The Ultimate 3 Day Self-drive Guide around San Pedro de Atacama, Chile: Itinerary & Must See Spots
So I’ve been to South America about four years ago and spent nearly six months exploring Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. That’s where my trip ended. I’ve always had the need to come back and see the rest of the continent. The day has finally come. I’m on a mission to explore Chile, Argentina and Brazil this time, starting at the close point to where I finished some years ago, northern part of Chile- San Pedro de Atacama.
I’ll be honest – I had a lot of questions before my trip to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Questions like, what’s the weather going to be like? How do I even get there? What are the best things to see and do? Most important question in any planning stages is how many days to spend in San Pedro so that I could get my flights booked and start this ball rolling.
Of course it really depends on what kind of traveller you really are. If you like to travel slow and spend longer time in each place, you can easily do so in San Pedro. However, this post is more geared towards people with limited time to travel but who still want to make the most of their time in this stunning part of Chile.
I’ve spent a total of 3 days self driving in San Pedro de Atacama, traveling in all directions to see as much as possible. Days started early and finished with stargazing outside town. If this sounds like you, then read on, because this 3 day self- drive itinerary around Atacama desert will help you figure out exactly what to do with your limited time and most importantly- what order to do it in.
In this self-drive guide I will share my 3 day itinerary and must-see spots around Atacama desert.
Things to know before visiting Atacama Desert
- Whether it is summer or winter you’re visiting, pack warm clothes; nights, mornings and higher elevation sitesget really cold even in high season
- Most parks charge for entrance but most lagoons are free
- Eating out in restaurants are expensive, for more budget options look for places serving ‘Menu del Dia’
- There’s only one petrol station around 100km radius, fill up your tank before leaving for a day
- Read about altitude sickness, it is very common around Atacama as some view points reach nearly 5000m above sea level
- Atacama Desert is the driest place on Earth, so make sure to pack your lotion, lip balm and most importantly your sunscreen!
Driving in Atacama Desert
Before the trip to Atacama Desert, I’ve research tour options vs independent travel and decided to go for self drive experience because:
It was me and my sister, so financially it made more sense hiring a car. I’m not the biggest fan of tours and only go for them when I have no choice for doing it independently or when I have no knowledge.
I also came to conclusion that hiring a car in Calama and staying in San Pedro was the best option exploring the area. We rented 2×4 in Calama Airport (booked in advance) which was the cheapest option plus most convenient, since we flew in and out from Calama.
Hearing ‘Desert’ can be slightly misleading. Chileans maintain their highways to the highest standard and most of the routes are built through amazing landscapes. Driving around Atacama is pure joy most of the time. Even tho, most places are easily accessible with 2×4, there are few famous sights that can only be accessed with a tour or 4×4 car. Do your research beforehand.
OK, ready to dive into self-drive itinerary? Let’s get to it.
HERE’S OUR 3 DAY SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA ITINERARY
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Day 1: NORTH: Termas de Puritama and around San Pedro
Day 2: SOUTH: Laguna Chaxa, Laguna Miscanti/ Miniques, Piedras Rojas, Laguna Tuyajto
Day 3: WEST: Lagunas de Baltinache, Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
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Day 1: EXPLORE NORTH | Termas de Puritama and around San Pedr
This itinerary starting and ending point is San Pedro de Atacama.
Start your exploring slowly, keep in mind you need to adapt high altitude.
Get to know city of San Pedro, main central part is pedestrian zone only. Exchange or withdraw some money (only cash accepted at parks), get some food for other day lunches too.
After lunch, drive up towards north to Termas de Puritama. Most tourists visit hot springs early in the morning hence lunchtime is perfect to avoid the crowds plus save some money. Win Win.
Tips + Things to Know
–Entrance fee to Termas de Puritama:
Morning CLP$ 19.500 (£20/€23)
Afternoon (2pm-5pm) CLP$ 11.700 (£12/€14)
Day 2: EXPLORE SOUTH | Lagunas Chaxa, Miscanti/Miniques, Tuyajto and Salar de Talar
Today is by far the most intense but alsoone of our favourite full-day drives. We aimed to visit all chosen sites along the Ruta 23 leading south. We made five stops and decided to skip Laguna Cejar, as it seemed overpriced and as we later found out it was less impressive then other lagoons we’ve visited that day.
First stop was Laguna Chaxa, with hundreds of flamingos and was excellent spot for pictures. I encourage you to download an offline map (I use maps.me) and drop all pins you want to visit, as most places aren’t sign marked after turning off the main road. Then we stopped at Laguna Miscanti and Miniques, which was the highest altitude point (about 4200 metres above sea level) but so incredibly beautiful! Then followed Laguna Tuyajto and last but not least Salar de Talar.
Main road is well maintained, but when you turned off to lagoons it’s gravel or even sand. Don’t let that put you off renting a car or self driving, it’s easily done by 2×4 without any tour.
That said, this was a day our can experienced altitude sickness we didn’t tho!). Such thing actually exists, as we were told by local guides. Car wasn’t able to go all the way up to Laguna Miscanti because of lack of oxygen in the engine. Don’t ask…
Tips + Things to Know
–Entrance fees in this day trip:
-Laguna Chaxa CLP$ 3000 (£3/€3.5)
-Laguna Miscanti/Miniques CLP$ 2500(£2.5/€3)
-Laguna Tuyajto FREE
-Salar de Talar FREE
-Start early if you want to avoid crowds & make it home by sunset
-Pack lunch to take with you, as food options along the way are very limited
– Don’t miss the Tropic of Capricorn sign mid way to Salar de Talar.
-Most spots on this drive are going to be in high altitude, meaning it will be hander to breathe and much colder. Pack long trousers and coat! We went in summer (November) and high peaks were extremely windy.
-Fill up your tank, no petrol stations along the way
Day 3: EXPLORE WEST | Lagunas de Baltinache & Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
On our last day we decided to head out West and see a less-known site – Lagunas de Baltinache. Since this isn’t a popular attraction amongst tourists we had the whole place to ourselves. At the lagoons, you’ll find 7 dazzling blue lakes surrounded by shimmering crystals of salt. You can swim in first and last lagoon, but the rest are off-limits for research and conservation purposes.
After Baltinache Lagoons, we went back to town to have some food and change into warmer clother before heading out to second place today-Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon). It is by far the most visited place around San Pedro de Atacama and is best for watching sunsets.
Tips + Things to Know
-Entrance Fee to Lagunas de Baltinache: CLP$ 5000 (£5/€6)
-Lagunas de Baltinache are a relatively unknown spot near San Pedro. Reaching them requires driving 40km (around 1h) on curvy, unpaved road, which seems to be never ending. You have to watch your speed though or else risk losing a tire.
-Don’t be fooled by high outside temperatures, the water is relatively cold, yet refreshing
-Sunscreen isn’t allowed if you intend to go swimming, so if you do, cover up after getting out, sun is extremely powerful in a desert.
-You have to enter Valle de la Luna before 5PM, as it takes an hour to drive to Great Dune for an epic sunset views.
-Entrance Fee to Valle de la Luna: CLP$ 3000 (£3/€3.5)
Where to stay in San Pedro de Atacama
There are hundreds of options to choose from in San Pedro de Atacama. From low to mid and high budget travellers. Because we had a car it made more sense parking and budget wise staying outside of a city centre. Airbnbs are also a great option if you aren’t traveling solo.
New to Airbnb? Here’s $45 free credit to get you started!
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