Travel guide · Chile
Atacama Desert: what to see and when to go
The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is the driest non-polar desert on earth, with salt flats, geysers, high-altitude lagoons and some of the clearest night skies anywhere. The adobe village of San Pedro de Atacama is the base for exploring it.
What to see and do in the Atacama Desert
Valle de la Luna
Salt-crusted ridges and dunes, best at sunset.
El Tatio geysers
Geysers steaming at 4,300 m, seen at sunrise.
Altiplanic lagoons
Miscanti and Miñiques, deep blue beneath volcanoes.
Stargazing
Astronomy tours in one of the best places on earth to see the night sky.
Salar de Atacama
Flamingos feeding in the Chaxa lagoon on the salt flat.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Apr – Oct.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 14 hr, 15 min | ≈ €630 · See flights |
| New York | 9 hr, 45 min | ≈ €520 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 11 hr, 15 min | ≈ €560 · See flights |
| Dubai | 19 hr | ≈ €740 · See flights |
| Singapore | 23 hr | ≈ €830 · See flights |
| Sydney | 16 hr, 30 min | ≈ €680 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €900 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Chile
- Currency
- Chilean Peso
- Good for
- nature · wild · mountains
- How long to stay
- 4–6 days
- Where to stay
- San Pedro de Atacama.Find a place to stay in the Atacama Desert
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Atacama Desert, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €630 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in the Atacama Desert (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- CarPick it up at the airport (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in the Atacama Desert and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Apr – Oct. Average highs range from 18° in June to 28° in January.
How many days do you need in the Atacama Desert?
4 to 6 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in the Atacama Desert cost?
Accommodation runs at around €90 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €900 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 14 hr, 15 min.
Where should you stay in the Atacama Desert?
San Pedro de Atacama.
