Atacama left an incredible impression on me, truly awakening the spirit of a backpacker! Whether you venture out solo for an adventure or share the experience with a partner, it promises to be both exhilarating and romantic. You can easily spend ten days to two weeks exploring, and there are plenty of family-friendly options as well.
On my first day, I was greeted by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake and a power outage, and the stargazing tour the next day was canceled due to overcast skies. Despite these setbacks, I managed to enjoy a fantastic Moon Valley tour and a delightful two-hour horseback ride through Dinosaur Valley, which was incredibly fun and not at all tiring—though the horses might have felt differently!
Sadly, I missed out on the breathtaking sunset and twilight, but in a few days, when “Flowers and Youth 6” comes to film, the weather is expected to be perfect.
Accommodation recommendation🏠 Anka Hostel 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 This place is top-notch, with one caveat: avoid booking tours there, as they tend to be pricier than if you book directly with a travel agency.
Dining recommendations🍚 La Picada de Indios serves generous portions and delicious food, while Pizzeria El Churrua offers my favorite thin-crust pizza, which is incredibly aromatic. The pasta also has that comforting, home-cooked feel. As a popular tourist destination, the dining options are generally quite affordable.
Travel agency recommendation✈️ I picked up several brochures, so it’s worth comparing them yourself. Don’t hesitate to haggle, and note that the routes and experiences, especially for stargazing, can vary significantly between agencies.
Tours for families with children recommend🌲 For a family-friendly experience, consider Moon Valley, Rainbow Valley, Puritama Hot Springs, horseback riding, and stargazing. The key is to choose activities that are enjoyable, not too tiring, and don’t require early wake-up calls.
