Before embarking on your unforgettable journey to Salar de Uyuni, spend a few days exploring San Pedro de Atacama, one of Chile’s most fascinating travel destinations. Nestled in the heart of the Atacama Desert—the driest non-polar desert on Earth—this charming oasis town serves as the perfect base for adventures through volcanic landscapes, salt flats, geothermal fields, ancient archaeological sites, and some of the clearest night skies on the planet.

Many travelers head straight to Uyuni without realizing just how much San Pedro has to offer. Spending two to four days here not only allows you to experience some of Chile’s most spectacular attractions but also gives your body valuable time to adjust to the altitude before crossing into Bolivia.

Whether you’re interested in photography, hiking, astronomy, wildlife, or simply relaxing in beautiful desert scenery, these are the 15 best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama before your Uyuni Salt Flats tour.

Why Spend Time in San Pedro de Atacama?

Located at approximately 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level, San Pedro de Atacama offers a gentle introduction to higher elevations before many Uyuni tours climb above 4,500 meters (14,760 feet).

Spending several days here helps you:

Acclimatize to the altitude
Recover from long flights
Explore incredible natural attractions
Purchase supplies before entering Bolivia
Enjoy Chilean cuisine
Prepare for your multi-day desert expedition

It’s one of the best ways to start your South American adventure.

1. Watch Sunrise at El Tatio Geysers

One of the most famous excursions from San Pedro is visiting El Tatio Geysers, one of the world’s highest geothermal fields.

Before sunrise, steam rises dramatically from dozens of active geysers while temperatures often remain below freezing.

Highlights include:

Powerful steam columns
Bubbling geothermal pools
Stunning sunrise photography
Mountain scenery
Possible sightings of vicuñas and flamingos

Dress warmly, as early mornings can be extremely cold.

2. Visit Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)

Valle de la Luna is one of Chile’s most iconic landscapes.

Its dramatic rock formations, sand dunes, and salt-covered valleys resemble the surface of another planet.

Popular activities include:

Hiking
Sunset photography
Sand dune viewpoints
Geological exploration

Sunset is the most popular time to visit, when the rocks glow in shades of gold, orange, and red.

3. Explore Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley)

Despite its intimidating name, Death Valley is one of the region’s most beautiful attractions.

Known for:

Massive sand dunes
Red rock formations
Mountain views
Adventure sports

Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or simply admire the incredible scenery.

The sunsets here are spectacular.

4. Relax at Cejar Lagoon

Floating effortlessly in the salty waters of Laguna Cejar is a unique experience.

The lagoon’s salt concentration is even higher than that of the Dead Sea, making it nearly impossible to sink.

Visitors often combine this excursion with nearby lagoons and sunset viewpoints.

Don’t forget fresh water to rinse off the salt afterward.

5. Discover the Atacama Salt Flats

The Salar de Atacama is Chile’s largest salt flat.

Unlike Salar de Uyuni, this landscape combines:

Salt crusts
Lagoons
Mountains
Volcanoes
Wildlife

It provides an excellent introduction to the spectacular environments you’ll continue exploring in Bolivia.

6. See Flamingos at Chaxa Lagoon

Located within the Los Flamencos National Reserve, Laguna Chaxa is one of the best places to observe flamingos in northern Chile.

Depending on the season, you may see:

Chilean Flamingos
Andean Flamingos
James’s Flamingos

The combination of birds, salt flats, and volcanoes creates outstanding photography opportunities.

7. Visit the Altiplanic Lagoons

The beautiful Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons sit more than 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) above sea level.

These deep-blue lakes are surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes and dramatic mountain scenery.

Many travelers consider them among the most beautiful lakes in Chile.

This excursion also helps your body gradually adjust to higher elevations before visiting Bolivia.

8. Enjoy an Astronomy Tour

The Atacama Desert is famous for having some of the clearest skies on Earth.

Minimal humidity, almost no cloud cover, and very little light pollution create ideal conditions for stargazing.

Many evening tours include:

Powerful telescopes
Astronomy guides
Planet observations
Milky Way viewing
Astrophotography opportunities

Even if you’ve visited observatories elsewhere, the Atacama sky is truly unforgettable.

9. Wander Through San Pedro’s Historic Center

The town itself deserves exploration.

