Showing 32 attractions · Sorted by importance
Church of San Francisco de Chiu Chiu
📍 Chiu Chiu
🏘 Town / VillageOne of the oldest churches in Chile, this national monument features thick adobe walls and a roof made of cactus wood and leather.
Church of San Pedro de Atacama
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🏰 CastleA historic colonial church made of adobe and cactus wood, recognized as one of Chile's most iconic national monuments.
El Tatio Geysers
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🏛 LandmarkOne of the highest geothermal fields in the world, these iconic geysers create a dramatic spectacle of steam and bubbling pools at sunrise.
La Mano del Desierto
📍 Antofagasta
🏛 LandmarkA striking 11-meter-tall sculpture of a hand rising from the desert sands, created by artist Mario Irarrázabal as a monument to human vulnerability.
Monumento Natural La Portada
📍 Antofagasta
⛱ BeachA spectacular natural white rhyolite arch standing in the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by dramatic coastal cliffs and diverse marine birdlife.
Pukará de Quitor
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🏰 CastleAn impressive 12th-century pre-Inca stone fortress built into a steep hillside offering panoramic views of the desert valley.
Puritama Hot Springs
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🧗 AdventureA collection of eight natural thermal pools at the base of a rocky canyon, offering family-friendly swimming in geothermally heated waters.
Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🌲 NatureA premier high-altitude reserve featuring salt flats and lagoons that serve as a vital habitat for three distinct species of wild flamingos.
Ruta 1 Coastal Highway
📍 Antofagasta
🚗 Road Trip415km paved coastal highway (5-6 hours) connecting Antofagasta and Iquique. The route features dramatic scenery where the 1,000-meter high Coastal Range mountains drop directly into the Pacific Ocean. Key highlights include the La Portada natural arch, the fishing village of Tocopilla, and vast stretches of uninhabited desert coastline.
Ruta 23 Altiplanic Lagoons Drive
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🚗 Road Trip160km paved mountain road (full day return) climbing from San Pedro de Atacama to over 4,000 meters elevation. The route passes the Salar de Atacama, the traditional village of Toconao, and ends at the spectacular Miscanti and Miñiques Altiplanic lagoons, surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes and yellow high-altitude grass.
San Pedro de Atacama Historic Center
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🏘 Town / VillageThe charming heart of the oasis town features 17th-century adobe architecture and a historic church made of cactus wood.
Valle de la Luna
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🏛 LandmarkKnown for its moon-like landscape, this iconic natural landmark offers families the chance to explore salt caves, giant sand dunes, and unique rock formations.
ALMA Observatory Visitors Center
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🔬 ScienceThe world's most powerful radio telescope facility offers guided weekend tours of its technical operations center, providing families with insights into cutting-edge astronomy and space exploration.
El Tatio Thermal Pool
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
♨ Hot Spring30°C geothermal pool located within a major geyser field at 4,320m altitude. The water is naturally heated by volcanic activity and surrounded by active steam vents.
Quebrada del Diablo (Devil's Throat) Route
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🥾 Hiking & Cycling20km loop, moderate difficulty, 3-4 hours duration, 150m elevation gain. A classic desert canyon route through narrow red clay passages. Bike rental: Sorbac (sorbacatacamarental.cl) or Atacama Rides (atacamarental.cl).
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) Cycling Circuit
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🥾 Hiking & Cycling35km round trip from town, moderate difficulty, 4-5 hours duration, 300m elevation gain. Includes the Duna Mayor and Salt Caves. Bike rental: Sorbac (sorbacatacamarental.cl) or Atacama Rides (atacamarental.cl).
Aldea de Tulor
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🏰 CastleOne of the oldest archaeological sites in Chile, featuring unique circular mud-brick structures preserved by the desert sands.
Playa Hornitos
📍 Mejillones
⛱ BeachWidely considered the most beautiful beach in northern Chile, featuring calm temperate waters and fine golden sand at the foot of massive desert cliffs.
Ruta 27 Paso de Jama International Route
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🚗 Road Trip160km paved international highway (4-5 hours return) known for reaching one of the highest points in Chile. This well-maintained route offers views of the Licancabur Volcano and passes the Monjes de la Pacana (giant volcanic rock pillars), the Salar de Pujsa, and the high-altitude wetlands of the Altiplano.
Cerro Toco Summit Hike
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🥾 Hiking & Cycling4km out-and-back, challenging due to altitude (starts at 5,200m), 3-4 hours duration, 400m elevation gain. One of the most accessible 5,000m+ peaks in the Andes. Equipment rental: Atacama Desert Expeditions (atacamadesert.com).
Guatin Gatchi (Cactus Valley) Trek
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🥾 Hiking & Cycling6km one way, moderate difficulty, 3 hours duration, 200m elevation gain. Trail winds through a canyon filled with giant Cardon cacti along the Vilama River towards Puritama. Guided tours recommended for transport.
Lagunas Miscanti y Miñiques
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🌲 NatureTwo vibrant blue high-altitude lakes located at the foot of towering volcanoes, home to rare Andean bird species.
Piedras Rojas
📍 San Pedro de Atacama
🏔 Scenic ViewA breathtaking high-altitude site featuring vibrant red volcanic rocks contrasting against a bright turquoise salt lagoon.
Balneario Juan López
📍 Antofagasta
⛱ BeachA peaceful horseshoe-shaped bay protected from strong currents, making it an ideal family-friendly destination for swimming and local coastal dining.
Parque Nacional Morro Moreno
📍 Antofagasta
⛱ BeachA coastal national park protecting a unique 'fog oasis' ecosystem with hiking trails offering panoramic views of the rugged coastline.
Pukará de Lasana
📍 Calama
🏰 CastleA well-preserved 12th-century stone fortress and village complex situated on a cliff overlooking the lush Loa River valley.
Socaire Village
📍 Socaire
🐄 FarmFamous for its ancient stone agricultural terraces, this high-altitude village offers a window into traditional Andean farming techniques and rural life.
Toconao Village
📍 Toconao
🏘 Town / VillageA peaceful desert oasis town famous for its architecture built from 'liparita' volcanic stone and its iconic 18th-century bell tower.
Calama Water Park
📍 Calama
🌊 Water ParkA popular municipal water park in the desert city featuring a large swimming pool, thrilling water slides, and expansive recreation areas for family-friendly fun.
Jardín Botánico Aguas Antofagasta
📍 Antofagasta
🌿 GardenA significant desert botanical garden showcasing over 400 species of cacti and succulents native to one of the world's driest environments.