Discover the Charms of Toconao: A Hidden Gem in the Atacama Desert

Getting There

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.