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

16.1ºC
12%

Southwest
3 km/h

Clear
11:00

18.3ºC
10%

South
6 km/h

Clear
12:00

20.4ºC
8%

Southwest
7 km/h

Clear
13:00

22.2ºC
7%

Southwest
7 km/h

Clear
14:00

24ºC
5%

Southwest
7 km/h

Clear
15:00

25.9ºC
5%

Southwest
10 km/h

Partly cloudy
16:00

26.4ºC
5%

South
11 km/h

Fair
17:00

27ºC
5%

Southwest
15 km/h

Fair
18:00

27.6ºC
6%

Southwest
19 km/h

Partly cloudy
19:00

24.8ºC
8%

Southwest
25 km/h

Fair
20:00

21.9ºC
10%

Southwest
20 km/h

Fair
21:00

19.2ºC
13%

West
15 km/h

Partly cloudy
22:00

17.4ºC
16%

West
10 km/h

Mostly cloudy
23:00

15.7ºC
19%

Southwest
3 km/h

Partly cloudy
0:00

14ºC
21%

Southwest
5 km/h

Partly cloudy
1:00

12.6ºC
22%

Southwest
5 km/h

Partly cloudy
2:00

11.3ºC
24%

Southwest
4 km/h

Partly cloudy
3:00

10ºC
25%

Southwest
3 km/h

Partly cloudy
4:00

9.6ºC
24%

Southwest
2 km/h

Fair
5:00

9.1ºC
23%

Northwest
2 km/h

Partly cloudy
6:00

8.6ºC
24%

Northwest
3 km/h

Partly cloudy
7:00

10.7ºC
21%

Northwest
4 km/h

Partly cloudy
8:00

12.7ºC
17%

Northwest
5 km/h

Mostly cloudy
9:00

14.7ºC
15%

Northwest
1 km/h

Mostly cloudy
10:00

16.8ºC
13%

Southwest
4 km/h

Next Days

Partly cloudy
today

27.6ºC
7.6ºC
14%

Southwest
25 km/h

Mostly cloudy
tomorrow

28ºC
8.6ºC
14%

Southwest
20 km/h

Mostly cloudy
Mon
9 Dec

29ºC
8.9ºC
13%

Southwest
14 km/h

Cloudy
Tue
10 Dec

28.2ºC
9.2ºC
11%

Southwest
21 km/h

Cloudy
Wed
11 Dec

27.4ºC
11.1ºC
14%

Southwest
26 km/h

Mostly cloudy
Thu
12 Dec

27.6ºC
10.7ºC
16%

Southwest
34 km/h

Mostly cloudy
Fri
13 Dec

27.7ºC
10ºC
15%

Southwest
27 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.