Overview:

San Pedro de Atacama is a small oasis located in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. The city lies roughly 165km from the port of Antofagasta and only a few kilometers from the border with Bolivia. The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on the planet and day-to-day life in San Pedro de Atacama consists largely of visiting tourists, who come to marvel at the desert’s surreal beauty. Visitors come to take in some of the stunning landscape, take part in adventure activities, visit ancient ruins and observe the unique wildlife. San Pedro de Atacama is the ideal destination for visitors looking to experience the driest place on earth. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Chile
Prominent Features:

1. La Valle de La Muerte (Valley of the Moon): This iconic, otherworldly region is made up of spectacularly eroded and colored hills, salt formations, and canyons. 2. El Tatio geysers: Located in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 4,320 meters (14,173 feet), this is one of the world’s highest geyser fields and a popular attraction. 3. Machuca village: A small mestizo (of mixed Spanish and indigenous descent) village in the Antofagasta region, with an interesting history which is reflected in its architecture. 4. El Altiplano Lakes: This is an area of high-altitude lakes, including those at Laguna Cejas, Chaxa Lagoon, and Laguna Miscanti, with incredible bird life and stunning views. 5. San Pedro de Atacama: This delightful desert oasis town is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including the impressive arch of the El Tatio geysers, the soaring, snow-capped Licancabur volcano, and the Salar de Atacama salt flat. 6. Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley): A long, deep canyon in the Atacama desert, its multicolored sandstone formations and strange Martian landscapes make this another iconic Atacama destination. 7. Valle de la Muerte (Valley of Death): A white panorama of white salt beds, dunes, and canyons, this stunning part of the Atacama is most famous for its salt sculptures. 8. Tropic of Capricorn monument: A commemorative monument marking the southern-most point of the tropic, located near a hill just close to the town of San Pedro de Atacama. 9. Las Cuevas de Salar de Atacama: These cave dwellings, carved into the high walls of the salt flat, offer a unique place to stay and make a great spot to catch the sunset. 10. Sierra Gorda beach: Located north of Antofagasta, this is a stunning stretch of quiet beach with a backdrop of red sand dunes and giant spired cacti. This national monument of Chile portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The history of San Pedro de Atacama dates back to its pre-Inca and Inca periods. It is thought that the area was a prosperous oasis city prior to the arrival of the Incas in the 15th century. Evidence of this is in the form of stone masonry walls, houses and even canals and water irrigation systems dating back to before this period. The Incas initially conquered the area in the 15th century, making it part of their vast empire. During this time, the area was known as "Pukará de Atacama" and considered to be an important part of the Inca Empire. In the late 16th century, the Spanish Conquest of the New World began. The Spaniards laid claim to the region and quickly established the settlement of San Pedro de Atacama in 1540. Originally a supply depot and mission, the settlement flourished and for a short time was a major center of trade and commerce. The San Pedro de Atacama area became a popular tourist destination in the late 19th century. During this period, immigrants from Europe and North America flocked to the area to explore its many attractions. The 19th century also saw the beginnings of modern mining activity in the area, as large copper deposits were discovered. Today, San Pedro de Atacama is a small town located in the driest desert in the world. This region is known for its stunning natural beauty and cultural attractions, including ancient Incan ruins and artifacts. The arid climate makes this area a great destination for those looking for sun, snow, and sand in unique environments. You must visit one of these historical places in Chile on your Chile tour

Interesting facts:

1. San Pedro de Atacama has the world’s most arid desert climate, with an average rainfall of only 15 mm per year. 2. The Atacama Desert is the oldest desert in the world with an estimated age of 15 million years! 3. San Pedro de Atacama is a major cultural and archaeological site, offering insight into the lifestyle of the pre-Columbian people of South America. 4. The Atacama Desert is home to a number of interesting animals, such as the Andean fox, viscacha, and the huemul deer. 5. San Pedro de Atacama is home to several salt flats, including Salar de Atacama and Salar de Tara. 6. The Atacama Desert is home to more than 5,000 species of plants, including a variety of cacti, lichens, and other succulents. 7. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of ancient cultures in the region, including the Arica civilization (1200-1400 B.C.), and the Inca Empire (15th to 16th centuries). 8. San Pedro de Atacama was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. 9. San Pedro de Atacama is home to a number of interesting rock formations, including Valley de La Luna, El Tatio geysers, and the Toco volcano. 10. Nearby El Tatio Geysers is one of the largest geyser fields in the world. Visit one of the famous monuments of Chile with your friends and family.