San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, is undoubtedly one of the most unmissable destinations in South America for me. I myself have visited the city twice.
Hello! I'm Giovanni Barcelos, a collaborator here at Viajando Fácil. One of the things I like the most is traveling and I've been around a lot! Both here in Brazil and around the world. Altogether there have been 54 countries and a certainty: I need to know more!
But today I want to tell you about the fantastic San Pedro de Atacama:
Site Photos: Chile Travel
The first time I went to the city, I took a flight from Santiago to Calama, which is the city with the closest airport to San Pedro de Atacama. From there, you can even close vans at the airport that will take you and then pick you up in San Pedro. Prices are all tabulated and are not abusive.
Arriving in San Pedro I stayed at Hostal Rural, which I indicate a lot. The accommodations are simple, but they are good, there are people from all over the world and a very peculiar decoration that is worth checking out.
Photos taken from the website Hostal Rural
Being accommodated, the first thing is to go for a kick on Caracoles, the main street of the city. There you can find several bars, restaurants and tourist agencies.
The agency I recommend looking for there is @madretierratravel. The owner is a Brazilian, a specialist in South America, he makes a very top scheme and has the best prices in town. I highly recommend it! There are several tours offered, among them:
Hidden Lagoons
There are 7 lagoons, with beautiful colors like this turquoise blue that you can see here. The waters have a high salt content, and make you "float" naturally. It is 1 hour from San Pedro.
Valle de la Luna
With a look that looks out of this world and very interesting natural formations, sculpted by the wind in salt, plaster and clay. Visit the Great Dune and the Três Marias.
Ojos del Salar
About 30km south of San Pedro, there are two deep freshwater lagoons inviting you to dive. What's up? Animate a jump?
Valle de la Muerte
Very close to San Pedro, and also known as Vale de Marte, it has an unmissable view and areas to practice sandboarding.
Salar de Tara
Further away from San Pedro, this salar has an average height of 4,300m and beautiful views that make the journey worthwhile.
And, of course, the most famous of them: the crossing to the Salar de Uyuni
The crossing can be made from San Pedro de Atacama to Salar in three days if you stay in Uyuni and return through Bolivia or can be done in four days, if you go and return to San Pedro de Atacama (I recommend).
It is not an easy crossing, it is very cold and the arid desert climate makes it very difficult too, but without a doubt, the crossing was one of the most spectacular things I have ever done! It's just wonderful. A place more beautiful than the other and when you finally arrive on the third day to see the sunrise in the Salar, it is simply inexplicable. I will never forget the sun rising on one side, the full moon on the other and that white salt desert in the middle.
Anyway, on my first time in San Pedro de Atacama, the crossing was what most impressed me. I stayed seven days and it really is very little to know everything, since the crossing alone takes four days.
On my second time, I also stayed seven days, but this time I decided to dedicate my time to walks around San Pedro de Atacama. So, the time was more than enough, I didn't have to do anything running and it was possible to enjoy the village well. Taking advantage of the cue, I will talk a little about the nightlife of the city.
The city closes very early. The Caracoles point is the Lola, restaurant bar with karaoke. It is very lively and usually exceeds the allowed time. Closes at most midnight.
Leaving Lola, almost every night whispers about the “clandestine” parties in the famous playta began. It is simply sensational !!! You walk to the end of Caracoles and when it ends you walk for about 10 minutes in the desert without a drop of light. Until a moment comes when you are sure that you are lost and will have to give up and come back, and it is at that very moment that you find the playta, with a fire burning, music of all kinds going on and people dancing! It's indescribable!
And the best is not even the party. The best is the sky over our heads with so many stars that even on the Astronomical Tour offered at the agencies you can't see better. And the shooting stars? Just remembering that longing hits me already! I can't wait to go back to San Pedro de Atacama!
Giovanni Barcelos
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