The Atacama Desert with Family
Published on December 17, 2024
The Atacama Desert, located in the extreme north of Chile, is the driest and highest desert in the world! It stretches across four Chilean regions and part of southern Peru, from the Pacific Ocean to the foot of the Andes Mountains.
In the middle, there is a small oasis, San Pedro de Atacama, one of the few inhabited areas in this desert region and a starting point for discovering the natural treasures of this Chilean part. It is undoubtedly an essential stop during a family trip to Chile.
What to do in San Pedro de Atacama?
San Pedro has managed to keep its charm despite the tourist influx.
Perched at 2450 meters, the village of San Pedro de Atacama can surprise with its climate. In summer (from November to March), it is hot during the day, and at night temperatures are mild, but in winter (from June to August), days are pleasant, but nights are cold with temperatures that can be negative.
On the main street of the village, you will find most of the local agencies of the region. If you haven’t opted for a tailor-made trip with a guide, don't hesitate to hire a competent local expert for the different activities to do. They will be indispensable to explain how the Andean landscape was formed, differentiate flamingos from lagoons, teach about local medicinal plant uses, and recount the pre-Hispanic history of the region!
The Valley of the Moon
Easily accessible from San Pedro de Atacama, the Valle de la Luna is only 13 km from the village. Some brave ones go there by bike, but be careful, if you wish to admire the sunset, prefer another means of transportation.
The Valley of the Moon, as its name suggests, gives you the impression of being on another planet. Dunes, canyons, ravines, and rocky peaks have formed in this place over millennia. It's a unique landscape in the world that will delight photographers.
The temperature range is large between day and night. So be sure to bring warm clothes to cover yourself as soon as the sun sets.
For it would be a shame to miss out on the extraordinary end-of-day spectacle. The desert and mountains then take on incredible colors that change every moment.
This excursion will delight the whole family, and teenagers can jump on a sandboard to race down sand dunes. Great fun awaits!
Stroll through a magnificent landscape between dunes and mountains.
Near the Valley of the Moon is the Valley of Death. Visit the Valley of Death rather in the early morning; the light is much more beautiful than in late afternoon, and you'll quickly be in shadow. The view over Death Valley from the Corniche of the Salt Mountain Range is splendid.
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Observing the Southern Sky
Northern Chile is probably the most exceptional region on earth for stargazing due to its lack of light pollution. The sky is incredibly pure. It's no wonder that most of the world's largest telescopes have been installed in this region.
Chileans have understood this well, and dozens of agencies in San Pedro offer star observation tours.
A few dozen kilometers from San Pedro, at an altitude of 5,000 meters on the Chajnantor plateau, lies the international scientific observatory Alma, the largest network of radio telescopes in the world! The center is accessible to visitors by reservation only on Saturday and Sunday mornings (!) Fortunately, other observatories welcome tourists eager to discover universe sciences without needing to climb 5,000 meters!
The Altiplanic Lagoons, Treasures of the Atacama Desert
A few kilometers south of San Pedro lies Salar de Atacama, Chile's largest salt desert and sixth-largest in the world.
But if you take your exploration of the Atacama Desert a bit further, a natural gem awaits you!
150 km from San Pedro, discover the altiplanic lagoons with Sala de Talar and las Piedras rojas (red stones).
For many travelers, it's considered the most beautiful excursion from the village. You'll discover an incredible palette of colors and breathtaking views from Paso Sico's path. Lose yourself in the vastness of Chilean Andes at heart-stopping volcanic relief
The El Tatio Geysers
Be careful if traveling with children; this site is located at 4,300 m altitude and visits are usually done at dawn to better appreciate steam eruptions (before 6 am). The geysers are about 100 km from San Pedro.
If you dislike crowds, come in the afternoon. You’ll have fewer steams but will be alone! The best time to admire geysers is during austral winter (June-July).
Las siete lagunas or las lagunas escondidas
The “hidden lagoons” of Baltinache, named so because these lagoons are quite isolated in an area with very little traffic.
They are located 58 km from San Pedro de Atacam at an altitude of 2,300 m. Visit them rather in the afternoon. In recent years, site attendance has increased but remains interesting still. This could be an alternative to Laguna Ceja if you prefer being more peaceful.
The salt concentration is very high; remember to bring water for rinsing and especially don’t put your head underwater.
Las Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache, Atacama's secret. Known for their floating effect ?? due to salt content?(7 times saltier than seawater). ? pic.twitter.com/fBC2su46UV
— Turismo en Chile (@TurismoEnChile) September 8th, 2018
If traveling with children under 6, prefer rather a swim at Puritama hot springs. They are located about thirty kilometers from San Pedro and will delight youngsters: five natural pools at a perfect temperature of 33 degrees. Surely you'll find more people here than at hidden lagoons but it's very pleasant surroundings with lush vegetation and suitable layout.
Want to learn more about Atacama Desert?
This video will remind some people memories and children will know all about Atacama Desert during your family stay in northern Chile!
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