San Pedro De Atacama tours

Things to do in San Pedro De Atacama

In San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, you find yourself not just observing a desert, but stepping into a realm where time seems to pause. Here, the landscape speaks in its own language of colours and vast silences, inviting you to listen closely. As you wander this ancient land with a local guide, the experience becomes more than just a visit. You engage with the history etched into the earth. The adobe houses, with their earthy tones, reflect a timeworn charm. The desert air carries the faint fragrance of blooming flora, guiding your senses. Your guide reveals secluded lagoons and expansive salt flats, offering insights that go beyond the usual tourist fare. Be it a leisurely stroll or an exploration of local cuisine and wines, your guide ensures you bypass the superficial, leading you to the very essence of the Atacama, where its enigmatic allure resonates deeply. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in San Pedro De Atacama. Explore San Pedro De Atacama your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every San Pedro De Atacama tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in San Pedro De Atacama for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Start before dawn at El Tatio geysers to watch steam rise with vicuñas and vizcachas nearby, then warm up with sopaipillas and rica rica tea in a small village. Visit Laguna Chaxa to see Andean, Chilean, and James’s flamingos on the Salar de Atacama, or scan for foxes by the high-altitude lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques. Hiking tours: Trek the Guatín–Puritama route through cactus canyons and finish with a soak in the Puritama hot springs. Hike Kari Gorge up to Piedra del Coyote for big desert views, or follow quiet paths in Rainbow Valley to see mineral-coloured hills. Layover tours: With a 6–8 hour layover, your guide can meet you at Calama Airport, drive to San Pedro for a Valle de la Luna circuit and a quick lunch on Caracoles Street, then return you in time for your flight. With 3–5 hours, focus near Calama with the Topater Pukará and a walk through the local market for fresh juices and snacks. The village centre is easy to walk, but there’s no public transit and key sites sit on rough desert roads; most tours include a vehicle. Ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or private transportation with hotel or Calama Airport pick-up. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows San Pedro De Atacama inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Consider a private walking tour through San Pedro de Atacama, where a local guide can accompany you through its fascinating neighborhoods, ensuring a deeper connection to this magical place. - Poblado de San Pedro: The heart of the town, filled with adobe architecture and quaint streets. Ideal for cultural tourists and families, it offers a glimpse into traditional life with its museums and local markets. - Toconao: Known for its beautiful stone architecture and tranquil vibe, this neighborhood appeals to multi-generational groups looking to explore the local craftsmanship and enjoy scenic views. - Valle de la Luna: Although more of a natural area, its proximity to town makes it a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Experience the otherworldly landscapes that are perfect for exploration and photography. Day trip ideas from San Pedro De Atacama From San Pedro de Atacama, branch out to nearby valleys, salt flats, geysers, and small Andean villages on easy day trips, with your tour shaped around sunrise views, wildlife, or short hikes. El Tatio Geysers: About 90 kilometres from town, this high-altitude geothermal field comes alive at sunrise with steam plumes and bubbling pools. It suits early risers, photographers, and anyone curious about geology. Your tour can leave before dawn to catch first light and still be back by lunch. Valle de la Luna and Valle de la Muerte: Just outside San Pedro, these ridges, salt caves, and viewpoints deliver big desert scenery without a long drive. Ideal if you want short walks, sunset colours, and dramatic photos on a half-day outing. Salar de Atacama and Laguna Chaxa: Roughly 55 kilometres south, flamingos feed in shallow lagoons framed by salt crust and volcanoes. Good for bird lovers and wide-angle landscapes, and you can add a stop in Toconao for stone architecture and fruit orchards. Lagunas Miscanti y Miñiques with Piedras Rojas: A longer day south toward Socaire brings you to deep-blue lakes backed by volcanoes and the red rock flats of Piedras Rojas. Best for sweeping views and quiet highland stops, with time for photography and a simple village lunch. Rainbow Valley and Yerbas Buenas: About 90 kilometres away, mineral-streaked hills sit near rock art sites. This suits history and culture fans who want gentle walks, colourful geology, and ancient petroglyphs in one trip. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of San Pedro De Atacama most travellers miss.