In GoChile we tell you what to do and what to see in San Pedro de Atacama following the less traveled route.
San Pedro de Atacama is one of the most visited destinations in Chile and many of its attractions are already known worldwide. The Valley of the Moon, the Tatio Geysers, the Cejar Lagoon, and the Altiplanic Lagoons Miscanti and Miñiques are the main attractions of San Pedro, but they aren’t the only ones.
In GoChile we tell you what to do and what to see in San Pedro de Atacama following the less traveled route:
Salar de Tara: little known by people, Salar de Tara has become popular over the years thanks to the magnificent postcard view that gives the traveler. At more than 4000 meters high, even higher up in the altiplano than the Tatio Geysers, this corner of the world is composed of the Salar de Aguas Calientes and the incredible rock formations that surround it; the cathedral of Tara. But this is not the only dream image you can take with your camera in this place. Just before reaching the access point of the salar, the Monks of the Pacana are located there also known as the Moais de Tara. Rock formations that resemble human bodies and that remain solitary in the middle of the desert. In this place, you can also enjoy the observation of Chilean flora and fauna because it is the home of Vicuñas, Culpeo fox and flamingos.
Piedras Rojas: for lovers of photography, this is one of the must-sees. The impressive reddish hue of the rocky ground contrasts with the turquoise of the Aguas Calientes salt located just behind it. If what you like is the photography of native fauna, then you will double enjoy it because here you can also see foxes, vizcachas, pequenes, ñandúes, and flamingos. From the Plaza de San Pedro are 150 kilometers to reach this corner of the desert located at 4000 meters high.
Lagoons of Baltinache: these beautiful turquoise lagoons are 7 of the best-kept secrets of San Pedro de Atacama. 7 bodies of salt water where you can float as is and justa as in the Cejar lagoon, the only difference is that they haven’t yet been discovered by mass tourism. They are the ideal place to take dreamy photographs or simply to enjoy the beautiful landscape in peace and tranquility.
Termas de Puritama: most of the activities that can be carried out in San Pedro de Atacama are of high energy requirement. Cycling through the Valle de la Muerte, sandboarding in the dunes and walking through volcanoes are activities that make you spend a lot of energy, and what better way to recover it with an afternoon of rest in the Puritama hot springs. Located in the middle of a canyon rolled with foxtails, they have a series of revitalizing minerals for the body and for the mind that will leave you as good as new.
Pukará de Quitor: two kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama is this National Historic Monumentl. A fort built during the Inca period by the agrarian population called "Ayllu de Quitor" to defend themselves against their enemies. If you are interested in history or are intrigued by indigenous cultures, this is undoubtedly a place you can’t miss.
Licancabur Volcano: 5,916 meters high is what measures one of the most beautiful peaks that decorate the desert landscape in San Pedro de Atacama, and the rise to the Licancabur volcano is one of the most sought-after activities by outdoor sports enthusiasts. But this volcano is also of enormous archaeological and anthropological interest, due to the Inca records that have been found in its surroundings.
Have you visited any of these places?
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