Skip to main content

The Atacama: High & Dry

With unclear route signage, ghastly road conditions, lack of cell phone signal and sheer isolation combined with acute altitude sickness and solar radiation, the placid terrain surrounding the Chilean town of San Pedro de Atacama is more threatening than it appears. The small 15th century mining settlement lies 7,900 feet above sea level and is part of the Atacama plateau, reportedly the most arid place on our planet – but thanks to bus connections to both Calama in Chile and Salta in Argentina, San Pedro acts as a gateway to the regions spectacular landforms; lunar valleys and vast salt flats, perhaps only comparable in beauty to those found around the Himalayas.

The Hotel Altiplanico lies on the outskirts of town but is still within walking distance of everything worth walking to. It also faces the Licancabur Volcano; a majestic work of nature, which by the way, is still pretty active. The 29 rooms are arranged in three semi circles around manicured gardens. The buildings, designed to reflect the regions native Indian heritage, have been constructed with thick earthen walls, straw lined ceilings and small windows to keep the indoor temperature stable. Although there are daytime lows of 65 in winter and highs of 85 in summer, the thermometer frequently drops below freezing through the night. There are plenty of cheap and cheerful cafés scattered around the village but otherwise the Altiplanico has a delightful daily changing menu influenced by Peruvian and Chilean cuisine, with local staple ingredients including quinoa, scallops, blue potatoes and the syrupy chanar fruit.

Recommended Videos

This is paradise for landscape lovers; the Valle de la Luna (5 miles south east), Salar de Atacama (34 miles south) and El Tatio geyser field (62 miles north) are all focus attractions and plenty of tour operators in San Pedro organize daily visits to these sites. The Salar de Atacama is the second largest salt flat in the world; a mesmerizing expanse of whiteness peppered with pink flamingos that thrive in the saline environment.  At night the lack of light pollution allows for the clearest views of the starry skies – so be sure to pack a proper camera and no iPhone nonsense.

Manfredi Conti
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Manfredi is an aspiring globetrotting gypsetter. This is not to be confused with a vagabond beach bum. Apart from…
Tulsa’s best bites: 8 must-try restaurants and bars
Where to get a meal in T-Town
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa is way more than just a stop on historic Route 66. The metro area of more than 1 million is good enough for the second largest in the state of Oklahoma. With that kind of stature, there's a lot to love in and around town, especially if you like a top-notch meal.

Not too long ago, Tulsa established itself as a top spot for the craft beer movement. Now, it's become a worthy player in America's culinary game, touting all kinds of cuisines and a bar scene to boot. If you make it out that way, try one of these excellent Tulsa dining options.
FarmBar

Read more
These oneworld airlines are relocating to Terminal 8 at JFK Airport
Terminal 8 at JFK Airport

American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines are joining forces at Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), bringing the terminal’s total oneworld Alliance members to 10. By joining American in Terminal 8, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will help make travelers’ days smoother for a more streamlined airport experience. 

Hawaiian Airlines has begun Terminal 8 flights

Read more
Step aboard the QE2 in Dubai and uncover the secrets of a ship that hosted royalty and rockstars
Step aboard this iconic vessel for a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Queen Elizabeth 2

Docked in Dubai’s Port Rashid, the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) invites visitors to relive a bygone era of glamour, adventure, and history through its immersive QE2 Heritage Tours. Once the crown jewel of the seas, this legendary ocean liner carried royalty, rockstars, and world leaders alike.

During her illustrious career spanning over 1,400 voyages and more than 6 million nautical miles, the QE2 hosted some of history’s most iconic figures. Elizabeth Taylor, David Bowie, Buzz Aldrin, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II once walked these very halls. In 1998, Nelson Mandela called his time aboard the QE2 an “unforgettable honour.” Now, for the first time, guests can descend into this extraordinary legacy, exploring hidden corners of the ship where Hollywood legends mingled and history unfolded.

Read more