Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama
Chile
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.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Santiago
Chile's capital beneath the Andes. Cerro San Cristóbal, Mercado Central seafood, and Barrio Italia mark the start of Ruta 5 north.
- Valparaíso
UNESCO port city of coloured hillside houses, street art, and funicular ascensores. Neruda's La Sebastiana overlooks the Pacific.
- Viña del Mar
Chile's garden city and resort coast, with flower-clock gardens and wide Pacific beaches directly north of Valparaíso.
- La Serena
Colonial city at the desert's edge and gateway to Elqui Valley, where Chile's finest pisco is distilled from Muscat grapes.
- Copiapó
Atacama Region capital, famed for the 2010 rescue of 33 trapped miners. Desert blooms here in the rare desierto florido after rains.
- Antofagasta
Chile's copper-mining capital on the desert coast. The La Portada natural arch rises from the Pacific 16 km north of the city.
- Valle de la Luna
Salt ridges, caves, and dunes glow orange and violet at sunset. One of Earth's most otherworldly landscapes, 13 km from San Pedro.
- San Pedro de Atacama
Adobe oasis at 2,400 m. El Tatio's geysers erupt at dawn in -10°C cold; Salar de Atacama's flamingo lagoons shimmer pink at midday.
Where to Eat
- Elkika IlmenauChilean
Renowned for its Barros Luco sandwich with tender beef and melted cheese in a crispy roll.
- TiramisúItalian
Popular spot offering a variety of pizzas and pastas in a lively atmosphere.
- El TallerIce Cream
Artisanal ice cream shop featuring unique flavors inspired by Chilean regions.
- La Casona del ZorroChilean
Traditional dishes like pastel de choclo served in a rustic setting.
- Restaurant BarandiaranPeruvian
Authentic Peruvian cuisine with specialties like ceviche and lomo saltado.
Things to Do
- La SebastianaMuseum
Former home of poet Pablo Neruda, now a museum with panoramic city views.
- Jardín Botánico NacionalNature
Expansive botanical garden showcasing diverse plant species and tranquil walking paths.
- Elqui ValleyNature
Scenic valley known for its vineyards, pisco distilleries, and clear night skies for stargazing.
- Bahía InglesaBeach
Pristine white-sand beach with turquoise waters, ideal for relaxation and water sports.
- Hand of the DesertLandmark
Giant hand sculpture emerging from the Atacama Desert, symbolizing human vulnerability.
Travel advisory
Altitude rises sharply near San Pedro de Atacama, reaching above 2,400 m, so allow acclimatisation time on arrival. Desert sun is intense and petrol stations become scarce north of Copiapó. Carry extra water and check tyre pressure, as temperature swings are extreme.