About San Pedro de Atacama
The most touristic place in the north of Chile is San Pedro de Atacama. Located in the Antofagasta Region, the commune is characterized by a desert climate at 2,450 m a.s.l., drastic temperature changes between day and night, and with a particular summer rainfall that does not exceed 100 mm per year. Founded in a region inhabited by diverse pre-Columbian cultures, the town has preserved its Spanish colonial architecture, with adobe houses and dirt streets, creating a picturesque atmosphere. Its rich history dates back thousands of years and can be explored through the numerous nearby archaeological sites, such as the historical monument Pukará de Quitor, which offers a glimpse into the life of ancient civilizations that were in the area.
Tourists from all corners of the world are attracted by the impressive landscape and rock formations typical of volcanic activity and wind, which include the Valley of the Moon, which was declared a nature sanctuary in 1982, the Salar de Atacama, the Tatio Geysers and the Altiplanic Lagoons, among many more. These unique landscapes offer incredible opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures.
The culture of San Pedro de Atacama is equally fascinating, with a strong influence of indigenous Atacama traditions manifested in local crafts, including weaving, ceramics and jewelry. Gastronomy also plays an important role in local culture, with traditional dishes such as pastel de choclo, sopaipilla, and charqui offering a feast for the senses and a sample of the region’s traditional cuisine.
San Pedro de Atacama offers a variety of activities and services for visitors, including accommodation, the prices of which can vary widely depending on the season, location, and amenities offered. As a general reference, cheap hostels can range from $15 to $30 per night per person in shared rooms. Mid- to high-end hotels can range from $50 to $150 per night per room, while luxury boutique hotels can exceed $200 per night. It is important to note that these prices are approximate and may vary. It is recommended that you review accommodation options on hotel booking websites or contact properties directly for updated information on rates and availability.
In San Pedro de Atacama and its surroundings, volcanoes are present in many aspects of the society, as its cultural heritage, local history, architecture, or even in the excellent traditional and modern cuisine.
¡Welcome to San Pedro!
More information: https://sanpedroatacama.com/
How to get to San Pedro de Atacama
The most common way to get to San Pedro de Atacama is from Santiago to the city of Calama (by plane) and then head towards San Pedro (by car/bus).
From International flight to Chile
The main international airport in Chile is the Arturo Merino Benítez (AMB) Airport in Santiago city at 1,670 km to San Pedro de Atacama, offering convenient international and national connections (the main airplane companies are LATAM Airlines, Sky Airlines, and JetSmart).
El Loa International Airport (CJC) is 100 km west of San Pedro de Atacama town, offering convenient international connections to Lima (Peru) and national connections (mainly to Santiago).
Andrés Sabella International Airport (ANF) is located in the Antofagasta city, at 330 km west of San Pedro de Atacama town, offering convenient international connections to Lima (Peru) and national connections (mainly to Santiago).
The closest airport to San Pedro de Atacama are El Loa International Airport (CJC) in Calama city.
From the Calama airport to San Pedro de Atacama
The driving distance between Calama and San Pedro de Atacama (100.5 km) along Route 23. Duration approximately 1h 14 minutes by car.
From El Loa airport in Calama, several alternatives in transportation are available to cover the 100 kilometers that separate you from your lodging in San Pedro de Atacama (one hour and a half of trip). The most convenient way is by hiring the Transfer service with the official companies operating at the airport.
Other option is to take a bus, go from the airport to the center of the city of Calama (to the Calama bus terminal) by taxi and there choose the company of your preference. Regular bus service connections are scheduled hourly between terminals of Calama to San Pedro de Atacama (bus ticket: ~ 5,000 CLP / ~ 6 USD). This is the most economical alternative.
From the Antofagasta airport to San Pedro de Atacama
The driving distance between Antofagasta and San Pedro de Atacama (312 km) along Route 25 to Calama and then Route 23 to San Pedro de Atacama. Duration approximately 4h by car.
From Andrés Sabella International Airport in Antofagasta, several alternatives in transportation are available to cover the 312 kilometers that separate you from your lodging in San Pedro de Atacama (four hour and a half of trip).
To take a bus, go from the Andrés Sabella airport to the center of the city of Antofagasta (to the Antofagasta bus terminal) by taxi (from 15,000 CLP / ~ 14 USD) or transfer (from 10,000 CLP / ~ 11 USD), and there choose the company of your preference. Regular bus service connections are scheduled hourly between terminals of Antofagasta to Calama (bus ticket from 6,000 CLP / ~ 7 USD; three hours of trip), and then from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama (bus ticket from 5,000 CLP / ~ 6 USD; one hour and a half of trip).
Transport and Accommodation
Accommodation
A list of different companies for a direct transfer from the Calama Airport to San Pedro de Atacama.
