10 Things to Do in the Atacama Desert

You’ll want to wake before dawn for El Tatio Geysers, then float in Salar de Atacama’s hypersaline lagoons where you’ll experience Dead Sea-like buoyancy. Watch Valle de la Luna’s sunset transformation, soak in Puritama’s mineral-rich hot springs, and take the challenging Ruta de los Salares drive to 4,600m elevation. Sandboard Valle de la Muerte’s steep dunes, explore 10,000-year-old petroglyphs at Hierbas Buenas, marvel at Rainbow Valley‘s colorful mineral layers, and experience world-class stargazing at the observatory for the complete Atacama adventure that awaits below.

Wake Up Early for El Tatio Geysers at Dawn

Set your alarm for 4 a.m. – El Tatio’s geysers put on their most spectacular show at dawn when freezing air meets boiling water at over 13,000 feet elevation.

You’ll drive 90 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama through switchback mountain roads, arriving as first light illuminates dense steam columns rising from 80 active geysers.

This high-altitude geothermal field ranks as the world’s third-largest geyser field, with jets typically reaching 75 centimeters high.

The temperature contrast creates dramatic white plumes that dissipate once the sun warms the air.

Stay on marked paths – the ground can be unstable and water temperatures reach 86°C. The geysers are fed by three main reservoirs deep underground with temperatures reaching up to 253°C.

Watch for altitude sickness symptoms during your rapid ascent from 2,400 to 4,300 meters elevation.

Float Effortlessly in the Salt Lagoons of Salar De Atacama

Although the Atacama Desert seems impossibly barren, its hypersaline lagoons within Salar de Atacama offer an otherworldly floating experience that rivals the Dead Sea. With salinity exceeding 40 g/L, you’ll effortlessly float on the surface without any swimming effort required. The dense, mineral-rich water creates natural buoyancy that makes staying afloat nearly impossible to avoid.

Pack fresh water for rinsing afterward—the hypersaline water will irritate your skin and eyes. Bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the 2,300-meter elevation intensifies UV exposure. Visit protected lagoons that don’t disturb flamingo habitats.

Expect salt crystals to form on your hair and swimwear as the desert’s extreme aridity rapidly evaporates moisture. These mineral-rich waters support significant lithium extraction operations that supply nearly one-third of the world’s lithium carbonate production. This unique experience combines relaxation with witnessing one of Earth’s most extreme environments.

Watch Sunset Transform Valle De La Luna Into an Otherworldly Landscape

Twenty minutes before sunset, Valle de la Luna’s jagged sandstone ridges and salt-crusted formations begin their daily metamorphosis from pale ochre to blazing crimson. You’ll want to arrive 1.5 hours early to explore rock formations like Las Tres Marías before claiming your spot at the main panoramic mirador above the amphitheater.

Position yourself on the Great Dune for elevated views over undulating sand fields that ignite in orange and red. The hyper-arid conditions create extraordinary clarity—distant volcanoes like Licancabur appear as dark silhouettes against gradient skies of magenta and indigo.

Salt caves and mineral-rich rocks shift from rust to violet as shadows lengthen rapidly. With 13 hours of total daylight in December, you’ll have ample time to explore multiple viewpoints throughout the valley.

Bring layers; temperatures drop several degrees after sunset. The twilight colors remain vivid for 30-40 minutes post-sunset, perfect for photography.

Soak in the Natural Hot Springs at Puritama

After hours of exploring the Atacama’s stark landscapes, you’ll find welcome relief at Puritama’s chain of 7-8 geothermal pools carved into a narrow canyon 31 kilometers north of San Pedro de Atacama.

At 3,475 meters elevation, these mineral-rich waters maintain temperatures between 28-33°C year-round, perfect for soothing tired muscles after high-altitude adventures.

The pools connect via wooden walkways built into canyon walls, surrounded by dense desert vegetation that creates an unexpected oasis.

Book afternoon time slots for the best experience when warmer air temperatures complement the therapeutic waters. The sodium sulfate-based waters have been prized by the Atacama people for their healing properties for centuries.

Since there’s no public transport, you’ll need a private vehicle or guided tour.

The 30-45 minute drive on regular roads requires no 4WD, making this rejuvenating escape accessible to all visitors.

Take the Full-Day Ruta De Los Salares Drive Through the Altiplano

When you’re ready to tackle the Atacama’s most extreme high-altitude adventure, the full-day Ruta de los Salares will take you on a breathtaking 4×4 journey across the altiplano to some of Chile’s most remote salt flats.

This 200-250km round-trip excursion climbs from San Pedro’s 2,400m elevation to over 4,600m, reaching the tripartite border where Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina meet.

You’ll explore multicolored lagoons at Salar de Aguas Calientes and the 80km² Salar de Quisquiro, spot vicuñas and flamingos in high-altitude bofedales, and marvel at the towering Monjes rock formations.

Pack warm layers, trekking shoes, and extra water—the intense solar radiation and temperature swings at altitude demand preparation. Make sure to book advance reservations for this high-altitude route as access is strictly regulated.

