There’s no better way to discover the Atacama Desert in Chile than by renting a car and heading out “into the great wide open, under the skies so blue,” as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers would sing.
With the freedom to stop and snap photos, enjoy a picnic, or simply take in the view of snow-capped mountains with no one around, it truly feels like magic.
Atacama Desert
The roads are easy to navigate, and you can usually count the number of cars you’ll pass in a whole day of exploring on one hand. If you're flying into Calama, you can pick up a rental car at the airport from Econorent, which was the most affordable option during our visit. For a 3-day rental of an automatic car, we paid around $180 USD (note: the car in the photo wasn’t the exact one we booked— the cheapest cars were unavailable, so we got a nice upgrade). We reserved our car online about a week ahead and didn’t have any issues.
Before leaving Calama, be sure to stop by the supermarket to stock up on snacks and water for your trip. San Pedro can be quite pricey, and the shops there don’t offer as much variety as the supermarkets in Calama.
The best base for exploring the Atacama Desert is San Pedro. While accommodation prices can be steep, it’s worth staying there since the only nearby petrol station is located in the town. Plus, there’s a nice mix of restaurants and shops where you can unwind in the evenings.
1. Valle de la Luna
Entry fee: 3,000 CLP / $5 USD per person
The ideal time to visit Valle de la Luna is in the late afternoon, well before sunset. We set off around 5:00 p.m. and had plenty of time to explore before the sun set at about 8:00 p.m. We recommend driving to the furthest point of the park (the salt mines) first and then working your way back.
2. Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miñiques
Entry fee: 3,000 CLP / $5 USD per person
As you drive over a hill and descend into the park, you might think you’re looking at a painting when you first see Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miñiques. Vicunas graze peacefully at the edges of the lakes, and if you’re lucky, you may spot a splash as the water ripples.
3. Laguna de Chaxa
Entry fee: 2,500 CLP / $4 USD
Surrounded by salt flats, Laguna de Chaxa is home to three species of flamingos. The vivid plumage of the birds contrasts beautifully with the glaring white salt flats and the deep blue of the lake— a truly picturesque scene. This visit pairs well with a stop at Ojos del Salar (mentioned below).
4. Geyser del Tatio
Entry fee: 10,000 CLP / $15 USD per person
Be prepared for an early start if you want to see Geyser del Tatio at sunrise— but trust us, it’s worth it! The geyser field, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, is a 2-hour drive away, so we suggest leaving between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. At 4,320 meters, the altitude can be tough on your body, so be sure to spend a couple of days in San Pedro to acclimate before heading to the geysers.
Once you arrive, enjoy the amazing light and watch the geysers bubble fiercely. Afterward, take a dip in the hot springs. On the drive back, the stunning landscape— especially the towering cacti— will surprise your mind! P.S. Remember to bundle up; it gets VERY cold at Geyser del Tatio— when we visited, it was just 3°C / 37.4°F.
5. Ojos del Salar
Free entry
Skip the overpriced Laguna Cejar (where you’ll pay 15,000 CLP / $25 USD to float in the saltwater lake) and head to Ojos del Salar instead. Tucked in the middle of the salt flats, this free pool offers a refreshing dip without the crowds. You won’t float like at Laguna Cejar, but the location is serene, and you’ll almost certainly have the pool to yourself.
lagunas Miscanti y Miniques at Atacama in Chile
Video by Chile N Thailand Travel
