13 BEST San Pedro De Atacama Tours (& What to Skip)

The Atacama Desert is a destination unlike any other on Earth. With its otherworldly desert landscapes, incredible rock formations and impressive salt flats, it’s one of the most unique places in South America and arguably the entire world.

I had high expectations for my trip to San Pedro de Atacama, and it still completely blew me away.

As one of the driest places on Earth, the Atacama Desert is home to many unique and bucket-list-worthy attractions. However, narrowing down the list of things to do and building your Atacama itinerary can be tough.

So, here I am to help. In this guide, I’ve shared what I believe are the top things to do in the Atacama Desert, as well as the best day tours. There’s an overwhelming amount of tours on offer, but I tried as many as possible to suss out what’s genuinely worth your time and money.

P.S. Don’t miss my travel guide for San Pedro de Atacama.

Disclaimer: The below article is designed for those visiting San Pedro de Atacama without a car. If you do have a car and are planning a road trip, you won’t need to book as many tours.

How to book tours in San Pedro de Atacama

You can book your San Pedro de Atacama tours online through Viator or Get Your Guide. Alternatively, you can wait until you’re in San Pedro and book directly with the operators.

Booking directly in San Pedro de Atacama is usually a little cheaper, and operators often offer multiple tours at a discount. I booked all my tours in San Pedro and had no issues with my itinerary. However, I visited in the low season (between March and October).

However, if you like to be prepared and don’t want to miss out, I would suggest booking online in advance. It also means you can verify your tour operator and check reviews. Not all tour operators are created equally, and some are known to be unreliable and provide poor service.

It can be tricky to verify the operators once you’re in San Pedro, as many shops are third parties and sell on behalf of unknown tour companies.

I’d also advise against being sucked in by bundle offers without researching first. I saw several operators offering deals such as three or five tours for X amount. However, these tours often left out essential costs such as entry fees. Again, try to do some research before booking anything.

Another advantage of booking online in advance is having everything planned before you get to San Pedro de Atacama. I spent the first day of my trip trying to plan my itinerary and how I could fit everything in. If you plan in advance, you won’t need to worry about this.

Best day tours in the Atacama Desert

Float in Laguna Cejar

One of the most popular day tours in the Atacama Desert is to the famous Laguna Cejar. This picturesque lagoon is known for its high salt content, which allows people to float on the surface with little effort. It’s found in Salar de Atacama, Chile’s largest salt flat, surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery.

The photos of people floating in this lagoon with volcanoes in the background are synonymous with visiting the Atacama Desert.

If you decide to visit Laguna Cejar, there are several different tour options. For a simple swim and visit, I recommend this tour (the exact tour I did).

Alternatively, you can combine the tour with a trip to Laguna Tibenquinche and visit the beautiful Ojos del Salar. This is particularly beautiful at sunset.

Don’t forget your swimsuit and towel (there are cold showers to wash the salt off).

Is it worth it? While it’s a fun and unique experience, it’s one of the most popular destinations in the area. This means it can get very, very busy. And I mean BUSY.

Due to conservation issues, much of the lagoon is now closed, and there is only a small area where it’s possible to float.

I’m sure the crowds won’t be an issue for most people. But if you’re like me and feel a little bit overwhelmed by crowded tourist attractions, you might prefer to skip this.

Another option would be to cycle (or drive) to Laguna Cejar before the crowds. However, the opening hours have recently changed, making this trickier.

Visit Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks)

Piedras Rojas, or “Red Rocks,” is a stunning natural wonder in the Altiplano of northern Chile. The tour here was one of my favourite things I did in the Atacama Desert. It’s unlike anywhere else I’ve ever seen.

Famous for its striking red-hued rocks and surrounding landscape of salt flats, volcanic peaks, and turquoise lagoons, it’s a paradise for photographers and regular visitors alike. It’s truly the perfect spot to admire the unique Chilean landscape.

At 4,000 metres above sea level, it’s not recommended to do this tour until you’ve acclimatised. I would suggest waiting until the third or fourth day.

Most of the tours also include Laguna Chaxa and the Altiplanic Lagoons, so the tours are great value.

