This Atacama Desert 2-week itinerary is your essential guide to exploring South America’s driest desert. We’ll help you plan an unforgettable trip, from stargazing in San Pedro de Atacama to geological wonders, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free adventure suitable for solo travelers or families.

Welcome, fellow explorers! Dreaming of Mars-like landscapes, vibrant salt flats, and skies so clear you can practically touch the stars? The Atacama Desert beckons, but planning a two-week trip might seem a little daunting. You might worry about covering enough ground, finding the best experiences, or even how to pack for such an extreme environment. Don’t let that stop you! I’m here to guide you through creating an amazing Atacama Desert itinerary that balances adventure with relaxation. Get ready for a journey filled with awe-inspiring natural beauty and memories to last a lifetime. Let’s get started on crafting your perfect desert escape!

Atacama Desert 2 Weeks Itinerary: Your Ultimate Guide

Embarking on a two-week adventure in the Atacama Desert is an incredible way to experience one of Earth’s most unique landscapes. Known as the driest non-polar desert in the world, Atacama offers a stunning panorama of stark beauty, from lunar valleys to geysers and crystal-clear night skies. This itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your time, balancing iconic sights with opportunities for relaxation and immersion. We’ll cover San Pedro de Atacama as our base, venturing out to explore its surrounding wonders at a comfortable pace.

Why Two Weeks for the Atacama Desert?

While many visitors opt for shorter stays, a two-week itinerary allows for a deeper dive into the Atacama’s diverse attractions without feeling rushed. This extended period lets you:

• Acclimatize properly: San Pedro de Atacama sits at an altitude of around 2,400 meters (7,900 feet). Spending a few extra days helps your body adjust to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and enhancing your overall comfort.
• Explore at your own pace: With more time, you can revisit favorite spots, take spontaneous detours, or simply enjoy leisurely mornings. This is especially beneficial for families or those who prefer a less packed schedule.
• Experience diverse activities: The Atacama offers more than just landscapes. You can indulge in stargazing tours, geothermal baths, archaeological sites, and unique culinary experiences. Two weeks means you can sample them all.
• Venture further afield: Longer stays open up possibilities for day trips to more remote destinations or even multi-day excursions to nearby regions, like the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia (though this itinerary focuses on the Chilean Atacama).
• Enjoy downtime: Travel can be tiring. Having extra days allows for rest, enjoying the local culture in San Pedro, and simply soaking in the extraordinary atmosphere of the desert.

Essential Planning: Before You Go

Proper preparation is key to a smooth and enjoyable trip to the Atacama. Here’s what you need to consider:

Best Time to Visit

The Atacama Desert enjoys a stable climate year-round, making it a great destination anytime. However, there are subtle differences:

• Dry Season (May to November): This is the most popular time. Expect sunny days with cooler temperatures and extremely clear skies, perfect for stargazing. Nights can drop significantly, so pack warm layers.
• “Witch’s Summer” (Late January to February): This period sees a slight increase in humidity and occasional clouds, especially in the high plateaus. This can lead to dramatic cloudy skies and occasional light rain, which can be beautiful but may affect some high-altitude tours. Temperatures are warmer.

Generally, any time is good, but if stargazing is your top priority, the dry season offers the best conditions.

Getting There

The most common gateway to the Atacama Desert is through Calama (CJC). From most major cities in Chile (like Santiago), you can catch a flight to Calama. Once you arrive at El Loa Airport in Calama:

• Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama: The town of San Pedro de Atacama is your base for most Atacama adventures, located about 1.5 hours from Calama. You can pre-book shuttle services (e.g., TransVIP, PampaDirect) or find shared vans and private transfers upon arrival. This is the most convenient option.
• Rental Car: If you prefer to have your own wheels, you can rent a car at Calama Airport. Be aware that some roads within the Atacama can be unpaved or challenging, and it’s highly recommended to rent a 4×4 vehicle if you plan to explore off the beaten path. Ensure you have appropriate insurance and understand local driving conditions.

