ATACAMA - CHILE
The Atacama desert is operated from San Pedro de Atacama, the base for departures to Valle de la Luna, salt flats, altiplano lagoons and geysers. The town concentrates agencies, accommodation and the meeting points for excursions.
Accommodation splits between San Pedro de Atacama and its surroundings: upper-tier lodge-style properties along the roads near the town, and simpler options in the centre, on foot from the services. Altitude shapes the pace of the programme during the first days.
Access is via Calama airport, about 100 km from San Pedro, with a road transfer of roughly 1 to 1.5 hours. The months with more stable skies and moderate temperatures run from April to October; booking the transfer in connection with flights is advisable.
Useful information
Access El Loa Airport in Calama (CJC), about 100 km from San Pedro de Atacama: a 1 h 15 min transfer on paved road. Flights from Santiago.
Season Operates year-round; in summer (January and February) the Altiplanic winter can bring rain and salt-flat excursion closures.
Currency · time · language Chilean peso (CLP); GMT-3; Spanish.
Altitude and sun San Pedro sits at 2,443 m; altiplano excursions exceed 4,000 m. Acclimatise on day one, hydrate, and use high sun protection and a hat.
Operations Book excursions ahead; minimum 3 nights recommended. Sharp daily temperature swings: plan layers.