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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: CLP
- Languages: Spanish, English (commonly spoken in tourist areas)
- Climate: Desert
- Timezone: America/Santiago
- Population: Approximately 1.2 million people live in the northern regions of Chile.
- Best Time to Visit: phrases to enhance interactions.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from many countries including the US, EU, and UK do not require a visa for short tourist stays. Some nationalities may obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa. Requirements typically include a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds.
About North Chile
North Chile is a striking destination known for its vast, otherworldly desert landscapes, including the world’s driest desert, the Atacama. This region offers a unique blend of natural wonders, rich indigenous culture, and astronomical observation opportunities due to its clear skies. Visitors are drawn to its dramatic salt flats, colorful lagoons, geysers, and volcanic formations. The area’s cultural heritage is reflected in traditional festivals and archaeological sites. North Chile appeals to adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those interested in astronomy and indigenous cultures. Its remote beauty and diverse ecosystems create an unforgettable experience that contrasts sharply with more urbanized parts of Chile.
Top Attractions
1. Valle de la Luna – A surreal desert valley with moon-like landscapes and stunning sunsets. 2. El Tatio Geysers – One of the highest geyser fields in the world, best visited at sunrise. 3. San Pedro de Atacama – A charming town serving as a gateway to desert adventures and cultural sites. 4. Salar de Atacama – The largest salt flat in Chile, home to flamingos and unique wildlife. 5. Lauca National Park – A high-altitude park featuring volcanoes, lakes, and native wildlife.
Popular Activities
Explore hiking and trekking in desert and volcanic landscapes, stargazing tours at world-class observatories, visiting indigenous villages and markets, sandboarding on dunes, and wildlife watching in salt flats and national parks. Cultural tours and hot springs visits are also popular.
North Chile Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Chile
- Duration Range: Explore hiking and trekking in desert and volcanic landscapes, stargazing tours at world-class observatories, visiting indigenous villages and markets, sandboarding on dunes, and wildlife watching in salt flats and national parks. Cultural tours and hot springs visits are also popular.
- Group Size: Flexible group sizes
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Recommended For: Visit during the dry season for best weather. Pack sun protection, warm layers for cold desert nights, and comfortable walking shoes. Respect local customs and indigenous communities. Stay hydrated and be cautious of altitude sickness in high areas. Use cash in remote areas and carry a credit card for cities. Learn basic Spanish phrases to enhance interactions.
Average Tour Price: $75
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $250
303 Available Tour Excursions in North Chile
One of the most stunning landscapes in the desert Generally named by travelers as the most incredible tour in the region, Piedras Rojas y Lagunas Altiplanicas has a magic that you have to try to understand. Get ready to experience the best of San Pedro de Atacama! *Attention* The entrance ticket to the park is not included in the price of the tour and must be paid separately in person at the agency.
Price: $75.00
Duration: 10 hours
This tour takes us to see many of the landscapes of the desert highlands. It is a tour with very beautiful landscapes that look like paintings. The tour goes from 2000 meters high to 4500 meters so the landscapes and vegetation change. A tour full of mountains, flamingos, vicuñas and very beautiful places.
Price: $140.00
Duration: 8 hours
They are 6 or 7 full days of adventure, perfect for long trips, where you want to know all the corners of San Pedro. Different landscapes every day.
Price: $1,090.00
Duration: 144 hours
I am a sound therapy therapist with Gong and other vibrational instruments in the area, I do both private and group sessions in nature, as well as in the forest of my home. The private sessions are half a block from the main street of the village, giving you the possibility to immerse yourself in an Oasis inside an Oasis. The frequencies of these instruments help us to harmonize our mental, emotional and physical bodies, together with the sound of birdsong and the wind between the trees give a sensational and unforgettable experience of encountering oneself.
Price: $45.00
Duration: 2 hours
On this trip we will visit a large part of the attractions of the Arica and Parinacota Region. Starting from the archaeological attractions of the Arica and Putre commune, we will see cultural landscapes, flora and wildlife.
Price: $1,000.00
Duration: 72 hours
Cerro Dragón, the largest urban dune in the world, is the most visited tourist attraction in the city of Iquique, its fine sands and the view of the Pacific Ocean, make the dune a perfect place to wait for the sunset, which will make your visit one of the best experiences in the Tarapacá region, it will undoubtedly leave you amazed! The city of Iquique meets all the conditions for sandboarding, all year round.
Price: $75.00
Duration: 2 hours
Besides being the best tour to acclimate with the height, Piedras Rojas is the most complete tour of San Pedro. They will enjoy various types of landscapes and volcanic formations, high salt flats, atacama salt flats, volcanoes, lakes, fauna and rich flora. That tour is a must in Atacama.
Price: $130.00
Duration: 10 hours
We have an amazing trip for you! We invite you on an exciting 5-day journey through the natural and cultural treasures of San Pedro de Atacama. Discover the magic of the desert, the starry skies and the ancient traditions that make this place a unique destination in the world.
Price: $530.00
Duration: 120 hours
Through this experience you will have a true encounter with nature, history and culture, touring places with archaeological remains and natural landscapes.
Price: $600.00
Duration: 48 hours
We will go to unique places by bike. We will visit the ancient place where the Inca and Licanantai resisted the Spanish invasion.
Price: $75.00
Duration: 3 hours
With the ethno-gastronomic experience, travelers discover Atacama through the sense of taste. Each dish brought to the table is presented by Chef Lickan antai, explaining the reason for each preparation, both traditional and signature cuisine.
