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How to Book a Trip to the Atacama Desert

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to the Atacama Desert

See the salt flats and stargaze in Chile without blowing your whole savings at once.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $3,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $211.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $3,800 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Picture standing on a crust of white salt while the sun dips behind volcanoes that glow violet and pink. The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is one of the driest places on earth, which means the night sky looks like spilled sugar and the daytime brings quiet canyons, geysers, and flamingos in high-altitude lagoons. You want to aim for the shoulder seasons or Chilean winter to get crisp days and clear nights without melting.

A typical US traveler drops about $3800 for a solid trip down there, covering flights, desert lodges, and tours. Since dropping that much cash in one hit hurts, splitting it up over time makes the logistics easier to swallow if you plan it right.

Remember that the 18-month window on the Citi Simplicity card is a strict deadline, not free money. If you still have a remaining balance when those 18 months run out, standard interest kicks in on what is left over.

The steps

  1. 01

    Lock in flights six months out

    Start tracking flights to Santiago well in advance so you catch the lowest baseline price. Booking about six months ahead gives you the best shot at avoiding last-minute airline markups. Once the big tickets are locked, you know your exact baseline cost.

  2. 02

    Pick your desert base camp

    San Pedro de Atacama is where you will stay for almost all your excursions. Book a spot with a pool and good shade because the midday heat is real. Reserve your accommodation early since the best boutique spots in the oasis fill up fast.

  3. 03

    Map out your excursions

    Give yourself a few days to adjust to the altitude before hitting the high-elevation geysers at El Tatio. Book stargazing tours for nights when the moon is small so you actually see the Milky Way. Keep a couple of afternoons open just to wander the dusty streets of San Pedro.

  4. 04

    Spread the cost with the Citi Simplicity card

    If you want to stretch out the $3800 expense, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Spread evenly across that window, your payment comes out to about $211.11 per month. That lets you pay for the trip in chunks rather than all at once.

  5. 05

    Pack for extremes

    Bring layers because the desert is scorching by noon and freezing the second the sun goes down. Pack sturdy hiking boots for the salt flats and a heavy jacket for stargazing tours at four in the morning. Sunscreen and a wide-brim hat are non-negotiable.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

When is the best time to visit the Atacama Desert?

April to June and September to November offer the most comfortable temperatures. You get warm sunny days for exploring and cool nights for sleeping without the extreme winter freezes.

Do I need to rent a car in Chile?

You do not need a car just to get around San Pedro, as most tour operators handle transport to the sights. However, renting a car in Calama gives you more freedom to explore the desert at your own pace.

How bad is the altitude sickness?

San Pedro sits at about 8,000 feet, and many key sites like the geysers are well over 13,000 feet. Take it easy on your first day, drink plenty of water, and ask a doctor about altitude pills before you leave.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

You can get by with English in San Pedro since it is a major hub for international travelers. Knowing a few basic Spanish phrases still helps when you venture into smaller towns or deal with local transport.