San Pedro de atacama accommodation availability

Quick question for anybody in San Pedro de Atacama now please. Is it advisable to book accommodation in advance or can we just arrive and look around to find somewhere? We usually do that but I expect San Pedro de atacama will be busier than other places we've been so we may need to book? Thanks

@Sneaks2015 .
I am not in San Pedro right now, but I was there recently and it was peak season. We had no issues in finding accommodation (but of course this might depends also on the type of accommodation you are looking for. We were travelling on a low budget). Moreover I think that by doing so, you might even get a better price.

@Sneaks2015 - When are you getting there?

@loryci - Is it cheaper than booking online right now? I am going to be there in two weeks time, and want to know if I can book a hostel/room easily when I get there.
In past, I have booked online mostly. But, also learned that sometimes visiting the hostel and then booking it is more helpful - since it gives you an idea of the hostel and the people (other tourists) there.

@Vsail: I cannot tell you that for sure, but from my experience I do remember we wanted to book some hostel in San Pedro from Uyuni (about a week before getting there). We checked some prices online and they seemed to us to be pretty expensive. Once we got to San Pedro we visited 3-4 hostels till we found one available and for a good price.
Chile is not Peru or Bolivia, but you can still bargain a bit. :)
My suggestion would be: 1/ Check online, if you find smt nice for a good price, then just book it. 2/ If you are not convinced, then I wouldn't worry too much. You will maybe spend an hour or so looking for smt in San Pedro but at least (as you said) you can visit few hostels and take a better decision ;-)

What price range would be considered a good price?

I turned up with no accom booked in Jan/Feb. We found a place with accom fairly easily just walking the streets.

Great thanks a million. We're on the way there now. And looking for the same as you were, budget accommodation although is it possible to find in Chile? :-). We're a family of 5 so always a bit pricier to get quad/family rooms. Thanks again for your reply, c

Thanks all. Really appreciate the comments. Will let you know how we get on.

@Sneaks2015 > I think you can find budget accommodation, if you don't mind ''wasting'' some time visiting few hostels in order to find a better deal.
Chile is not the cheapest country to visit, but you can save a lot of money by cooking your own food (mainly if you are a family of 5 :) )
It s also good to buy bus tickets in advance (bus companies often have specials offers if you buy tickets a couple of days in advance). If you are lucky you can save up to 30-40% .
Btw: Its really cool you still travel even with such a big family :D
ENJOY!!

Thanks Loryci, you were right, we had no issue finding accommodation. There was plenty of availability in the end. We're staying in a great hostel "vilacoya" which is cheap and has a really nice atmosphere. It's actually the cheapest room we've gotten for the 5 of us in chile so far at 32000 for the room with 4 beds. We love it in San Pedro. Out favourite spot I think in chile travelling from Santiago north. Thanks again :-)

Great to hear that! :-) Have fun there!!!!

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