Price: $233.77
Duration: 1 hours
Be part of a pioneer experience on the first fat biking tour in Chile during this 7-hour travel-to-trek adventure. Depart on a 3-hour picturesque drive to your amazingly vast departure point while relaxing in your driver-led vehicle. Float over the sand on a unique adventure in a remarkable setting for almost 10 miles (16km). Ride smoothly among gorgeous dunes that fall from the foothills of the Altiplano to the desert. Most of the route is on soft downhill or flat sand, with no climbing on the dunes. Flow down fast as you watch the beautiful desert in front of you. At the finish point your vehicle will be waiting for you with a fresh snack and natural juices from the nearby local town, where organic fruits grow. The maximum number of people per tour is 4 travelers with a minimum booking requirement of 2 travelers.Transportation, water, day backpack and specialized bilingual guide is included with access to your Mongoose Fat Bike and helmet.
Price: $100.00
Duration: 9 hours
Who could have imagined that in a desert it is possible to find so much water and such beautiful places? The region of Hiddens Laggons (Lagunas Escondidas) de Baltinache is a true oasis. A majestic setting rich in colors, sensations and of course – water. Altogether there are seven incredibly transparent saltwater lagoons. Needless to say, it is practically impossible to sink there, as the salinity of the water is very high. The Hidden Lagoons are located at an altitude of 2,400 meters and temperatures range from 5ºC to 30ºC. The route is all demarcated by stones, the objective is to preserve open nature, so that other people can also enjoy the beauties of the place. Nothing more fair, right?
Price: $106.00
Duration: 4-5 hours
The amazing landscapes and sights in a quiet place of Atacama, you can know the highest volcano in the world the Ojos del Salado Volcano and the exquisites termals waters at 4.350 meters above sea level in Laguna Verde and amzings flamingos in Laguna Santa Rosa.
Price: $590.00
Duration: 10-11 hours
Enjoy a magical night in the Atacama Desert, just 15 minutes from San Pedro, where light pollution is nonexistent and silence reigns. Under the vastness of the Milky Way, the evening begins with a talk about the sky and its wonders. A professional photographer will capture your moment with a high-resolution panorama. Observe 8-10 celestial objects through state-of-the-art telescopes, including galaxies and nebulae, with detailed explanations from an expert guide. Finally, relax with a snack and a cocktail of wine as you gaze across the starry sky.
Price: $48.00
Duration: 2 hours
Discover the dazzling beauty of the Rainbow Valley, where the geology of the Domeyko Range displays an explosion of colors and textures. Start your day with a breakfast surrounded by unique landscapes and enjoy a hike that will take you through stunning geological formations. Also, explore the ancient petroglyphos of Good Grass, which tell the ancestral story of Atacama and its sacred rituals. This experience is ideal for nature and history lovers looking for a deep connection with local culture. - Enjoy a breakfast overlooking the Rainbow Valley - Take a geological hike through the Domeyko mountain range - Know the typical flora and fauna of the region - Explore the petroglyphos and the history of Atacama
Price: $75.00
Duration: 5 hours
A half-day afternoon tour to the Moon Valley from San Pedro de Atacama offers an unforgettable experience in one of the most impressive landscapes on the planet. The tour is perfect for those who wish to explore the beauty and mysteries of the Valley of the Moon, combining adventure and breathtaking scenery. The tour includes a visit to the fascinating salt caves and salt mines, where your guide will explain the geological history and natural processes that have shaped this unique environment. One of the highlights of the tour is the Mirador de Kari (Coyote's Stone), which offers spectacular panoramic views of the valley and the Andes on the horizon. This is the perfect place to take unforgettable photographs. The tour concludes with a sunset observation over the Valley of the Moon. Watching the golden light of the setting sun transform the landscape into a palette of warm colors is a magical and moving experience.
Price: $104.50
Duration: 5 hours
What sets our tour apart is the perfect fusion of adventure, nature and comfort. Accompanied by expert local guides, you will explore the stunning lunar landscape of the Atacama Desert, where each rock formation tells a unique geological story. From Las Tres Marías to Duna Mayor and Piedra del Coyote, each stop is designed to amaze your senses and give you a deep understanding of the region's rich geology. In addition, our experience culminates with a spectacular sunset at an exclusive viewing point, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley while savoring delicious drinks and snacks. This moment of connection with nature, surrounded by the serenity of the desert and its vibrant colors, becomes an unforgettable memory. Booking this tour means immersing yourself in the beauty of the Atacama Desert in a unique and enriching way, guaranteeing an authentic experience that you won't want to miss.
Price: $79.00
Duration: 4 hours
1. Choose Your Tour
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2. Check Details
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3. Book Online
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in North Chile.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Northern Chilean cuisine features hearty dishes with local ingredients such as quinoa, corn, and llama meat. Signature dishes include chupe de mariscos (seafood casserole), pastel de choclo (corn pie), and cazuela (stew). Street food like empanadas and sopaipillas are common. Dining often includes fresh seafood and Andean flavors. Noteworthy restaurants in San Pedro de Atacama offer traditional and fusion cuisine highlighting local produce.
Getting Around
The main gateway to North Chile is via flights to cities like Calama and Antofagasta. Local transport includes buses, taxis, and tour shuttles. Renting a car is common for exploring remote areas. Travel distances can be long, so planning is essential. Costs for local transport are moderate, with taxis and buses affordable in towns.
Travel Tips
Visit during the dry season for best weather. Pack sun protection, warm layers for cold desert nights, and comfortable walking shoes. Respect local customs and indigenous communities. Stay hydrated and be cautious of altitude sickness in high areas. Use cash in remote areas and carry a credit card for cities. Learn basic Spanish phrases to enhance interactions.
Culture & Customs
North Chile has a rich indigenous heritage, especially from the Aymara and Atacameño peoples. Festivals often celebrate traditional music, dance, and religious events blending indigenous and Catholic traditions. Social customs emphasize politeness and respect. Visitors should ask permission before photographing people and be mindful of local sensitivities. Sharing food and hospitality is important in local culture.
