Atacama

You can arrive by long-distance bus or by plane at Calama airport (100 km away). The most common ways to get to San Pedro de Atacama is by bus from Salta, Argentina, or by plane from Santiago de Chile.

Yes, there are exchange houses. It is best to change money in the capital cities, but if you need money you can change it in the center of San Pedro as there are several exchange houses. You can also exchange for Argentinean or Bolivian pesos if after San Pedro you change countries on your trip. Also in most places, it is possible to pay by credit card.

The highlights are the Atacama Desert, the Tatio geysers, the Altiplanic lagoons, the Cejar lagoon and the Puritama hot springs. You can also do an astronomical tour when there is no full moon.

Most days are warm and sunny, so comfortable outdoor clothes, sunscreen and sunglasses, but keep in mind that there is a lot of thermal amplitude, which means that at night it is cold, so it is best to have warm clothes for the evenings and early mornings. The climate is dry, very hot during the day and very cold at night.

The best thing to do is to eat light meals and drink plenty of water. It is also recommended not to drink alcohol. For the first few days at altitude, it is important to do quiet activities so that the body can acclimatize. After a few days, you can do more demanding activities, but it is important to respect the altitude and go slowly.