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

0.7ºC
40%

Northwest
8 km/h

Clear
1:00

0.2ºC
41%

Northwest
6 km/h

Clear
2:00

-0.3ºC
41%

Northwest
5 km/h

Clear
3:00

-0.5ºC
41%

Northwest
4 km/h

Clear
4:00

-0.7ºC
40%

Northwest
5 km/h

Clear
5:00

-0.9ºC
40%

Northwest
5 km/h

Clear
6:00

-0.7ºC
38%

Northwest
5 km/h

Clear
7:00

-0.4ºC
37%

Northwest
4 km/h

Clear
8:00

-0.2ºC
36%

Northwest
4 km/h

Clear
9:00

3.5ºC
28%

Southwest
6 km/h

Clear
10:00

7.3ºC
23%

Southwest
7 km/h

Clear
11:00

11ºC
18%

Southwest
10 km/h

Clear
12:00

13.1ºC
15%

Southwest
14 km/h

Clear
13:00

15.3ºC
13%

Southwest
15 km/h

Clear
14:00

17.5ºC
13%

Southwest
15 km/h

Clear
15:00

17.2ºC
15%

Northwest
27 km/h

Fair
16:00

16.9ºC
18%

Northwest
35 km/h

Clear
17:00

16.7ºC
20%

Northwest
29 km/h

Clear
18:00

14.5ºC
23%

Northwest
22 km/h

Clear
19:00

12.3ºC
25%

Northwest
15 km/h

Clear
20:00

10.1ºC
29%

Northwest
9 km/h

Clear
21:00

8.5ºC
34%

West
5 km/h

Clear
22:00

6.9ºC
39%

Northwest
4 km/h

Clear
23:00

5.2ºC
44%

Northwest
4 km/h

Clear
0:00

4.1ºC
46%

Northwest
7 km/h

Next Days

Fair
today

17.5ºC
-0.9ºC
30%

Northwest
35 km/h

Clear
tomorrow

17.4ºC
1.3ºC
33%

Northwest
29 km/h

Clear
Thu
19 Jun

16.6ºC
1.4ºC
26%

Southwest
10 km/h

Cloudy
Fri
20 Jun

18.5ºC
1.8ºC
16%

Southwest
8 km/h

Cloudy
Sat
21 Jun

18.6ºC
1.5ºC
24%

Southwest
14 km/h

Cloudy
Sun
22 Jun

15.3ºC
1.7ºC
27%

Southeast
10 km/h

Cloudy
Mon
23 Jun

14.9ºC
1.7ºC
29%

Northwest
14 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.