🌋 You can book the exact tour I did right here. It includes Chaxa Lagoon, breakfast, lunch, and some time at the Tropic of Capricorn sign.

Is it worth it? I genuinely enjoyed this tour. I almost didn’t do it due to budget, but I’m truly glad I did. It is one of the most beautiful and unique places I’ve ever been.

If you plan to do a multi-day tour to Salar de Uyuni, you might find Piedras Rojas similar to what you’ll see there. However, I do believe it’s still worth visiting (unless you’re on a strict budget).

See Flamingoes at Laguna Chaxa

Laguna Chaxa is another beautiful location in the Atacama Desert and an absolute MUST-visit. This iconic spot is home to unique landscapes and hundreds of flamingoes.

The lagoon’s shallow waters reflect the surrounding desert landscape, while flocks of flamingos often grace its shores, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. With the backdrop of the Andes and salt flats, Laguna Chaxa offers an otherworldly experience.

Most tours to Laguna Chaxa are part of a bigger tour. If you’d like to visit the lagoon by itself, you’re best to ask in the town.

Is it worth it? I loved Laguna Chaxa. It felt like such a serene spot, and it was magical to see all the flamingos. If you appreciate wildlife and birds, this tour is a must.

Admire Valle de La Luna at sunset

Another top thing to do in the Atacama Desert is admire Valle de La Luna at sunset. This famous spot is known for its unique, otherworldly landscape and epic sunset views.

Also known as the Valley of the Moon, the area can be explored all day, but the magic happens during golden hour when the sun sets and the valley lights up in red and gold.

The majority of tours head to Valle de La Luna mid-afternoon. You’ll explore popular spots, including the sand dunes and rock formations, before heading to a place for a cocktail and snack. After this, you travel to the viewpoint of Valle de La Luna to watch the sunset.

🏜️ If you want to visit this spot, I recommend this tour. It includes a valley tour, drinks and snacks, and watching the sunset over Valle de La Luna.

Is it worth it? This seems like an unpopular opinion, but I’m not convinced paying for a tour to Valle de La Luna at sunset is worth it. Most reviews online tell you it’s the absolute best thing to do in the Atacama Desert, but I disagree.

Sure, it’s pretty, but the Vallecito sunset tour (see below) is where the real magic happens.

The truth is, Valle de La Luna is crowded with tourists and is one of the more expensive tours. Plus, the sunset view can easily be accessed via taxi for a fraction of the cost. The sunset spot is not actually in Valle de La Luna. A group of girls in my hostel paid $5 each for a taxi driver to take them to an epic sunset spot, wait for them, and bring them back to the town. They almost had exactly the same view as me.

If you’re up to it, consider hiring a bike and exploring Valle de La Luna early in the morning. There are a few hills, but it will allow you to explore at your own pace and avoid the sunset crowds. If you have a car, that’s even better. Just be aware you can’t visit Valle de La Luna at sunset without joining a tour.

I don’t want to speak too badly of the tour as it is beautiful. Plus, let’s be honest; it wouldn’t be as popular as it is if it were that bad. But, it’s very expensive for what it is, and I think Valleicto is a better option.

Visit Valleicto and The Magic Bus

Another one of my favourite tours in the Atacama Desert is the Vallecito sunset tour.

This epic activity takes you into the Salt Mountain Range. You can hike up a sand dune, learn about unique rock formations, trek to some epic viewpoints and even look inside a salt cave. The tour also includes a trip to the Magic Bus, an abandoned bus in the Atacama Desert.

The tour ended with a cocktail as the sun set over the Atacama Desert. It was stunning.

I’m really surprised this tour isn’t more popular. We were one of two groups in the sunset spot. Our guide told us this tour was created during the pandemic when Valle de La Luna was closed. Most tour companies still push the Moon Valley tour as it’s closer to town, but Vallecito is growing in popularity.

👉 This is the exact tour I booked. It includes your transport, drinks and a tour guide.

Is it worth it? I absolutely loved this tour, and I much preferred it to the Valle de La Luna tour. The landscape was more interesting and diverse, and it felt like more of an adventure.

