According to tourists who visited the Antofagasta Region, the must-do activities on a first visit are: 1. Visit San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis in the middle of the desert, a starting point to explore unique natural wonders. You can access it by flying to Calama and then taking a bus or transfer. 2. Admire the La Portada Natural Monument, an impressive rock arch eroded by the sea. You can get there by private transport or a tour from Antofagasta. Its technical detail is a rock arch 43 meters high and 70 meters wide. 3. Explore the Tatio Geysers, a geothermal field with fumaroles and boiling water pools. You can access it through an organized tour from San Pedro de Atacama, located at 4,320 meters above sea level. 4. Tour the Valley of the Moon, featuring desert landscapes and formations of salt, clay, and sand that resemble the lunar surface. You can access it through an organized tour from San Pedro de Atacama.
The highest-rated activities by tourists in the Antofagasta Region are: 1. Astronomical observation, enjoying some of the clearest and starriest skies in the world, ideal for astronomy, with low light and atmospheric pollution. 2. Hiking and trekking in the Atacama Desert, exploring desert landscapes, salt flats, lagoons, and valleys with unique formations, with a variety of routes for different experience levels. 3. Visiting beaches and water sports, such as in Mejillones, with calm waters and pleasant temperatures. 4. Exploring mining towns to learn about the history and life in communities linked to copper mining, with a legacy from the nitrate and copper industries. 5. Tasting seafood cuisine, trying local dishes based on fresh seafood, with typical dishes of fish and shellfish from the area.
From the Antofagasta Region, you can take the following day trips: 1. San Pedro de Atacama: 340 km (about 4 hours by car from Antofagasta), ideal for adventurers, nature lovers, and photographers. You can access it by bus or transfer from Antofagasta. 2. Calama: 217 km (about 2.5 hours by car from Antofagasta), ideal for those interested in mining and history. You can access it by bus or car from Antofagasta. 3. Pan de Azúcar National Park: 200 km (about 3 hours by car from Antofagasta), ideal for nature lovers and ecotourism. You can access it by car or organized tour. 4. Mejillones Bay: 65 km (about 1 hour by car from Antofagasta), ideal for families and beach and marine life enthusiasts. You can access it by car or bus from Antofagasta.
To visit the main attractions of the Antofagasta Region, it is recommended to spend between 3 and 5 days. A minimum visit of 3 days allows you to see the essentials of San Pedro de Atacama. 5 days are ideal for combining San Pedro with the city of Antofagasta and its surroundings. 7 days allow for a deeper and more relaxed exploration of the region. The suggested distribution is: Days 1-3: San Pedro de Atacama and its surroundings (Valley of the Moon, Tatio Geysers, Altiplanic Lagoons). Days 4-5: City of Antofagasta (La Portada, Regional Museum, Costanera) and excursions to nearby beaches. Factors to consider include the long distances between major points of interest, the diversity of landscapes and activities, and the travel pace desired by the visitor.
The high season is from December to March (southern summer), with temperatures between 16°C and 25°C, clear skies, and high prices. Accommodation and service prices can increase significantly. The low season is from June to August, with temperatures between 11°C and 23°C, medium-low prices with discounts of up to 30% on accommodation and services, and fewer tourists, although temperatures are cooler. The ideal season is from April to May and from September to November, offering a good balance between pleasant weather (temperatures between 13°C and 23°C) and fewer tourists, which translates to moderate prices with possible discounts outside of holidays.
Reference costs in the Antofagasta Region are: hostel accommodation starting from CLP 15 (approximately 17 USD) per person; mid-range hotel in San Pedro de Atacama starting from CLP 80–CLP 200 (approximately 90–225 USD) per night; budget lunch between CLP 10 and CLP 15 (approximately 11–17 USD); and intercity bus between Antofagasta and San Pedro de Atacama starting from CLP 15 (approximately 17 USD) per trip. A 5-day trip with mid-range accommodation, meals, and main excursions ranges from 400–600 USD per person, depending on the season.
The Valley of the Moon and the Valley of Death have no entrance fee for the landscape itself, but they are commonly accessed through tours. For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: Tour Astronómico from USD 30, Tour Salar de Atacama, Laguna Chaxa, Ojos del Salar y Laguna Cejar from USD 30, Tour Valle del Arcoiris from USD 25, Tour Lagunas Altiplánicas y Piedras Rojas from USD 40.