Accommodation

San Pedro de Atacama offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences:

• Budget Hostels: Many hostels provide dorm beds and private rooms, often with communal kitchens and social areas.
• Mid-Range Hotels & Guesthouses: Comfortable hotels and charming cabañas offer private bathrooms, breakfast, and sometimes pools.
• Luxury Lodges: For a more pampered experience, several high-end lodges offer all-inclusive packages, guided tours, fine dining, and spa services.

Tip: Book your accommodation well in advance, especially if traveling during peak season.

What to Pack: Essential Atacama Gear

Packing for the Atacama requires thinking about extreme temperatures, strong sun, and altitude. Layering is key!

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight, breathable long-sleeved shirts and pants (for sun protection).
  • Warm fleece jacket or down jacket (for cool evenings and mornings).
  • Thermal base layers (top and bottom) for colder nights and high-altitude excursions.
  • Waterproof and windproof outer jacket.
  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
  • Sandals or flip-flops for relaxing.
  • Hat with a wide brim (for sun protection).
  • Warm beanie or wool hat (for cold nights).
  • Gloves (lightweight and warm ones can be useful).
• Health & Comfort:
  • High SPF sunscreen (SPF 30+ or 50+). The sun is intense at altitude.
  • Lip balm with SPF.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Moisturizer and hand cream (the dry air can be harsh on skin).
  • Basic first-aid kit (including pain relievers and any personal medications).
  • Altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor about remedies like Soroche pills or Diamox, and consider bringing coca leaves or tea, which are locally available).
  • Personal incontinence products – for peace of mind on long days of exploring. Many adults find that wearing discreet, comfortable adult diapers or pull-ups provides confidence and security, especially when access to restrooms might be limited. Products designed for overnight use offer excellent absorbency for extended tours, ensuring comfort and dryness. Likewise, parents traveling with young children may find child diapers or pull-ups invaluable for road trips and excursions, preventing accidents and making the journey less stressful.
• Miscellaneous:
  • Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!).
  • Camera and extra batteries/memory cards.
  • Portable power bank for charging devices on the go.
  • Small backpack for day trips.
  • Swimsuit (for hot springs).
  • Headlamp or flashlight (useful for early morning or late-night tours, and generally handy).
  • Snacks (though you can buy these in San Pedro).

Your 14-Day Atacama Desert Itinerary

This itinerary offers a balanced pace, allowing for exploration and acclimatization. Feel free to swap days or activities based on your interests and energy levels.

Days 1-2: Arrival and San Pedro de Atacama Acclimatization

Arrive in Calama (CJC), transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Check into your accommodation. Spend these first two days taking it easy to adjust to the altitude. Explore the charming town of San Pedro:

• Walk along the main street, Caracoles.
• Visit the Iglesia San Pedro, the historic church.
• Explore the local artisan market.
• Enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of the many restaurants.
• Consider a gentle walk around town or to the nearby Pukará de Quitor ruins (which are at a similar altitude to town to ease acclimatization).

Days 3-4: Valleys of Moon and Death, and Salt Flat Tour

Ease into the spectacular landscapes.

• Day 3: Valle de la Luna & Valle de la Muerte. Take an afternoon tour to the iconic Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) and Death Valley (Valle de la Muerte). Witness surreal rock formations, salt caves, and sand dunes. The main highlight is watching the sunset paint the landscape in breathtaking colors. This tour usually starts in the afternoon and returns after sunset.
• Day 4: Salar de Atacama & Laguna Chaxa. A morning or afternoon tour to the vast Salar de Atacama, a massive salt flat. Visit Laguna Chaxa, a salt lagoon home to flamingos. You might also visit other lagoons like Laguna Cejar (for floating in salt water) or Ojos del Salar (two pure freshwater sinkholes). Be prepared for the intense sun and very dry air.

Days 5-6: High Altitude Lagoons and Salar de Atacama

Venture to higher altitudes to experience stunning highland lagoons.

