If you’re an thrill-seeker, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile is a fantastic place to catch a one-of-a-kind Atacaman adventure.
With around 140,000 square kilometers of desert, Atacama is spacious. Making it the perfect playground for extreme sports. Two wheels, four wheels, no wheels, horse heels – there’s something for everyone.
So if you’re an adrenaline junkie or daring to try something new, check out this list of outdoor activities that are sure to keep your heart pumping.
For more information on San Pedro de Atacama read San Pedro de Atacama: What You Need to Know, How to Get to the Atacama Desert On a Budget (from ,Valparaíso), Make the Most of the Atacama Desert (San Pedro)
1. Hiking Through The Desert
Taking on Atacama by foot can be one of the most rewarding adventures within the desert.
Forcing you to rise early or suffer under the desert heat, Atacama provides one obstacle after another. Between the high altitudes and dry air. The hilly paths and sandy winds. It’s no cakewalk, that’s for sure.
But if you’re willing to put in the preparation and time, the views you will be granted with are outstanding.
Plus you may even make a furry friend… or two!
***Top Hikes For Your Atacaman Adventures:***
1. Sendero Mirador Achaches: One Of The Most Popular Trails
Difficulty: light-moderate Duration: ~1hr
Located in Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) Sendero Mirador Achaches starts approximately 20-25 minute trail from the parking lot.
TIPS: Keeping trekking until the end. The view is worth it. AND DON’T FORGET TO BRING WATER
Other hikes in Moon Valley include: Dona Mayor and Tres Marias
2. Lascar Volcano
Difficulty: heavy Duration: ~3h
The most active volcano in the region, Lascar Volcano sits at an elevation of almost 5,600m.
TIPS: This one requires a good set of lungs. AND DON’T FORGET TO BRING WATER
3. Puritama Hot Springs (Natural Spas Count As Adventure Too!)
Difficulty: moderate-heavy Duration: ~4h
Located about 30km from San Pedro’s city center, you’ll find the Puritama Hot Springs.
The trail runs along a river and passes through a canyon. Highest elevation is 3,500m above sea level.
TIPS: Hike along the rivers. AND DON’T FORGET TO BRING WATER
2. Sandboarding Across the Desert
Death Valley (or Valle de la Muerte as its known to locals), is by far the most desired spot to head when you’re looking to sandboard for your Atacaman adventures.
There you’ll find dunes up to 120m high fit for beginners and those with more experience. To get there, you have two options: go with a tour or rent a bicycle and get there yourself. The distance from the center of San Pedro to the Death Valley dunes isn’t much, but the journey isn’t easy. You have a rough 10-15mins of ascending and descending hills, cycling through the hot desert sun with a sandboard and a backpack full of essentials bogging you down.
If you’re up for the challenge, though, I still found it way cheaper and much more rewarding renting a bicycle and going it alone.
TIPS: Pack desert essentials (i.e. sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, close-toed shoes) AND DON’T FORGET TO BRING WATER
3. Mountain Biking Adventures Through Atacama
If you’re interested in a day trip from San Pedro, the Valley of Catarpe is located about 9km away and packs a ton of adventure.
Rent yourself a bike, pack all the necessary essentials and cycle out to this valley.
I won’t spoil all the attractions you’ll find there, but an abandoned tunnel is one of the highlights.
TIPS: Be well-prepared for your journey and start early before the afternoon heat sets in. Oh, and DON’T FORGET TO BRING WATER!
4. Van-Life It Through The Desert
Since most attractions near San Pedro require some wheels to get to, I highly recommend renting a campervan.
Campervans allow you to be flexible. You can sleep where you want, you can visit the attractions when you want. You aren’t being tied to a schedule or tour group. Plus, since you can camp pretty much anywhere in the desert for free, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper. Especially, if you have a couple of friends to split the costs with.
Here is a site I recommend.
TIPS: BRING LOTS OF WATER!
5. Horseback Riding: A Different Way Of Getting Around
Definitely not my favorite form of transportation through the Atacama Desert, but one that should be mentioned nonetheless: horseback riding.
In San Pedro, you can find horseback riding tours anywhere from 2hrs to 12 days!
TIPS: BRING DOUBLE WATER. Water for you and water for your horse.
6. Biking – The Atacaman Adventure For Those Who Want To See It All, But Are On A Budget And Still Craving Adventure
Many of the attractions are bike-able from the center of San Pedro de Atacama.
However, if you aren’t very experienced with a bicycle, you could find this particular form of transportation a little difficult to manage. That’s because the hilly roads, the desert heat, and the excess weight you’ve got to carry along make a tough combination. The experience, though, is extremely rewarding. That is, if you’re up for a more challenging adventure.
One bicycle tour I’d like to recommend is cycling to Cejar Lagoon (the floating lagoon). This can be done with or without a tour group. If you go alone, try to arrive earlier in the day. That way, you’ll most likely beat the midday heat. Plus, the entry fee will be slightly less expensive.
Duration: 4hrs
TIPS: Be prepared to get very salty, and don’t forget your water!
7. Buggy All Over The Sand Dunes
For a quicker and more effective Atacaman adventure, maybe 4 wheels are better for you.
By taking a dune buggy tour, you’ll have an expert local guide there with you. You’re sure to be well-entertained and educated throughout your ride.
Plus, this adventure allows you to cover a lot more ground much more quickly. Making this particular adventure great for those seeking adventure, but have time as a limiting factor.
TIPS: You already know by now – bring water.
