San Pedro de Atacama has so much amazing history. It is estimated that over 11,000 years ago in Northern Chile the first towns were founded in areas of the Atacama desert.
These first people of Atacama were the original farmers and an important part of Chile's history. Their main agricultural activity was corn, beans, Indian fig, pumpkins, cotton and potatoes. They also raised Alpaca and Llamas to eat the meat and use the wool.
The people of Atacama developed pottery, weaves, wood carvings, basketry as well as items made from copper and bronze. They had a deep belief of life after death so the dead were buried with food and clothes for their next life. No temples have ever been found. They are considered the most developed people of the pre-Columbian Chilean towns.
The village of San Pedro de Atacama has a population today of approximately 2,500 people. This area homes a few of Los Andes Cordillera's highest volcanoes. The city is called the archeological capital of Chile. It is loved by tourists for many reasons but one being its eternal blue sky due to its geographical location. Due to the altitude however, many visitors can experience altitude sickness including headaches and dizziness and there is rarely even any rainfall in this town so it is extremely dry.
The people of the village are famous for their crafts they create with volcanic rock. They make duplications of the original Atacama pottery which is adored by tourists. Additionally, Cactus wood is used by them to create bread baskets, musical instruments, lampshades and decorations. In San Pedro de Atacama there are many treasures souvenirs to find to take home that you wouldn't find anywhere else.
To really appreciate the historical area, you need to stay for a few days in the area if possible because there is just so much to see. Most tourists prefer to start from the Plaza and walk around the town, visit the church and museum and then head to the Commercial street of the city. This is a gathering area where locals mingle with the visitors.
The Valley of the Moon is one of the most popular draws in Chile. It is an extraordinary attraction due to the area's resemblance of the landscape of the moon. There is a large sand dune where you can get the best view for photos.
A favorite tourist thing to see is El Tatio Geysers. Due to the elevation of the area, every morning at sunrise mysterious steaming fumaroles are created from the high temperatures of the craters. These are often viewed on a tour with the hot springs of Puritama.
The volcanic hot springs of Termas de Puritama are pools and falls created by the Puritama River's hot water. These springs find their home in canyon and swimming in them is an unforgettable experience.
In addition to all of the fascinating places to see in San Pedro de Atacama, space is added to this. The city is considered a privileged zone to watch the stars. There are astronomic tours offered every night to view and learn about the mysteries of the Atacama sky.
Lodging here ranges from country houses, hostels and camp grounds up to luxury hotels that offer swimming pools, saunas and daily excursions.
You will leave your visit from San Pedro de Atacama feeling truly like a new person, refreshed and rich from culture. This is a peaceful area, a craft shopper's dream and you are guaranteed to fall in love with the locals here; they are a wonderful group of people.
The Atacama Desert
In Chile is where you will find the driest place on earth. This is the Atacama desert, a virtually rainless plateau comprising of approximately 40,000 square miles of dry salt basins, sand and rock formations. Although sparsely populated, visitors to Chile should not miss seeing these breathtaking oases and the nearby protected parks and national reserves with their flora and fauna like the Pan de Azucar National Park, Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve and the La Chimba National Reserve.
Tours to Atacama would feature several important highlights such as the Valley of the Moon (Valle dela Luna) with its various stone and sand formations created through centuries by floods and wind. The largest salt flat in Chile and second in the world (next to Bolivia), the Salar de Atacama can also be found here as well as the Lagunas Cejar which is a sink hole lake. Nearby visitors can also marvel at the El Tatio Geyser located within the Andes Mountains, said to be the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere. Whilst there, one can actually bathe in some pools of hot water.
The Atacama desert is also home to two major astronomical observatories: the La Silla Observatory and the Paranal Observatory. Because of its elevation, the dry air and the lack of air pollution, the Atacama desert is considered one of the best places in the world to conduct astronomical observations and a number of radio astronomy projects are being done in the area. Other worthwhile and notable places in the desert are the Escondida and Chuquicamata porphyry copper mines.