MONEY EXCHANGE

You can find  currency exchange offices in Toconao road with Caracoles. However, for better exchange rates, we recommend you convert your money in Santiago.

To find the exchange rate in Chile, visit the Central Bank of Chile’s website.

ATMs

When visiting San Pedro de Atacama, you will find that most tourist agencies, shops and restaurants only receive cash. There are four ATMs in the village, so make sure you bring enough cash for the trip and withdraw money before reaching the village, e.g. at ATMs located within the Calama El Loa Airport.

ATMs in San Pedro de Atacama

  • Salcobrand Pharmacy (BCI): Caracoles 241, Tocopilla intersection.
  • Cruz Verde Pharmacy (BCI): Caracoles 359, Toconao intersection.
  • BCI Bank: Vilama 425-D, Caracoles intersection (Business hours: Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 2 pm).
  • Banco Estado: Gustavo Le Paige, in front of ex Museo Arqueológico (Business hours: Thursdays, from 1 pm to 5 pm)

WEATHER

Whether you visit San Pedro de Atacama during winter or summer, you must bring a good sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses with UV filter and a bottle of water to stay hydrated. Why? Because you will be exposed to a very strong UV radiation, therefore protection is essential.

In San Pedro de Atacama, you will enjoy sunny days almost year-round. Located 2,400 meters above sea level, the weather in this village is mild and dry. However, remember that temperatures tend to lower at higher elevations.

Weather in San Pedro de Atacama

Next 24 Hours

Clear
now

18.1ºC
10%

Southwest
9 km/h

Clear
16:00

18.5ºC
9%

South
8 km/h

Clear
17:00

18.8ºC
9%

Southwest
5 km/h

Clear
18:00

16.1ºC
11%

Southeast
1 km/h

Clear
19:00

13.5ºC
12%

Northwest
5 km/h

Clear
20:00

10.8ºC
15%

Northwest
6 km/h

Clear
21:00

8.4ºC
17%

Northwest
7 km/h

Clear
22:00

6.1ºC
21%

Northwest
7 km/h

Clear
23:00

3.7ºC
24%

Northwest
5 km/h

Clear
0:00

3.5ºC
24%

Northwest
5 km/h

Clear
1:00

3.3ºC
24%

Northwest
6 km/h

Clear
2:00

3.2ºC
25%

Northwest
7 km/h

Clear
3:00

3ºC
25%

Northwest
7 km/h

Clear
4:00

3ºC
25%

Northwest
6 km/h

Clear
5:00

2.9ºC
24%

Northwest
5 km/h

Clear
6:00

3.2ºC
23%

Northwest
5 km/h

Clear
7:00

3.7ºC
24%

Northwest
5 km/h

Clear
8:00

4.1ºC
23%

Northwest
5 km/h

Clear
9:00

7.4ºC
18%

Northwest
2 km/h

Clear
10:00

10.7ºC
15%

Southwest
4 km/h

Clear
11:00

14ºC
12%

Southwest
5 km/h

Clear
12:00

15.1ºC
11%

South
6 km/h

Clear
13:00

16.3ºC
10%

South
6 km/h

Clear
14:00

17.4ºC
8%

Southeast
5 km/h

Clear
15:00

17.8ºC
8%

South
5 km/h

Next Days

Clear
today

18.8ºC
2.4ºC
23%

Southwest
9 km/h

Clear
tomorrow

18.8ºC
2.9ºC
16%

Northwest
7 km/h

Clear
Thu
29 May

19.6ºC
3.9ºC
11%

Southwest
10 km/h

Clear
Fri
30 May

19.7ºC
2.5ºC
10%

Northwest
8 km/h

Fair
Sat
31 May

18.5ºC
2.3ºC
9%

Northwest
8 km/h

Mostly cloudy
Sun
1 Jun

18.2ºC
2.3ºC
10%

Northwest
29 km/h

Fair
Mon
2 Jun

16.7ºC
1.3ºC
10%

Northwest
8 km/h

Fall – winter season

From April to September, temperature in San Pedro de Atacama ranges between 9 ° C and approximately 24 ° C. It is a season of clear skies, total lack of rain and colder nights due to thermal oscillation. It is an ideal season for those who want to avoid crowds and get better rates.

Spring – Summer Season

From October to March – high season in San Pedro de Atacama-  temperature ranges between 13ºC and  25ºC, with highs of 32 ° C. A season with hot days and occasional rainfall due to the Bolivian Winter phenomenon (January-April). Highlights of the season: Fiesta de la Candelaria ( January 31 to February 3) and Santo Carnival (seven weeks before Easter).

WHAT TO WEAR

What to bring to San Pedro de Atacama? Well, everything! Regardless of the season, you can feel cold and hot on the same day, especially if you are visiting nearby attractions or  taking tours early in the morning or in the evening.

Keep in mind that in tourist spots such as El Tatio geysers or some highland lakes, temperatures can reach below zero, so it is recommended to dress in layers and also wear hat, gloves and comfortable shoes. Tourists who choose to bathe in the natural hot springs, should bring swimsuit, sandals and a towel.

Those who venture into the desert or the salar, must wear pants to avoid the discomfort of sand in contact with the skin when facing wind gusts. Therefore, you should also bring a windbreaker.

If you consider visiting Puritama hot springs during your journey to Quebrada de Guatin, don’t forget to bring your bathing suit, towel and sandals.

As mentioned , always remember to wear a hat (hopefully one that can tie to your neck), sunglasses, sunscreen and bottled water. San Pedro de Atacama is one of the areas with the highest ultraviolet radiation in Chile.

Basic garments

  • Coats
  • Pullover
  • Windbreaker
  • Shorts
  • Hat / Cap
  • Thermal hat
  • Sneakers
  • Swimsuit
  • Sunscreen
  • Towel
  • Flip – flops

GAS

In Toconao street you will find the only gas station in San Pedro de Atacama. which belongs to Copec company. You won’t find gas stations between Calama (airport) and San Pedro de Atacama, and on the roads to other tourist attractions such as Chaxa and Cejar lagoons. Therefore, it is very important to fill up the tank before touring the area.