• Day 5: Altiplanic Lagoons (Miscanti & Miñiques) & Piedras Rojas. This is a full-day tour. You’ll travel to two beautiful high-altitude lagoons, Miscanti and Miñiques, nestled below volcanoes. The vibrant blue waters contrasting with the stark volcanic landscape are unforgettable. The tour often includes a stop at the striking red rocks (Piedras Rojas) near Salar de Aguas Calientes. Remember to dress warmly, as temperatures are much colder at these elevations (over 4,000 meters / 13,000 feet). Lunch is usually included. Ensure you’ve acclimatized well before this trip.
• Day 6: Relax or Optional Activities. After two days of excursions, take today to relax in San Pedro. You could enjoy a nice lunch, revisit a favorite spot, or consider an optional activity like visiting the Aldea de Tulor (ancient village ruins) or learning about local crafts. Alternatively, rest and prepare for the next set of adventures.

Days 7-8: Tatio Geysers, Puritama Hot Springs, and Astronomy

Experience the earth’s geothermal power and the universe’s wonders.

• Day 7: El Tatio Geysers & Machuca Village. This is an early morning tour. You depart San Pedro around 4-5 AM to reach El Tatio Geysers (4,320 meters / 14,173 ft) before sunrise. Witnessing the geysers erupt as the sun rises, with steam plumes dramatically contrasting against the cold air, is a magical experience. The site is stunningly beautiful but very cold. Many tours include breakfast and a stop at the traditional Andean village of Machuca on the way back down, known for its lamb skewers.
• Day 8: Puritama Hot Springs & Stargazing Tour. In the late morning or early afternoon, head to the Termas de Puritama (Puritama Hot Springs). These natural thermal pools are set in a beautiful canyon and offer a wonderfully relaxing soak amidst the desert landscape. It’s a perfect way to soothe muscles after early mornings and high altitudes. In the evening, embark on a world-class stargazing tour. San Pedro’s clear skies and minimal light pollution make it one of the best places on Earth to observe the cosmos. Many tours include explanations of constellations and the use of powerful telescopes.

Days 9-10: Salar de Atacama and Laguna Serture or Rafting

Explore more of the Salar or try a different kind of adventure.

• Day 9: Full-Day Salar de Atacama Exploration & Laguna Serture. Dedicate a full day to a deeper exploration of the Salar de Atacama. Consider a tour that includes less-visited salt flats or takes you further into the desert expanses. Some tours might visit Laguna Serture, a less touristy but equally beautiful lagoon, or venture towards the stunning landscapes of the Salar de Tara (which is a longer, more rugged 4×4 expedition and often requires good acclimatization and good weather).
• Day 10: White Continent Tour (Salar de Tara) or Rio Cipolletti Rafting. If you took a shorter itinerary for the Salar de Atacama on Day 9, consider the “White Continent” tour (Salar de Tara) today. This is an incredible full-day 4×4 adventure to a vast, remote salt flat with unique rock formations and high-altitude lagoons. It requires an early start and good acclimatization. Alternatively, for a different kind of day, you can opt for white-water rafting on sections of the Rio Cipolletti, often a fun adventure suitable for most skill levels.

Days 11-12: Atacama Border Lands and Salt Mine

Expand your horizons to the edges of the desert, exploring landscapes and history.

• Day 11: San Bartolo Salt Mine & Lagunas Baltinache. Visit the Lagunas Baltinache, a series of salt lagoons with extremely high salinity, similar to the Dead Sea. You can float effortlessly in these surreal, turquoise waters. Combine this with a visit to the San Bartolo salt mine and its museum to understand the historical importance of salt extraction in the region.
• Day 12: Valle del Arcoiris (Rainbow Valley) & Petroglyphs. Take a half-day tour to the Valle del Arcoiris. This valley is famous for its colorful hills, rich in mineral deposits that create stripes of red, green, purple, and white. Along the way, you can often find ancient petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the area’s pre-Columbian past. This is a less strenuous tour, perfect for a more relaxed day.

Days 13-14: Departure and Final Reflections

Enjoy a final Atacama breakfast, perhaps pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for a short, leisurely activity in San Pedro.

• Day 13: Morning Relaxation / Souvenir Shopping. Enjoy a slow morning. Perhaps visit the R.P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum (check if it’s open, as it’s sometimes under renovation) for a deeper understanding of the region’s history, or simply relax at a cafe.
• Day 14: Departure. Transfer back to Calama Airport (CJC) for your flight.

Sample Atacama Desert Itinerary: Overview

Here’s a quick overview of our suggested 14-day plan. Remember this is flexible!