Chile - Atacama

Northern Chile with your family - 3 weeks: Atacama, salt desert and starry skies

Northern Chile: a desert unlike any other in the world

Northern Chile is my absolute favorite. This is a unique desert country, where the landscapes seem to come out of another world. majestic volcanoes as far as the eye can see, and huge salars, and oasis towns and breathtaking rock formations. Each day is different and offers a new surprise: one day is colored by ochre mountains, the next by turquoise lagoons or plains filled with wild animals.

Visit wildlife is exceptional Thousands of animals visible every day, from flamingos and vicuñas to fascinating endemic birds. It's a nature experience at every turn, where you feel truly small in the face of the immensity and diversity of the landscape.

In practical terms, northern Chile is very safe, comparable to North America. The roads are magnificent, wide and little frequented, This makes for a pleasant, relaxing drive. Every journey becomes an adventure, with spectacular views around every bend and no monotony.

For me, traveling in northern Chile means reconnecting with nature, Enjoy unique panoramas and experience the grandeur of the world's deserts and volcanoes. Each day is memorable and offers an incredible contrast to the last, making this region absolutely unforgettable.

💡Tip: To reach Putre and explore the Altiplano, it is mandatory to rent a 4×4, preferably a van/pick-up truck. Why?

  • This eliminates the need putting diesel cans in the vehicle, practical but often complicated and messy.
  • The van offers more comfort and capacity for family and luggage.

⚠️ Please note: insurance from credit cards generally do not cover pick-up trucks. You should therefore check with the rental company and possibly take out local insurance, or check with our car insurance company.

Why choose Chile for a family vacation?

Chile is a destination that defies geographical logic. This thread-like country, the longest and narrowest in the world, stretches its 4,300 km along the Pacific coast to offer a dizzying diversity of landscapes. From salt deserts to the glaciers of Patagonia, from Andean volcanoes to verdant vineyards - Chile is a permanent adventure for families who dare to get off the beaten track.

The Atacama Desert - another planet
The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is the driest desert on the planet - and yet one of the most beautiful. Geysers erupting at sunrise, turquoise lagoons perched 4,000 metres above sea level, valleys of multicoloured rock and some of the purest starry skies in the world - your children will feel as if they've landed on Mars. San Pedro de Atacama, a charming little village, is the perfect base from which to explore this extraordinary region.

Breathtaking volcanoes and Andean landscapes
Northern Chile abounds in majestic volcanoes that dominate the Andean altiplano. Parinacota, Cerro Toco and their neighbors create panoramas of wild, silent beauty that families find nowhere else. Unspoilt Andean villages like Parinacota offer an authentic insight into the thousand-year-old Aymara culture - a life-size history and geography lesson for your children.

Spectacular wildlife
The Chilean altiplano is the kingdom of the pink flamingo. These majestic birds gather in their thousands around salt lagoons such as the Salar de Atacama, the Salar de Surire and the Lagunas Altiplánicas - a natural spectacle that amazes children and adults alike. Vicuñas, llamas, Andean foxes and viscaches complete this unique animal tableau that you'll only see here.

An unforgettable road trip in the north
Northern Chile lends itself perfectly to family road trips. The roads are well maintained, the signs are clear and the distances between each site are reasonable. Starting from San Pedro de Atacama, a few days' drive will take you past geysers, lagoons, salars, volcanoes and Andean villages - each kilometer reveals a more spectacular landscape than the last.

A dry, pleasant climate
Northern Chile enjoys an extremely dry, sunny climate all year round - over 300 days of sunshine a year in the Atacama region. No rainy season to worry about, no sweltering humidity - just generous sunshine, cool nights and clean air that makes every day of exploration perfect for the whole family.

The world's most beautiful starry skies
Thanks to its high altitude, ultra-dry air and lack of light pollution, the Atacama Desert is home to some of the world's greatest astronomical observatories. Observing the Milky Way with the naked eye from the desert, or taking part in a guided astronomy evening with telescope, is a magical experience that leaves a deep impression on children - and parents too!

Activities for the whole family
Chile is full of unforgettable experiences for all ages.

