Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama
Chile
In short: Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama is a 1,705 km desert road trip in Chile, typically driven over 9 days, best in Year-round (Atacama Desert has no rain). Highlights: Santiago, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar.
From the Pacific Coast to the world's highest and driest desert, north from Santiago via Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, La Serena, and Copiapó to the Atacama. Parts haven't felt rain in 400 years (possibly ever), yet snowflakes occasionally fall. The Salar de Atacama, Valle de la Luna, and El Tatio geyser field are the rewards.
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Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Santiago
Cerro San Cristóbal · Fuente Alemana
Day 2Valparaíso and Viña del Mar
La Sebastiana · Reloj de Flores · Café Turri
Day 3La Serena and Coquimbo
La Recova Market · Museo Arqueológico de La Serena · El Taller
Day 4Elqui Valley dedicated day
Elqui Valley · Copao Resto Bar
Day 5La Serena to Copiapó / Bahía Inglesa
Bahía Inglesa · Sabores de Caleta
Day 6Copiapó to Antofagasta and Hand of the Desert
Hand of the Desert · Restaurant Barandiaran
Day 7Antofagasta via Calama to San Pedro; acclimatized arrival
Low-exertion San Pedro arrival walk · Adobe
Day 8Advance-ticketed Valle de la Luna
Advance-ticketed Valle de la Luna visit · Adobe
Day 9Licensed high-altitude or salt-flat experience
Conditions-selected salt-flat or high-altitude tour · Licensed operator packed meal
Stops along the route
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Things to Do
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Where to Eat
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Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama drive?
The Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama covers 1,705 km from start to finish.
How long does the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama take to drive?
Most travellers spend 9 days on the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama, depending on stops and pace.
When is the best time to drive the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama?
The recommended season for the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama is Year-round (Atacama Desert has no rain).
Where does the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama start and end?
The Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama runs from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama.
What are the main stops on the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama?
The Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama passes through Santiago, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar.
How difficult is the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama to drive?
The Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.
Can I drive the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama in a regular car?
Yes — the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.
Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama?
Yes — the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: This is a nine-day drive with two acclimatized San Pedro days, not a six-day transfer. Check road and attraction status every morning and date-gate high-altitude plans around altiplanic-winter storms and rare desert rain. Ascend gradually, stop/descend for altitude symptoms, and carry cold/sun gear and ample water. Buy the official Valle de la Luna ticket before fixing the visit time and use licensed guiding for any high-altitude salt-flat excursion.
How many fuel stops are needed on the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama?
Plan around 3 refuels (or about 6 EV charges) along the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama, based on its 1,705 km length.
Is the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama safe to drive?
This is a nine-day drive with two acclimatized San Pedro days, not a six-day transfer. Check road and attraction status every morning and date-gate high-altitude plans around altiplanic-winter storms and rare desert rain. Ascend gradually, stop/descend for altitude symptoms, and carry cold/sun gear and ample water. Buy the official Valle de la Luna ticket before fixing the visit time and use licensed guiding for any high-altitude salt-flat excursion.
What scenic tier is the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama?
The Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.