Things to Do in San Pedro de Atacama: Must-See Places and Tours

San Pedro de Atacama is the perfect base for exploring the Atacama Desert and the high Andes of northern Chile. Volcanoes, salt flats, geothermal fields, colorful valleys and high-altitude lagoons make this one of the most diverse destinations in the country.

If you are looking for the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama, these experiences are a great starting point. You can also explore all our San Pedro de Atacama tours to organize your itinerary according to your available time and travel style.

Valley of the Moon is one of the most iconic San Pedro de Atacama attractions. Its dunes, salt formations and dramatic landscapes of the Salt Mountain Range make it especially impressive in the late afternoon.

The Valley of the Moon Tour from San Pedro de Atacama is also a good choice for the beginning of your trip, as it stays at a lower altitude than many excursions into the Andean highlands.

One of the most memorable Atacama Desert tours is the early-morning journey to El Tatio Geysers.

The El Tatio Geysers Tour takes you into the high Andes, where steam columns and geothermal activity appear against a landscape of volcanoes and mountains. El Tatio sits above 4,000 meters, so it is important to consider altitude acclimatization when planning your visit.

For travelers interested in high-altitude scenery, Piedras Rojas and the Altiplanic Lagoons are among the best places to visit near San Pedro de Atacama.

The Piedras Rojas and Altiplanic Lagoons Tour combines striking volcanic landscapes, salt flats and lagoons such as Miscanti and Miñiques, surrounded by the Andes.

This full-day experience is especially recommended for nature lovers, photographers and travelers who want to discover a different side of the Atacama Desert.

Rainbow Valley is known for its hills covered in shades of red, green, white and ochre created by different minerals in the terrain.

The Rainbow Valley Tour from San Pedro de Atacama also visits Yerbas Buenas, an archaeological area where ancient petroglyphs add a cultural dimension to the desert landscape.

It is an excellent choice if you want to combine geology, history and scenery in a single excursion.

Stargazing is one of the most distinctive things to do in San Pedro de Atacama at night.

A San Pedro de Atacama Stargazing Tour gives you the chance to observe stars, planets and other celestial objects through telescopes while learning more about the southern night sky.

San Pedro de Atacama is officially promoted as a major destination for stargazing and astronomical experiences.

If you have more time, your Atacama adventure can continue across the border into Bolivia.

The San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni 4-Day Tour connects the Chilean desert with Bolivia through high-altitude lagoons, volcanic landscapes and remote sections of the Altiplano before reaching Salar de Uyuni.

For a longer journey, the San Pedro de Atacama and Uyuni 7-Day Tour allows you to experience both destinations at a more complete pace.

For most first-time visitors, 3 to 5 days gives you enough time to combine several of the main attractions without rushing.

With 3 days, you could prioritize Valley of the Moon, El Tatio Geysers and one additional excursion. With 4 or 5 days, you can also include Piedras Rojas, Rainbow Valley and a stargazing experience.

Current official Chile Travel itineraries also recommend approximately 3 to 5 days for exploring San Pedro de Atacama.

If you are still planning your itinerary, our guide to how many days you need in San Pedro de Atacama will help you decide how to organize your trip.

Not every attraction is located at the same altitude, so it is worth planning your excursions progressively.

You can begin with Valley of the Moon, Rainbow Valley or a stargazing experience and leave higher-altitude trips such as El Tatio Geysers and Piedras Rojas for later in your stay.

For a complete overview of the experiences available, explore our San Pedro de Atacama tours and choose the excursions that best fit your travel dates and interests.

What should I not miss in San Pedro de Atacama?

Valley of the Moon, El Tatio Geysers, Piedras Rojas, the Altiplanic Lagoons and stargazing are among the main experiences for a first visit.

How many days should I spend in San Pedro de Atacama?

Around 3 to 5 days is ideal for combining several major attractions at a comfortable pace. You will need additional time if you plan to continue to Salar de Uyuni.

What should I do on my first day in San Pedro de Atacama?

Valley of the Moon is a good option because it is close to San Pedro and remains at a lower altitude than several Andean excursions.

Is stargazing worth it in San Pedro de Atacama?

Yes. Stargazing is one of the destination's signature experiences, although visibility always depends on weather and sky conditions.

Can you travel from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni?

Yes. Multi-day tours connect San Pedro de Atacama with Bolivia through the Altiplano before reaching Salar de Uyuni.