Explore the salt flats, geysers, and lagoons of San Pedro de Atacama, relax on beaches like Bahía Inglesa, and taste the piscos of the Elqui Valley. At night, marvel at the magic of the stars in the clearest skies on the planet. The Chilean desert awaits you! The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is the driest non-polar desert on Earth, accessed primarily through the town of San Pedro de Atacama. A realistic trip requires at least four full days, a budget of roughly $80 to $150 USD per person per day including tours and accommodation, and a clear decision between renting a car and joining organized tours. This guide covers the real costs, the entry. Here's how to plan a trip to Chile's Atacama Desert, with expert recommendations on where to stay, what to do, and the best time to visit. Everything you need to know about visiting San Pedro de Atacama: how to get there, getting around, best tours, where to stay and drone tips. This guide covers what makes Atacama Desert worth a trip, how to get there, what it costs, what to take, and the safety basics. Use the table of contents to jump to what you need, or read end-to-end to plan a full visit. Chile-based writer Mark Johanson guides first-timers through the Atacama Desert. Base yourself in San Pedro de Atacama for moonscape valleys, steamy geysers and Altiplano day trips. Come in winter for stargazing or during shoulder seasons to avoid summer crowds. Explore Atacama Desert, Chile deeply: top places, scenic routes, itineraries, when to go. Complete & free 2026 guide. In this Atacama Desert travel guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to plan your trip, from can’t-miss sights and itinerary ideas to insider tips for exploring Chile’s wild, high-altitude desert. We had plans to meet up with my cousin and a friend we met in Cusco for a 4-day road trip around Atacama. We’ll detail our itinerary and all the practical information you need to visit the Atacama Desert, a must-see in Chile! Everything you need to plan a trip to the Atacama Desert, Chile: top sights, best time to visit, transport options and altitude advice.