San Pedro de Atacama

Chile

San Pedro de Atacama – a adobe town

Accomodation, Adventure travel, Destination guides, Latinamerica

San Pedro de Atacama, a charming adobe town nestled in the heart of the Atacama Desert and it is known as a place where history and culture are seamlessly blended with the stunning natural surroundings. Though small, the town is packed with character and charm. The streets are narrow and often left unpaved, giving the area an authentic and timeless feel. Low mud houses are scattered throughout, creating an atmosphere that feels as though a film set has been brought to life – in the best way possible. Caracoles Street, considered the main street, is always bustling with life and energy. Here, you’ll find a mix of cafes, restaurants, tour agencies, and shops offering local crafts and souvenirs too.

The town square, Plaza de San Pedro, is recognized as the heart of San Pedro de Atacama. It is often enjoyed as a place to relax and soak up the local ambiance. The square is shaded by tall trees, allowing for a cool and refreshing break from the desert sun. Surrounding the square, several historic buildings can be seen, including the beautiful church of San Pedro, which is believed to date back to the 17th century and is regarded as one of the oldest churches in Chile.

Fernando Alfaros Ceramic

We think we found one of the best places to stay in San Pedro, and it’s called

CASA VOYAGE HOSTEL

Just a few meters from the heart of San Pedro de Atacama, this hostel is nestled in a beautifully restored 200-year-old heritage house, thanks to the hard work of volunteers using traditional methods.

In Chile, domes have become a popular architectural trend, and right away, we fell in love with them. Fortunately, we discovered Casa Voyage, which offers both shared dorms and charming private domes. Specifically, our Quechua Dome stood out with its vibrant design and a window perfectly placed for stargazing. It was set in the peaceful gardens of the hostel, which altogether felt like a tiny village. In addition, the hostel included a BBQ area, a small pool, trees, wooden tables for eating and relaxing, and, of course, hammocks. The walls showcased artwork created by a local artist who worked as part of the staff. Moreover, everyonefr om the staff to fellow travelers treated us with warmth and friendliness. In the evenings, we often gathered at the BBQ area or walked into the desert to marvel at the Milky Way. Truly, it was an unforgettable experience.

BREAKFAST AT A TINY TOWN

We carried our breakfast essentials with us, as we traveled in a van and sometimes slept in the car. Notably, this area of Chile is famous for its papayas, and everywhere you look, you can find many papaya-related treats. For instance, we always had delicious papaya marmalade, bread, honey, avocados (known locally as “paltas”), paté and coffee/tea. Each morning, we enjoyed our breakfast at a wooden table in the cozy forest-like area, basking in the morning sun. Just a note, it’s not an actual forest, but it certainly has that vibe!

When it comes to lodging, you can travel on a budget here, prices vary from 12-30 € per person/night, depends if you want to stay in a private or shared room.