Sights in San Pedro De Atacama
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Valle de la Luna
Watching the sun set from the exquisite Valley of the Moon is an unforgettable experience. From atop a giant sand dune, you can drink in spectacular views as the sun slips below the horizon and a beautiful transformation occurs: the distant ring of volcanoes, rippling Cordillera de la Sal and surreal lunar landscapes of the valley are suddenly suffused with intense purples, pinks and golds.
The Valle de la Luna is named after its lunar-like landforms eroded by eons of flood and wind. The valley is San Pedro's most popular organized tour, with trips leaving in good time to explore before sunset.
reviewed
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Pukará de Quitor
Dominating a curvaceous promontory over the Río San Pedro, this crumbling 12th-century pukará (fort) was one of the last bastions against Pedro de Valdivia and the Spanish in northern Chile. The indigenous forces fought bravely, but were overcome and many were promptly beheaded. About one hundred defensive enclosures hug the slopes here, like big stone bird's nests. The hilltop commands an impressive view of the oasis.
reviewed
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A
Iglesia San Pedro
The sugar-white Iglesia San Pedro is a delightful little colonial church built with indigenous or artisanal materials – chunky adobe walls and roof, a ceiling made from cardón (cactus wood) resembling shriveled tire tracks and, in lieu of nails, hefty leather straps. The church dates from the 17th century, though its present walls were built in 1745, and the bell tower was added in 1890.
reviewed
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Laguna Chaxa
The jagged crust of the Salar de Atacama looks for all the world like God went crazy with a stippling brush. But in the midst of these rough, lifeless crystals is an oasis of activity: the pungent Laguna Chaxa is the reserve's most easily accessible flamingo breeding site. Three of the five known species (James, Chilean and Andean) can be spotted at this salt lake. Sunrise is feeding time for the birds.
reviewed
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Termas de Puritama
These idyllic volcanic hot springs puddle together in a box canyon, en route to El Tatio. Their temperature is about 33°C (91°F), and there are several falls, pools and changing rooms on site. Few tours stop here because of the hefty admission charged, but taxis will take you.
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Aldea de Tulor
Circular adobe structures huddle together like muddy bubble-wrap in the ruins of Tulor, the oldest excavated village in the region. It's just a short drive west of San Pedro, or jump on your bike and get peddling!
reviewed
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B
Casa Incaica
On the east side of Plaza de Armas stands the restored adobe Casa Incaica ostensibly built in 1540 for Valdivia, but it might be safer to say that Valdivia slept here. (It's closed to the public).
reviewed
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C
Museo Gustavo Le Paige
Even if museums aren’t your thing, make an exception for San Pedro’s superb Museo Gustavo Le Paige.
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