Go stargazing

A stargazing tour is one of the absolute best things to do in the Atacama Desert. With little light pollution, the area has some of the clearest skies in the world, making it one of the best places on Earth to go stargazing.

The best time of year for stargazing is during the winter months between April and October. During these months, clear skies are almost guaranteed. Of course, you’ll need to avoid the full moon, so if stargazing is on your itinerary, be sure to plan the activity well away from the full moon.

👉 This guided tour is a fantastic option. It includes the chance to observe the stars through a telescope, snacks and a professional photo.

Is it worth it? Yes! I’ve done some epic stargazing around the world, including in Namibia, Utah and the Galapagos Islands, and in all honesty… this was by far the best experience. I was lucky to have perfect weather and no moon. I have never seen the Milky Way so clear before. It was such a surreal experience.

Granted, if you’ve stargazed many times before, you might not feel it’s worth it to pay. However, I highly recommend the activity. Most tours include a knowledgeable guide and a professional photo of the stars.

See real-life meteorites

Thanks to a combination of dry air and low rainfall, the Atacama desert is one of the best places in the world to find meteorites.

Unless you want to spend days searching the vast desert, the best way to see the meteorites is to visit San Pedro de Atacama’s Meteorite Museum. Here, you’ll find various meteorites on display and an audio guide explaining more about the historical artefacts from outer space.

The museum is open every evening, and it’s an excellent stop for those who want to learn more about meteorites.

Is it worth it? I found this activity really interesting, and I learned a lot about meteorites and the Earth. However, it won’t be for everyone.

Visit the hidden Lagoons of Baltinache

The Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache are a series of seven stunning, turquoise saltwater lagoons in the Atacama Desert.

Surrounded by the desert, these secluded lagoons are known for their high salt levels and bright blue water. It used to be possible to swim in the lagoons, but as of 2024, they can’t be entered.

Due to the policy change, fewer people visit Baltinache. This means the lagoons can be a peaceful escape from the crowds amongst the unique desert landscape.

Is it worth it? It’s certainly a beautiful spot in the desert, but I wouldn’t say it’s at the top of my list. I think the tour to Piedras Rojas offers a little more, with equally stunning landscapes.

Witness the volcanic activity at El Tatio Geysers

El Tatio Geysers is one of the highest geothermal fields in the world, and it’s a very popular attraction in San Pedro de Atacama.

Situated at over 4,300 meters above sea level, the site features over 80 active geysers that create impressive plumes of steam, especially during the early morning when the cold desert air contrasts with the geothermal heat.

It’s certainly a unique attraction, and I understand why it appeals to so many.

The main downside (other than the high altitude) is the early start. Most pick-ups begin at around 4:30 a.m., and it takes around two hours to get to the site.

🌋 If you want to visit the third largest geyser field in the world, I suggest this tour, the exact tour I did.

Is it worth it? I think this one depends. As a bit of a geology nerd, I loved visiting El Tatio. However, it wasn’t necessarily different from some of the other geothermal activities I’ve seen in countries like Iceland and New Zealand. If you’ve seen geysers before or plan to see them on your tour of Salar de Uyuni, you might prefer to skip this.

Relax in the hot springs

Thanks to the volcanic activity in the area, San Pedro de Atacama is home to several hot springs – the perfect place to relax after all the exploring.

The most popular hot springs are Termas de Puritama, located about 30 kilometres (19 miles) from San Pedro. The springs are set in a stunning canyon, and there are several hot pools to choose from, with temperatures between 28 degrees and 31 degrees Celsius.

The mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties to revitalise both the body and the mind.

It’s important to book your ticket in advance, especially in the high season. If you have your own transport, you can book directly on the website. If not, consider booking a tour that includes the entry ticket and the shuttle.

For those who prefer to get a little off-the-beaten-track, consider visiting the Purilibre Thermal Springs. They’re free to enter, but you need to hike for around 40 minutes to reach them.

Is it worth it? I opted to skip Puritama. It’s very expensive when you can do Purilibre for free (although the water is a little cooler). I loved walking through the beautiful scenery to reach the hot springs.

