Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit San Pedro?
The safest month in terms of weather, with less cold, fewer short days, and fewer crowds, is October: it's the dry season, it's spring, before the peak season begins, which runs from November to January. The other very good month is right after the peak season; that would be April, which isn't as dry as October, since it's right after the rainy season ends, which usually finishes in late February, although in 2024 it extended into March with light and intermittent rain.
November and December are also a good alternative, although they are much hotter, which generates occasional cloud cover, especially in January, which can make it less hot and eventually lead to the cancellation of astronomical tours.
What is the temperature in San Pedro?
In the height of summer, daytime temperatures can reach up to 32°C with a heat index of 40°C, primarily due to high solar radiation. At night, the temperature drops to around 15-20°C.
In winter that varies to temperatures of 20°C during the day and -5°C at night.
What are the best dates to visit San Pedro?
Chile's Independence Day, known as "Las Fiestas Patrias," is a special day throughout Chile, including in San Pedro. It's a time for celebration, traditional food, and the setting up of makeshift shelters called "ramadas."
Another important and very attractive date for spectators is the celebration of the town's patron saint, Saint Peter the Apostle. Traditional dances are performed with colorful costumes, brass bands play in the streets, the parish priest officiates a mass and accompanies the procession through the town, blessing it.
The other very special date is New Year's Eve. San Pedro transforms into a celebration. All the restaurants and pubs have a special offer for that day. The streets of San Pedro's historic center become an open-air party, and at midnight the traditional effigy (or monkey, as they call it) representing the departing year is burned.
Are there currency exchange offices?
All the currency exchange offices are located on Toconao Street, half a block from the main street (Caracoles). Some countries' currencies don't receive good exchange rates because they aren't frequently used, so it's recommended to exchange money before traveling to SCL.
What cash availability and payment methods are accepted?
Cards are accepted in all major stores, restaurants, hotels, travel agencies, etc. At craft fairs and small shops, they probably won't accept them, or they'll use a system called Mercado Libre, which works quite well as long as you make sure you get a receipt for the correct amount. During peak season, it's advisable to withdraw a good amount of cash to last several days, to avoid running out of money due to high demand.
Is there transportation?
The Uber app is operating in San Pedro de Atacama, and in the parking area known as "Los Carritos" (The Little Carts), you'll find certified taxis—black with yellow roofs. Keep in mind that after 9 PM, you'll rarely find one working. Some 4-star hotels offer shuttle service to and from the hotel several times a day. There are also many good hotels within 500 meters of the main street, and in those cases, it's just a short walk to and from the main street.
How much does it rain in San Pedro?
In rainy years, it can rain approximately 80 mm annually, although in the province of El Loa (Calama/San Pedro) it is raining less and less, with the last intense rains occurring in 2018. Prior to that year, the previous intense rain occurred in 2012, when it rained for 3 consecutive weeks from February 7th until the end of that month, several hours each day every afternoon.
This year 2026 there are 30 mm accumulated so far this year and we had a storm, and a front of bad weather, a DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) that in Chile is commonly known as a cut-off low, which had a higher intensity than usual, which closed all the tours in many places in the country.
How does altitude affect things?
No one can say whether someone will be affected by the altitude until they are actually there. What is important is that passengers follow the recommendations given before each tour and the guide's instructions during the tour to avoid any potential altitude sickness caused by a lack of caution.
It is important for passengers to take into consideration that, due to the lower concentration of oxygen in the air, especially above 4,000 meters above sea level where several of the excursions take place, it is recommended that when planning their trip from their country of origin (in the case of foreigners) to San Pedro de Atacama, they try to do so with adequate time to avoid overexerting themselves during the journey. This will prevent them from being more tired than necessary when starting their tour program in San Pedro, as this will be extra fatigue that will add to the effort they will have to make during some of the hikes, as well as the effort their body will have to make at the altitude, both in San Pedro and on the Altiplano above 4,000 meters above sea level, in a dry environment with about 30% less oxygen than at sea level, and probably different from what they are used to.
Arriving tired after a long and intense journey increases the likelihood that your trip and experience will be less enjoyable than it could be if you traveled at a more relaxed pace. Ideally, if you have enough time, you should take a nonstop flight and spend at least one night in Santiago de Chile (SCL). Then, in San Pedro de Atacama, you can do the lower-altitude tours for the first two days, before ascending above 4,000 meters (14,000 feet) on the third day.
How common is altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness has different levels and symptoms, ranging from drowsiness and mild headache to nausea, weakness, headache, and intense sleepiness with vomiting. The most severe level is very rare, with a 0.1% chance of reaching that state. However, the chances of experiencing the lower levels—mild nausea and/or vomiting (0.5%), mild headache and drowsiness (5%), and sleepiness alone (90%, which is normal)—are higher.
Does altitude sickness have risks?
Thousands of people visit San Pedro de Atacama every year, and from what we've been able to gather, no one on regular tours has experienced a serious or fatal situation due to the altitude. However, this has happened on mountain expeditions; above 5,000 meters above sea level, people with an unknown heart condition have suffered atrial fibrillation and died.
It's worth mentioning that for general tours in San Pedro, all guides are required to complete a 40-hour first aid course every two years, so these types of situations, and many others, are studied and analyzed. The procedure if someone, for example, has a severe headache is to descend to San Pedro de Atacama immediately; however, the probability of such a situation occurring is very low.
Is it suitable for children/elderly adults/people with reduced mobility?
We do not offer group tours with children under 8 years old at high altitudes, as they are not allowed in the parks, and they pose a risk to the smooth running of the tour and the satisfaction of other passengers. If the child can speak and walk, there would be no problem with them participating in a group tour at lower altitudes.
Private tours allow for high-altitude excursions with very young children, taking all necessary precautions, as long as they can speak and express any discomfort. However, entry to high-altitude parks would be prohibited for children under 8 years old. Infants could only participate in low-altitude tours, none that involve ascending above 3,000 meters.
Is it suitable for seniors/people with reduced mobility?
Seniors are not restricted from visiting parks, and we are fully committed to doing our best to ensure they can explore and enjoy them as much as possible. This doesn't mean there won't be some places or walks they'll have to miss. While wheelchairs are not permitted in the parks, if a senior is able to walk relatively safely and with the support of their group, it's entirely possible.