Our 3-week Chile itinerary

  • Day 1 : Calama
    Arrival Atacama desert + night before adventure
  • Day 2-5 San Pedro de Atacama
    El Tatio geysers + Valle de la Luna + salar + stargazing
  • Day 6 : Pica
    Palm oasis + natural hot springs
  • Day 7-9 : Arica
    Pacific beach + surfing + Azapa valley + Peru border
  • Day 10-14 : Putre
    Lauca Park 4500m + vicunas + flamingos + altiplanic lagoons
  • Day 15 : Colchane
    Wild Altiplano + Bolivia border (Salar Uyuni option)
  • Day 16-17 Iquique
    Beach + giant dunes + sandboard + ceviches port
  • Day 18 : Calama
    Transit to Valparaíso
  • Day 19-21 Valparaíso
    Colorful UNESCO houses + street art + cerros + Casablanca wine

What to do and where to stay

Day 2-5 : San Pedro de Atacama

Lost in the middle of the desert in northern Chile, San Pedro de Atacama is a small oasis surrounded by volcanoes, lagoons and completely unreal landscapes. The village is small, simple and charming, with its sandy streets and adobe houses. It's the perfect starting point for exploring the immense Atacama Desert.

Where to sleep

If you have a car, it may be preferable to sleep slightly outside the village. Hotels and lodges here are often quieter and offer magnificent views of volcanoes and desert.

💡Tip: in the village center, the roads are not not asphalted and there are often lots of dust when cars pass by. Sleeping a little out of the way avoids this dust and allows you to enjoy a quieter environment.

List of things to do around San Pedro

Here are some of the must-do activities we've tried out in the region:

Each excursion reveals a completely different landscape snow-capped volcanoes, turquoise lagoons, red deserts and immense salt flats. It's what makes this region so unique and unforgettable.

Day 6 : Pica: relaxation stop and thermal baths

Pica - Cavana Hotel

After several days exploring northern Chile, Pica is the perfect place to make take a break and relax before hitting the road again.

This small oasis village is famous for its thermal springs, ideal for relax tired muscles after days in the desert and volcanoes. The natural hot water is renowned for its mineral properties, And bathing in the thermal pools offers a moment of pure bliss in a unique desert setting.

Pica is small and quiet, There's not much in the way of tourist activities, which makes it an ideal stopover. short but rejuvenating. It's the ideal place to rest, prepare for the rest of the trip and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, far from the dust of the desert and the hustle and bustle of San Pedro.

Day 7-9 : Arica - town, beach and short hike

arica eiffel church

After a relaxing break in Pica, Arica is the perfect place to combine beach, nature and family outings. Located in the very north of Chile, this port city offers mild, sunny climate, ideal for a few days by the ocean.

Beach and relaxation

Arica's beaches are ideal for swimming and family games. Although the water can be cool depending on the season, it's an excellent place to relax after days in the desert.

Small zoo

For families, the small city zoo is a fun option for discovering some local and exotic animals, perfect for animal-loving teens and kids.

Hiking and nature

For the most active short hikes in the surrounding hills, offering panoramic views of the city, sea and valleys. You can also explore the vallées d'Olive, A peaceful place to walk in a natural setting and observe arid landscapes transformed by vegetation.

Days 10-15: Putre - my favorite part of the Chilean Altiplano

After Arica, head for Putre, a small Andean village perched at an altitude of over 3,500 m in the heart of the’Chilean Altiplano. For me, it's the real "coup de coeur" of the trip very few tourists, nature unimaginable grandeur, snow-capped volcanoes, desert valleys and incredible wildlife. Each panorama is different and spectacular, making you feel at the end of the world.

Essential tip for road-trippers

Before leaving Arica, fill up your tank ! There's no no service station before Colchane, and the distance is long.

  • For a pick-up or SUV, it is recommended to 4 x 20-litre cans of petrol in addition to the reservoir.
  • Take water and snacks with you, too, as villages are few and far between.