Tours typically run 7-8 hours with lunch included.

Spot All Three Species of Andean Flamingos at Laguna Chaxa

Just thirty minutes from San Pedro de Atacama, Laguna Chaxa offers one of South America’s most reliable opportunities to observe all three endemic Andean flamingo species in a single location. You’ll spot Andean, James’s, and Chilean flamingos feeding in the hypersaline lagoons of Salar de Atacama at 2,300 meters elevation.

Arrive early morning when flamingos actively feed in shallow waters. The paved road requires no 4×4, making this the most accessible flamingo site in the Atacama.

Two marked walking circuits offer different viewing distances—choose the 5-minute walk for quick sightings or the 40-minute circuit for extended observation.

Beyond flamingos, you’ll see sandpipers, avocets, and plovers against dramatic volcano backdrops. The site’s protected status within Los Flamencos National Reserve guarantees consistent wildlife viewing year-round. The flamingos sustain themselves by feeding on microscopic algae and brine shrimp that thrive in the salt-rich environment.

Sandboard the Steep Dunes of Valle De La Muerte

Fifteen minutes from San Pedro de Atacama, Valle de la Muerte delivers the Atacama’s premier sandboarding experience on steep dunes that stretch up to 200 meters down Mars-like terrain.

You’ll tackle 40-meter practice runs before attempting the main descents, but expect a challenging workout—each 10-minute uphill trek carrying your board yields just 30-60 seconds of descent time. Learning to turn proves difficult due to sand’s texture, requiring multiple practice runs to master the technique.

Book afternoon tours starting between 3-4 PM for cooler temperatures and dramatic sunset views. Tours include 4×4 transport, boards, boots, and instruction for around $5-8 entrance fee plus tour costs.

Pack long pants, high-SPF sunscreen, and 1-2 liters of water—the 2,400-meter altitude and intense UV demand preparation. Good fitness is essential for repeated dune climbs in desert conditions.

Discover Ancient Petroglyphs at Hierbas Buenas

Beyond the adrenaline of sandboarding, the Atacama reveals its deeper cultural history at Hierbas Buenas, where thousands of ancient petroglyphs cover volcanic rock faces just 30 minutes from San Pedro de Atacama.

You’ll find carvings spanning 10,000 years from Atacameño and pre-Hispanic cultures, featuring camelids, foxes, flamingos, and human figures etched into crystal-rich volcanic tuff.

Visit during morning hours when oblique light enhances the shallow engravings’ visibility and temperatures stay cooler. The site sits along historic caravan routes near Río Salado, accessible via rental car or half-day tours often combined with Rainbow Valley.

You’ll walk short trails with stone steps to reach dense clusters of well-preserved carvings that likely served as route markers and ritual sites for ancient traders. The petroglyphs are carved on vertical walls formed by cooling joints in welded ash-flow tuff deposits dating back 8.3 million years to the late Miocene period.

Marvel at the Colorful Mineral Layers of Rainbow Valley

While the Atacama’s stark landscapes often appear monochromatic from a distance, Rainbow Valley explodes with unexpected color just 60-90 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama. You’ll witness vivid bands of red, green, white, and yellow earth created by iron oxides, copper-bearing minerals, and salt deposits layered over millions of years.

Book a morning tour to catch softer light that enhances the mineral colors while avoiding afternoon heat. The valley sits in the Domeyko Mountains at high altitude, so bring layers for temperature swings and extra water for hydration. Daily tours depart from San Pedro de Atacama, making this spectacular destination easily accessible for visitors staying in the town.

Unlike crowded salt flats, Rainbow Valley remains relatively undiscovered, giving you unobstructed photography opportunities along winding dirt tracks through multicolored badlands and eroded rock formations.

Experience World-Class Stargazing on a Night Observatory Tour

After you’ve captured the earthbound colors of Rainbow Valley during the day, the Atacama Desert reveals its celestial spectacle once darkness falls. You’ll experience over 300 clear nights annually with minimal light pollution and exceptionally transparent skies at high altitude.

Book your stargazing tour for your first night—this allows rescheduling if rare clouds appear. Expert operators limit groups to 16 people for personalized 2-3 hour experiences featuring high-end telescopes, including 12″ Dobsonians and digital models for astrophotography.

You’ll observe Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, the Milky Way core, and Southern Cross with remarkable clarity. Tours include round-trip transport, hot drinks, and blankets for cold desert nights. Premium experiences offer gourmet snacks paired with Chilean wine while you relax by a fire between telescope observations. Dress warmly in layers—even summer nights get frigid at altitude.

The Sum Up

You’ll want to book accommodations in San Pedro de Atacama as your base—it’s perfectly positioned for all these activities. Pack layers since temperatures swing dramatically between day and night. Don’t forget sunscreen and plenty of water; the altitude and dry air are deceptive. Book your observatory tour early as they fill up fast. Most importantly, give yourself at least four days to truly experience the desert’s magic without rushing.