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

11ºC
16%

Northwest
4 km/h

Clear
22:00

8.6ºC
20%

Northwest
5 km/h

Clear
23:00

6.1ºC
23%

Northwest
7 km/h

Clear
0:00

5.5ºC
25%

Northwest
6 km/h

Clear
1:00

4.9ºC
26%

Northwest
7 km/h

Clear
2:00

4.3ºC
27%

Northwest
7 km/h

Clear
3:00

4.1ºC
27%

Northwest
7 km/h

Clear
4:00

4ºC
27%

Northwest
6 km/h

Clear
5:00

3.9ºC
28%

Northwest
5 km/h

Clear
6:00

4.9ºC
26%

Northwest
5 km/h

Clear
7:00

5.9ºC
24%

Northwest
4 km/h

Clear
8:00

7ºC
23%

Northwest
4 km/h

Clear
9:00

10ºC
19%

West
4 km/h

Clear
10:00

12.9ºC
16%

Southwest
5 km/h

Clear
11:00

15.8ºC
13%

Southwest
6 km/h

Clear
12:00

17ºC
11%

Southwest
5 km/h

Clear
13:00

18.2ºC
9%

Southwest
6 km/h

Clear
14:00

19.5ºC
8%

Southwest
8 km/h

Clear
15:00

19.9ºC
7%

Southwest
8 km/h

Clear
16:00

20.4ºC
6%

Southwest
8 km/h

Clear
17:00

20.8ºC
6%

Southwest
7 km/h

Clear
18:00

18.5ºC
8%

Southwest
6 km/h

Clear
19:00

16.2ºC
9%

Northwest
5 km/h

Clear
20:00

14ºC
10%

Northwest
5 km/h

Clear
21:00

11.3ºC
13%

Northwest
4 km/h

Next Days

Fair
today

19.9ºC
4.3ºC
17%

Northwest
7 km/h

Clear
tomorrow

20.8ºC
3.9ºC
17%

Southwest
8 km/h

Clear
Wed
21 May

20.4ºC
3.7ºC
14%

Southwest
10 km/h

Clear
Thu
22 May

21ºC
3.4ºC
14%

Southwest
10 km/h

Fair
Fri
23 May

21.6ºC
3.4ºC
19%

Northwest
12 km/h

Cloudy
Sat
24 May

22ºC
3.6ºC
21%

Southwest
8 km/h

Cloudy
Sun
25 May

19.9ºC
6ºC
16%

Southwest
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.