Some recommended accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama that are close to the Coyo-Antay conference room:
Hostal Lalck Cketi
Booking.com: Hoteles en San Pedro de Atacama. ¡Reserva tu hotel ahora!
Hostal Montepardo
Booking.com: Hoteles en San Pedro de Atacama. ¡Reserva tu hotel ahora!
Hostal Anpaymi Atacama
Booking.com: Hoteles en San Pedro de Atacama. ¡Reserva tu hotel ahora!
Hostal Sumaj
Booking.com: Hotels in San Pedro de Atacama. Book your hotel now!
Hostal Tulvak Atacama
Booking.com: Hoteles en San Pedro de Atacama. ¡Reserva tu hotel ahora!
Hostal Desert
Booking.com: Hoteles en San Pedro de Atacama. ¡Reserva tu hotel ahora!
Hostal Mirador
Booking.com: Hoteles en San Pedro de Atacama. ¡Reserva tu hotel ahora!
Hostal Atacama North
Booking.com: Hoteles en San Pedro de Atacama. ¡Reserva tu hotel ahora!
Hostal Casa Colque
Hostal Casa Colque, San Pedro de Atacama – Precios actualizados 2024 (booking.com)
Hostal Atacama Ancestral
Booking.com: Hoteles en San Pedro de Atacama. ¡Reserva tu hotel ahora!
Hostal Tuyasto
Booking.com: Hotels in San Pedro de Atacama. Book your hotel now!
San Pedro de Atacama website: sanpedrodeatacamahotels.com.
Transport
From the Calama airport to San Pedro de Atacama
The driving distance between Calama and San Pedro de Atacama (100.5 km) along Route 23. Duration approximately 1h 14 minutes by car.
From El Loa airport in Calama, several alternatives in transportation are available to cover the 100 kilometers that separate you from your lodging in San Pedro de Atacama (one hour and a half of trip). The most convenient way is by hiring the Transfer service with the official companies operating at the airport.
Other option is to take a bus, go from the airport to the center of the city of Calama (to the Calama bus terminal) by taxi and there choose the company of your preference. Regular bus service connections are scheduled hourly between terminals of Calama to San Pedro de Atacama (bus ticket: ~ 5,000 CLP / ~ 6 USD). This is the most economical alternative.
A list of different companies for a direct transfer from the Calama Airport to San Pedro de Atacama.
Calama - San Pedro de Atacama by bus
- TurBus: Balmaceda # 1852, Calama. Teléfono: 316699; Granaderos #1852, Calama. Teléfono: 313700.
- Buses Frontera del Norte: Antofagasta #2046, Calama. +56 9 4228 2119
- Buses Atacama 2000: Abaroa #2106, Calama. (55) 2316664.
Calama – San Pedro de Atacama by Transfer
- Transfer Pampa: +56 9 5226 0720; contacto@transferpampa.cl
- GreatChile: + 56 223 347 802; reservas@greatchile.com
- Denomades: + 56 9 4577 7777; reservas@denomades.com
- TransVIP: (2) 2677 3000; reserva.empresas@transvip.cl
- Transfer Atacama: reservas@transferatacama.cl
- Cordillera Traveller: +56 9 8835 4298; flavio@cordilleratraveller.com
Calama – San Pedro de Atacama by Taxi
- Fátima: +56 9 4080 3781.
- Radio Taxi La Rosa Calama: +56 9 6610 6418 +56 9 8122 3297.
- Taxi Wally: +56 9 9043 1378.
- Radio taxi Calama Desierto: +56 9 9929 7136 +56 9 3061 7664.
- Radio taxi San Antonio: +56 9 6775 6020.
- Radio taxi Amigo: +56 9 8965 1400.
- Radio Taxi Loaexpress: +56 9 5643 6553.
Coyo Antai conference room
All scientific acts (scientific sessions and posters presentation) related to the 1st IMC will be celebrated at the Salón Coyo-Antai of the San Pedro de Atacama town. Other events such as opening, and the gala dinner will be organized in other locations of the town of San Pedro de Atacama.
More information: Centro de Eventos Coyo Antai. https://sanpedroatacama.com/tourist-attraction/centro-de-eventos-coyo-antai/
Other things to consider
Language: The official language of the conference will be English. Despite the fact that in San Pedro de Atacama the official language is Spanish, San Pedro is a very touristic place, therefore, many people speak English.
Money: CLP = chilean pesos.
Safety and emergency information
Public Health Services
CESFAM San Pedro de Atacama
(55) 2426330
(55) 2851010
(+56) 9 3197 1134
131
Firefighters
Bomberos San Pedro de Atacama
+56 9 33978288
132
Police
Carabineros de San Pedro de Atacama
(55) 2755350
+56 9 81884829
133
