Tourist Places to Visit in San Pedro De Atacama, Chile, America

Tourist Places to Visit in San Pedro De Atacama, Chile, America

San Pedro De Atacama is a town as well as commune situated in El Loa Province of Antofagasta Region in Chile covering an area of 23,438.8 sq. km. It is home to many archeological ruins dating back to pre-Columbian era and other identity of San Pedro De Atacama is R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum. San Pedro De Atacama is also famous for sand boarding and stargazing activities.

Geography of San Pedro De Atacama:

San Pedro De Atacama coordinates with 22°55′ S latitude and 68°12′ W longitude, is placed about 105 km southeast of Calama (provincial capital) and 1630 km north of Santiago (provincial capital).

History of San Pedro De Atacama:

San Pedro De Atacama was the part of Bolivia until the War of the Pacific when Chile acquired San Pedro De Atacama from Bolivia. It was founded around 1450 and Atacamenos were the original inhabitants of San Pedro De Atacama.

How to reach San Pedro De Atacama?

El Loa Airport is the nearest airport to San Pedro De Atacama located in Calama, around 100 km from the centre of San Pedro De Atacama. It is connected with Santiago de Chile, Antofagasta, Iquique, Copiapo and La Serena, operated by LAN Airlines, PAL Airlines and Sky Airline.

There are regular buses plying between San Pedro De Atacama and Calama and Santiago. Local buses and rental cars are ideal to get around.

Culture, Food and Shopping in San Pedro De Atacama:

The major events that are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in San Pedro De Atacama are Saint Peter (June 28) and Saint Paul (June 29).

Shops are plenty and the major restaurants in San Pedro De Atacama are:

Baltinache Restaurant
Sala de Cerveza Chelacabur
Sol Inti Restaurant
Las Delicias de Carmen

Things to do in San Pedro De Atacama:

Archeological sites
Museum
Trekking
Climbing

Tourist Attractions in San Pedro De Atacama:

P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum:
P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum exhibits more than 380,000 artifacts from pre-Columbian period. Jesuit missionary Father Gustavo Le Paige was the founder the museum and named in his honor. Presently it is maintained by the Catholic University of the North.

Church of San Pedro:

Church of San Pedro is the 2^nd oldest church of Chile built during the Spanish colonial era (17^th century). This national monument was constructed with indigenous adobe material and renovated two times during 18^th and 19^th centuries.

Llano de Chajnantor Observatory:

Llano de Chajnantor Observatory is located in the outskirts of the city, around 50 km. This radio-telescope site is home to Atacama Large Millimeter Array and it can be reachable by car or bike.

Other places of interest near San Pedro De Atacama include:

Chaxas Lagoon
El Tatio
Laguna Miscanti
Licancabur
Pukará de Quitor
Puritama Hot Springs
Valle de la Muerte
Salar de Atacama
Valle de la Luna

Best time to visit San Pedro De Atacama:

The ideal time to travel San Pedro De Atacama to see pre-Columbian sites is during the summer season (December, January and February).

Accommodation options in San Pedro De Atacama:

Apart from archeological sites, San Pedro De Atacama is also famous for hotels and lodges. Here is the list of the best hotels in San Pedro De Atacama: