7 days in Chile Itinerary

Major archeological sites and a renowned museum remain the big draws in San Pedro de Atacama tourism, appealing to visitors interested in learning more about South America's pre-Columbian cultures.

Get some cultural insight at Pukara de Quitor and Museo del Meteorito. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Laguna Chaxa and Off-Road Tours. Spend the 12th (Sat) exploring nature at Reserva Nacional de Flamencos. The adventure continues: explore the activities along Lagunas Baltinache, identify plant and animal life at Valle Arcoiris, and make a trip to Mirador de Kari, Piedra del Coyote.

For other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our San Pedro de Atacama trip planner.

Madrid, Spain to San Pedro de Atacama is an approximately 21.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 5 hours traveling from Madrid to San Pedro de Atacama. When traveling from Madrid in December, plan for much hotter days and about the same nights in San Pedro de Atacama: temperatures range from 29°C by day to 6°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Sat) to allow time to take a bus to Iquique.

Thanks to the city's position on the Pacific coast, vacations in Iquique appeal to beachgoers, paragliders, bodyboarders, nature lovers, photographers, and fans of picture-perfect sunsets.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Sun): learn about all things military at Museo Corbeta Esmeralda, then kick back and relax at Playa Cavancha, and then mingle with the ghosts of the past at Oficina Salitrera Santiago Humberstone.

For traveler tips, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Iquique trip tool.

You can take a bus from San Pedro de Atacama to Iquique in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.