From Santiago
Most international flights arrive to Santiago, Chile's capital city. San Pedro de Atacama is about 1600 kilometers away, in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile.
If you are planning a trip from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama, here are the ways you can get there:
- Flying: The quickest way to get from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama is by flying. The flight takes about two hours and there are several airlines that operate flights between Santiago and Calama, including LATAM, Sky, and JetSmart. The Santiago Airport (SCL) is located about 20 kilometers northwest of the city center, and Calama Loa Airport (CJC) is the closest high-traffic airport at around 1.5 hours from San Pedro by bus. There is also San Pedro de Atacama Airport (SPC) located about three kilometers from the town center, but is mostly used for small planes and emergencies.
- Bus: Another option is to take a bus from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama. There are several companies that operate the route from Santiago to Calama, where you will have to change to a local bus to San Pedro. The journey to Calama takes about 21 hours and may include stops in several towns along the way. You can see available buses and purchase tickets at recorrido.cl . Most buses are are comfortable and equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, restrooms; given the length of the journey, you may want to choose a fully reclining seat ("salón cama").
- Car: If you prefer to have more control over your travel itinerary, you can rent a car in Santiago and drive to San Pedro de Atacama. The drive takes about 18 hours (not including any breaks). The road is well-paved and in good condition, but it is recommended to drive during the day and to stop at some of the notable cities along the way, including La Serena, Copiapó, and Antofagasta.
From Argentina or Bolivia
If you prefer slower, overland travel, there are several options from Argentina and Bolivia that will take you through the Andes Mountains, providing the opportunity to observe the unique landscape. Be warned: Most of these routes involve rugged roads and high-altitude passes, which can be cold and windy even in good weather.
- From Argentina (Salta): The main pass from San Pedro to Salta is Paso Sico, 210 kilometers / 3 hours and 15 minutes from San Pedro. This road follows route 23, which is paved on the Chilean side, which turns into route 51 on the Argentinean side. The trip from San Pedro to the city of Salta can take almost 8 hours, and potentially longer if you stop at many of the viewpoints along the way. An alternative route goes through Paso Jama, slightly further north, and passes through the Los Flamencos National Reserve.
- From Bolivia (Uyuni): Most travelers from Bolivia to Chile go through the Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa, with beautiful views of volcanoes, and enter through Paso Hito Cajón. Due to the extremely rugged terrain, many travelers choose to take 3- or 4-day guided tours, which provide transport via off-road vehicles and include stops at many popular attractions, including the Salar de Uyuni. An alternative route goes through Paso Salar de Ollagüe, further north, and through Calama before reaching San Pedro.
No matter which option you choose, make sure to plan your trip in advance and to familiarize yourself with the necessary documents and requirements for entering Chile. In particular, most rental car companies do not allow or charge an additional fee for taking a car across borders. It is also important to be prepared for the climate and terrain of the Andes and Atacama Desert, which can be extreme and inhospitable at times.
