas Daniela León
34.5 km
Explore Atelier de Joyas Daniela León for unique handcrafted jewelry that reflects the rich culture and beauty of San Pedro de Atacama.
Las Salinas,
35.0 km
Explore Las Salinas in San Pedro de Atacama for unique local crafts, souvenirs, and an authentic shopping experience in the heart of the desert.
Casa Solcor Boutique Bed & Breakfast
35.4 km
Experience the tranquility and charm of Casa Solcor Boutique Bed & Breakfast in San Pedro de Atacama, your gateway to desert adventures.
Bordados y tejidos Rehegua
35.6 km
Discover the heart of Chilean craftsmanship at Bordados y tejidos Rehegua in San Pedro de Atacama, where every piece tells a story.
Eca Supermarket
35.8 km
Discover local flavors and essentials at Eca Supermarket in San Pedro de Atacama, your go-to grocery destination while exploring the Atacama Desert.
Almacen bambino
35.8 km
Discover unique home goods and local crafts at Almacen Bambino in Antofagasta, a perfect stop for authentic souvenirs.
La Despensa De Leyla
35.8 km
Experience the essence of Northern Chile at La Despensa De Leyla, a grocery store in San Pedro de Atacama offering local delicacies and fresh produce.
Explora Atacama
35.9 km
Experience the breathtaking Atacama Desert with luxurious accommodations and adventurous excursions at Explora Atacama, a premier hotel destination.
NOI Casa Atacama
36.0 km
Experience luxury and sustainability at NOI Casa Atacama, your perfect base for exploring the stunning Atacama Desert.
Detalles.Vitamina
36.0 km
Discover the vibrant spirit of local craftsmanship at Detalles.Vitamina, your go-to gift shop for unique souvenirs and artisan treasures.
Kunza
36.0 km
Discover the vibrant essence of Atacama through unique clothing and local crafts at Kunza, San Pedro de Atacama's premier fashion destination.
Awasi Atacama - Relais & Chateaux
36.0 km
Experience unparalleled luxury at Awasi Atacama, a Relais & Chateaux hotel in the stunning Atacama Desert, Chile, where adventure meets comfort.
Galeria Las Salinas de Vicente
36.2 km
Explore the vibrant Galeria Las Salinas de Vicente, a treasure trove of local flavors and artisanal goods in San Pedro de Atacama.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tres Higeras
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Tres Higeras, a charming bar in San Pedro de Atacama, perfect for relaxing and enjoying local drinks amidst stunning desert views.
Restaurant Kunza
35.8 km
Experience the flavors of San Pedro de Atacama at Restaurant Kunza, where local ingredients meet stunning desert views for an unforgettable dining experience.
Restobar Amigos San Pedro de Atacama
35.8 km
Experience the vibrant culture and flavors of Chile at Restobar Amigos in San Pedro de Atacama, where every meal is a celebration.
Cervecería St. Peter
36.1 km
Discover the essence of Atacama at Cervecería St. Peter, a brewpub offering unique craft beers and delightful local cuisine in San Pedro.
Roots Cafe Pizza
36.2 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Roots Cafe Pizza in San Pedro de Atacama, where local ingredients meet culinary creativity in a cozy atmosphere.
ChelaCabur
36.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of San Pedro de Atacama at ChelaCabur, a lively bar with an extensive beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere.
RestoBar Nativo
36.4 km
Experience the authentic flavors of San Pedro de Atacama at RestoBar Nativo, where local cuisine meets a welcoming atmosphere.
REDSTONS food-cocktails-pizzas italianas
36.4 km
Experience the best of Italian gastronomy in San Pedro de Atacama at REDSTONS, where every pizza is a masterpiece.
Perrock
36.5 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of San Pedro de Atacama at Perrock, a gastropub offering innovative dishes and a lively atmosphere.
Botilleria Nueva Atacama
36.6 km
Discover the best of Chilean wines and spirits at Botilleria Nueva Atacama in the enchanting San Pedro de Atacama.
