Hotels in San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama: Gateway to the Driest Desert on Earth

San Pedro de Atacama sits at 2,438 metres above sea level in northern Chile, roughly 100 km southeast of Calama and 1,670 km north of Santiago. The town anchors the Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert on the planet, where some weather stations have recorded zero rainfall for decades. Despite fewer than 3,000 permanent residents, San Pedro receives over 200,000 visitors a year, drawn by the Valle de la Luna, the El Tatio geysers (the world's highest geyser field at 4,320 m), and the salt flat Salar de Atacama — habitat for three flamingo species.

Where to Stay

Most hotels cluster along Caracoles Street and the surrounding adobe-walled lanes within a few blocks of the Plaza de Armas. Smaller eco-lodges occupy the northern edge of town near the Pukará de Quitor archaeological ruins, dating to the 12th century. Properties range from basic guesthouses to open-air pool lodges; air conditioning is rare at this altitude, but nights drop sharply even in summer.

Practical Tips

• Altitude: Arrive a day early from sea level — headaches are common above 2,400 m.
• Best season: April–June and September–November offer mild days and clearer skies.
• Getting around: Most geyser and salt-flat tours depart before 5 a.m.; book with local agencies the evening before.
• Currency: Chilean pesos preferred; ATMs in town have daily withdrawal limits.