Take time to stroll through:

Adobe streets
Artisan markets
Small museums
Local cafés
Boutique shops

The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to spend an afternoon discovering local culture.

10. Visit Pukará de Quitor

This ancient stone fortress dates back to the 12th century and offers fascinating insight into the region’s Indigenous history.

A short hike leads to panoramic views over:

San Pedro de Atacama
The surrounding desert
Nearby mountain ranges

History lovers shouldn’t miss this archaeological site.

11. Try Chilean Cuisine

Before heading into Bolivia, enjoy some of northern Chile’s excellent restaurants.

Popular local dishes include:

Empanadas
Pastel de choclo
Llama meat
Quinoa dishes
Fresh trout
Chilean wines
Pisco Sour

Many restaurants also offer excellent vegetarian and vegan options.

12. Shop for Last-Minute Supplies

San Pedro is the ideal place to purchase anything you may need before your Uyuni tour.

Useful items include:

Sunscreen
Lip balm
Sunglasses
Gloves
Warm clothing
Snacks
Reusable water bottles
Portable chargers

Shopping opportunities become much more limited once you cross into Bolivia.

13. Rent a Bicycle

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the desert around San Pedro.

Popular biking routes include:

Valle de la Muerte
Pukará de Quitor
Devil’s Gorge
Local viewpoints

Early morning and late afternoon offer the most comfortable temperatures.

14. Visit the Puritama Hot Springs

Located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from town, the Puritama Hot Springs feature a series of naturally heated pools surrounded by canyon scenery.

The warm mineral-rich water provides a relaxing break after several days of sightseeing.

Many travelers visit before beginning the physically demanding Uyuni expedition.

15. Simply Relax and Acclimatize

One of the smartest things you can do is… not overdo it.

Spend time:

Drinking plenty of water
Resting
Walking around town
Enjoying local cafés
Preparing your gear
Sleeping well

Allowing your body to adjust gradually can make your Uyuni experience significantly more comfortable.

Suggested 3-Day Itinerary Before Your Uyuni Tour

Day 1

Explore San Pedro
Visit Valle de la Luna
Watch the sunset
Enjoy dinner in town

Day 2

El Tatio Geysers
Relax in the afternoon
Astronomy tour after dark

Day 3

Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons
Chaxa Lagoon
Pack for Bolivia
Early night’s sleep before departure

This itinerary balances sightseeing with altitude acclimatization.

Tips Before Crossing into Bolivia

Before leaving San Pedro:

Confirm your passport is easily accessible.
Bring enough cash for entrance fees and small purchases.
Pack warm clothing for freezing mornings.
Charge all electronic devices.
Download offline maps.
Carry snacks and water.
Check your tour pickup time.

Most Uyuni tours depart before sunrise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days should I stay in San Pedro de Atacama?

Most travelers spend 3 to 4 days, allowing enough time to visit the major attractions while acclimatizing before entering Bolivia.

Is San Pedro worth visiting if I’m mainly interested in Salar de Uyuni?

Absolutely.

San Pedro de Atacama is one of South America’s premier adventure destinations, and its landscapes perfectly complement the scenery you’ll experience in Bolivia.

Is the town expensive?

Compared with many other destinations in Chile and Bolivia, San Pedro can be relatively expensive.

Booking accommodations and tours in advance may help you secure better prices.

Can I withdraw money in San Pedro?

Yes.

The town has ATMs, although they occasionally run out of cash during busy travel periods.

It’s wise to withdraw money before your Uyuni tour.

Do I need to book tours in advance?

During the high season, booking popular excursions several days ahead is recommended, particularly for astronomy tours and El Tatio Geysers.

San Pedro de Atacama is far more than a gateway to Bolivia—it’s a destination worthy of exploration in its own right. From steaming geysers and emerald lagoons to lunar landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, and some of the world’s clearest night skies, the region offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.

Spending a few extra days here before your Uyuni Salt Flats tour not only enriches your journey but also helps your body acclimatize to higher elevations, making the transition into Bolivia more comfortable. By combining the highlights of the Atacama Desert with the extraordinary landscapes of the Bolivian Altiplano, you’ll experience one of the greatest overland adventures in South America.