What to do in Putre

Putre is the perfect starting point for exploring the’Chilean Altiplano and its breathtaking scenery. Here are the must-do activities around the village:

  • Putre thermal baths Perfect for relaxing after the road and enjoying the mineral properties of the hot springs.
  • National park Lauca Volcanoes, valleys, lagoons and local wildlife.
  • Volcano Parinacota Whether hiking or simply observing the snow-capped summit and its reflection in the lagoons.
  • Canyon and desert landscapes Altiplano: unique hikes and panoramas in the Altiplano desert.
  • Laguna de Caquena A spectacular place to observe wildlife, especially pink flamingos.
  • Cerro Milagro A short hike offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and volcanoes.
  • Park crossing to Colchane A wild and incredible route, with completely different scenery at every turn. Not to be missed Salar de Surire, a vast salar where you can observe flamingos and the unique beauty of the Altiplano.

💡 Tip: each activity reveals different landscapes and very few tourists are present, which makes Putre a truly unique place and a favorite of the trip. But we have to be careful.

Where to sleep

Choose a central accommodation in Putre is convenient for getting around easily and exploring the surrounding area on foot. Many lodges also offer views of the mountains and the sunset, a magical sight at this altitude.

💡 In a nutshell: Putre is a place out of time, ideal for nature lovers and families looking for a unique experience in the Chilean Altiplano. The road is magnificent but requires adequate preparation.

Day 16-17 : Iquique - urban stopover before the return journey

Before reaching the town of’Iquique, we make an unmissable stop at Humberstone, a ghost town and UNESCO World Heritage saltpeter mine.


To explore Humberstone is to immerse yourself in Chile's industrial history: old houses, schools, factories and machines bear witness to the days when saltpetre was an economic engine for the region. A fascinating experience ideal for families curious about history.

What to do in Iquique

Iquique is a pleasant urban stopover to relax and discover a bit of local life before hitting the road again. Our must-sees :

  • Fish market Taste fresh local produce and observe the bustle of a typical Chilean coastal town.
  • Esmeralda Sailing Ship Museum Visit this historic ship to discover Chile's maritime history, and climb aboard to explore the old hull.
  • Sandboarding on the local dunes A fun activity for the whole family, perfect for teenagers and for having fun in the sandy desert.

💡 Tip: Before returning the vehicle, it is very advisable to have it washed, inside and out. Between the sand of the desert, the dust of the Altiplano and the accumulated dirt, a clean vehicle avoids additional costs on return of the rental.

Day 19-21 : Valparaíso - the finishing touch to your trip

After our domestic flight to Santiago, we take the rental car to reach Valparaíso, about 1h30 from the capital. This port city is a veritable open-air museum, famous for its colorful hills and mural frescoes.

To discover

  • The emblematic hills Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre are perfect for strolling along and admiring the brightly-colored houses, picturesque staircases and small cafés overlooking the port. Each turn reveals a different panorama of the city and the Pacific Ocean.
  • Street art Valparaíso is world-renowned for its urban art. Gigantic frescoes and small, colorful graffiti decorate almost every wall, making the city dynamic and surprising around every corner.
  • Port life and local markets Stroll around the port to discover maritime activities and taste fresh local produce.
  • Museums and culture Pablo Neruda's house, La Sebastiana, offers a fascinating insight into the poet's life and the city's cultural history.

💡 Tip getting lost in the narrow streets of the hills is the best way to discover hidden street art and enjoy unique views of the city and ocean.

Our budget for 3 weeks in Chile

To give you a concrete idea, here's what we spent on our family trip:

  • International flights (Québec → Santiago) 575 $ per person, i.e. 2,300 $
  • Hotels approximately 60 $ at night, i.e. 1,260 $
  • Restaurants approximately 35 $ per person per day, i.e. 735 $
  • Car rental Calama: 925 $, Santiago: 40 $
  • Gasoline : 400 $
  • Internal flights (Santiago → Calama) 275 $ per person, i.e. 1,100 $
  • Activities and excursions (visits, national parks, outings): 600 $

Approximate family total for 21 days ~7,000 $ with extras

This trip to Chile was a nice surprise on the budget. We found ridiculously cheap plane tickets and, once we were there, most of the activities were free or very affordable.

In the end, there were very few extras, which allowed us to make the most of the trip as a family. without spending too much.

Similar Posts