See the colourful Rainbow Valley & Petroglyphs

Rainbow Valley, or Valle del Arcoiris, is a beautiful natural wonder that highlights the different colourful layers of mineral deposits. In the valley, you’ll witness a vibrant array of colours, including reds, purples and oranges.

The area is also home to ancient petroglyphs that give an insight into the region’s fascinating history. Most tours include a stop at Hierbas Buenas, which features intricate rock carvings of animals, humans and other spiritual symbols.

👉 This tour is a fantastic option for those keen to see the landscape and petroglyphs.

Is it worth it? The Petroglyphs are interesting, but the scenery didn’t blow me away. I don’t think it compares to Piedras Rojas or the scenery you’ll encounter in places like Salar de Uyuni and Rainbow Mountain in Peru.

Hike Cerro Toco

If you’re up for a challenge, consider a hiking tour to Cerro Toco. This epic mountain’s peak sits 5,600 metres (18000 feet) above sea level and offers stunning panoramic views of the magnificent landscape.

But don’t worry, you won’t be hiking up the full altitude. This tour drives passengers to 5,200 metres; you’ll ‘only’ hike the final 400 metres.

Altitude sickness is a serious risk on this tour, so be sure to acclimatise beforehand.

Is it worth it? Yes, yes, and yes. The landscape of the Atacama Desert is one of the most impressive I’ve ever seen, and the panoramic views at the top are unbeatable!

Go sandboarding in the driest desert in the world

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, sandboarding in Valle de La Muerte (Death Valley) is an absolute must.

The dunes here are perfect for an adventure and offer an exciting experience through the impressive desert landscape.

🏜️ This tour includes transport and equipment.

Is it worth it? I did it with my hostel and had a lot of fun. I’ve also been sandboarding in Namibia. It’s not quite the same, but I still think it’s worthwhile.

Other things to do in San Pedro De Atacama

Cycle to The Devil’s Throat

The bike ride to the Devil’s Throat is one of the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama. And the best part? You don’t need to join a tour.

The route passes through desert landscapes and incredible rock formations and ends with a hike to a stunning viewpoint.

You can hire a bike in the town and normally through your hotel.

👉 Related read: All you need to know about cycling to The Devil’s Throat in the Atacama Desert

Try the delicious food

I was pleasantly surprised by the food on offer in San Pedro de Atacama. There are several quality bakeries to try, and unique restaurants serving delicious food. Check out my full Atacama guide for more info.

What to skip in San Pedro

This is tough as everyone has their own interests and itinerary. What works for one person might not work for others. Some people may never have seen anything like what’s on offer in the Atacama desert, while others may have seen geysers and salt flats before.

However, as I shared above, I feel like a few tours are worth skipping, especially if you have other activities planned.

El Tatio Geysers | There is no denying that the geysers are impressive, and the geyser field is especially stunning for sunrise. However, if you’ve visited similar natural attractions in countries like Iceland and New Zealand, you might not find the 4am wake-up call worthwhile. Those visiting Salar de Uyuni will also likely see geysers here (weather permitting).

Stargazing | I’m personally so happy I chose to do this tour. I loved learning about the night sky and having professional photos taken with the stars. However, some people may prefer to walk to the outskirts of town and admire the stars themselves without the hefty price tag. Sure, you won’t get the knowledge or photos, but that won’t matter for everyone.

Valle de La Luna | A controversial one, but I wasn’t blown away by this activity. I much preferred the sunset tour of Valleicto and The Magic Bus. There were fewer crowds, and it was a unique and scenic spot.

Rainbow Valley | If I’m honest, I wasn’t blown away by this. The petroglyphs were interesting, but I think the scenery is just as impressive in other places in the Atacama Desert. If you’re visiting the likes of Piedras Rojas and Laguna Cejar, you’ll encounter similar landscapes.

Laguna Cejar | Floating in Laguna Cejar is one of the most popular things to do in the Atacama Desert. However, I found it very crowded and rushed. It wasn’t my favourite thing to do, but that’s just me. I personally preferred Purilibre Thermal Springs or the Puritama hot springs.

I hope you’ve found this list of the top things to do in the Atacama Desert useful. Remember to share on Pinterest and save for later.