San Pedro de Atacama

The questions people ask first about San Pedro de Atacama, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the Chilean peso (CLP, $).Chile-wide
• SIM or eSIMcheckEntel, Movistar, WOM and Claro sell prepaid SIMs; foreign phones may need IMEI registration after a period — check.Chile-wide
• Tap waterTap water is safe in most cities; boil or filter in rural areas and on treks.Chile-wide
• TippingRestaurants: 10% suggested on the bill; you may decline.Chile-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets C/L. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Chile-wide
• SafetySan Pedro is a small, safe tourist town; the real risks are altitude, cold, heat and desert driving.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• CoffeeCoffee or tea in the centreCLP 2,500–4,500
• Sit-down mealDinner main in a Caracoles restaurantCLP 12,000–22,000
• Street or quick mealSet lunch (almuerzo) or a sandwichCLP 6,000–12,000
• Beerbar / shopCLP 4,000–6,500CLP 1,500–2,500
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCLP 12,000
• Mid-range bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per roomCLP 80,000
• High-end bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per roomCLP 150,000

A day, not counting the bed: Budget CLP 35,000 · Mid CLP 60,000 · High CLP 110,000

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

CJC Calama El Loa (Nearest commercial airport, about 100 km (62 mi); no flights into San Pedro itself. Minivan transfers to town take about 90 min.)CJC Calama El Loa (Nearest commercial airport, about 62 mi (100 km); no flights into San Pedro itself. Minivan transfers to town take about 90 min.)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

CLP 35,000–55,000 excl. bed

Mid

CLP 55,000–90,000 excl. bed

High

CLP 90,000+ excl. bed

• Altitude: town is 2,400 m, El Tatio 4,200 m and the altiplano lakes over 4,200 m. Arrive, sleep, then go high — and read up on altitude sickness before you book the geyser tour.
• El Tatio tours leave around 04:00 and it is below freezing before sunrise even in summer: gloves, hat, two pairs of socks, warm jacket.El Tatio tours leave around 4:00 AM and it is below freezing before sunrise even in summer: gloves, hat, two pairs of socks, warm jacket.
• Valle de la Luna tickets are sold online only — no ticket booth at the gate, and you are turned away without one. Buy before you go.
• Fuel: the only station in the area is in San Pedro. Fill up before any drive, and check the spare tyre — flats are common on dirt roads.
• Off the main tour roads there is no phone signal and traffic may be one car every two months. Do not drive remote altiplano tracks alone.
• If you continue to Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni, several sights repeat. Decide which geysers, lagoons and salt flats you pay for once.