Local and Practical Information
Practical Information
San Pedro de Atacama is one of the most unique destinations in the world and the gateway to the Atacama Desert. To help you prepare for your trip, we have compiled practical information on travel, health, climate, local services, and cultural considerations.
Conference Venue
The conference will be held at the Centro de Eventos Coyo Antai in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. The venue is located approximately a 20-minute walk from the town centre.
Please note that Wi-Fi access is not available at the venue. Participants are therefore encouraged to make any necessary arrangements in advance, such as purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM plan if internet connectivity is required during the conference (more details below).
Entering Chile
Depending on your country of citizenship, you may require a visa for entering Chile (for most countries in Europe and in the Americas, no visa will be necessary, while for most countries in Asia and Africa, it will be necessary). Also, check whether your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the travel dates. You can check this information in Visas para ingresar a Chile and Obtención VISAS.
If you require a visa, then we can provide you with a letter and serve as a contact in Chile. Note that we will not pay any visa-related costs.
Arriving in San Pedro de Atacama
By air:
The most common way to reach San Pedro de Atacama is by flying from Santiago to Calama and then continuing by road to San Pedro.
San Pedro de Atacama does not have a commercial airport. Most participants will therefore arrive via El Loa Airport (CJC), located in the city of Calama, approximately 100 km (62 miles) from San Pedro. The journey from Calama to San Pedro typically takes 1–1.5 hours by shuttle, taxi, private transfer, or rental car.
Several daily flights connect Santiago and Calama, operated by airlines including LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART, making access to the region straightforward from both domestic and international destinations.
By car:
If you plan to travel by car, the route from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama is approximately 1,600 km and takes around 20–24 hours of driving (depending on stops and road conditions).
From Santiago, follow the Pan-American Highway (Route 5) north. Continue towards the Antofagasta Region until reaching the town of Baquedano, where you should take the exit towards Route 25 in the direction of Calama. From Calama, follow the road to San Pedro de Atacama, located approximately 100 km away.
The route is mostly through desert landscapes, with long stretches between services. We recommend:
- Filling the fuel tank whenever possible.
- Carrying enough water and snacks.
- Checking road conditions before departure.
- Avoid driving at night, as some sections have limited lighting, and wildlife may cross the road.
By bus:
If you prefer to travel by bus, several companies operate routes from Santiago and other major Chilean cities. For a direct connection to San Pedro de Atacama, we recommend checking services operated by Tur Bus, which offers routes connecting Santiago with San Pedro.
If you choose another bus company, keep in mind that many services travel only as far as Calama. From Calama, passengers must take a local transfer or bus service for the final 100 km to San Pedro de Atacama. The bus journey from Santiago is long (approximately 24 hours), but it is a comfortable and economical option. Tickets and schedules should be checked in advance, especially during peak travel periods.
Bus Terminals in Santiago
- San Borja Terminal (ex North Terminal): metro station Estación Central. And Terminal Alameda: metro Universidad de Santiago.
Buses from Santiago to Calama
Transportation from Calama to San Pedro
Travel time from Calama Airport to San Pedro is approximately 1–1.5 hours.
Available options include:
- Shared airport shuttle services
- Private transfers
- Taxis
- Rental cars (Budget, Alamo Chile, Autorentas del Pacífico S.A.)
We recommend booking transfers in advance, particularly during the high tourist season. Useful information: Calama Airport Information
To facilitate transportation from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama, we encourage participants to use the conference Slack channels to coordinate shared taxis or shuttle services. This can help reduce costs, simplify logistics, and minimise the environmental impact of travel.
Accommodation
A wide selection of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, campings and houses and cabins, is available in San Pedro de Atacama. However, we strongly recommend booking well in advance, as San Pedro is a small tourist town with limited accommodation capacity, and availability can become restricted, especially during peak travel seasons and conference periods.
Health insurance and Medical care
The healthcare system in Chile includes both public and private providers. Private medical care is generally of high quality but can be expensive, and costs may need to be covered upfront by the patient. Therefore, all participants must have travel health insurance that is valid in Chile for the entire duration of the conference.
Before travelling, please check with your insurance provider:
- whether your policy provides coverage in Chile;
- which hospitals or medical centres are part of their network;
- what types of medical expenses are covered (e.g., consultations, emergency care, hospitalisation, medication, medical evacuation);
- whether you need prior authorisation before receiving medical treatment.
In case of an emergency, your insurance company may direct you to a specific hospital or medical centre, so we strongly recommend saving their contact information and emergency assistance number before your arrival.
Please note that, in many cases, visitors are required to pay for medical services at the time of treatment and request reimbursement from their insurance company afterwards. For this reason, we strongly recommend that participants carry a valid credit card with sufficient available funds during their stay.
Medications
If you take prescription medication, please bring enough medication to cover your entire stay in Chile, as well as a copy of your prescription or a medical note for reference.
Please be aware that prescriptions issued outside Chile are generally not accepted by Chilean pharmacies. Some medications may require a prescription from a local doctor, and availability can vary. Therefore, do not rely on purchasing your regular medication after arrival.
We recommend keeping medications in your carry-on luggage during travel and bringing them in their original packaging.
Altitude and Health
San Pedro de Atacama lies at approximately 2,450 m (8,040 ft) above sea level. While many visitors experience no significant issues at this altitude, some may notice:
- Mild headaches
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath during physical activity
- Difficulty sleeping during the first night
Many excursions and astronomical facilities are located considerably higher:
| Location | Approximate altitude |
|---|---|
| San Pedro de Atacama | 2,450 m |
| Valle de la Luna | 2,500–2,700 m |
| Altiplanic Lagoons | 4,000–4,300 m |
| El Tatio Geysers | 4,320 m |
| ALMA Operations Support Facility | ~2,900 m |
| Chajnantor Plateau | >5,000 m |
Currency and Payments
The local currency is the Chilean Peso.
Most hotels, restaurants, and larger businesses accept major credit cards. However:
- Some small shops and local vendors may accept only cash.
- ATM availability is limited compared with larger cities.
- It is advisable to carry a modest amount of Chilean pesos for incidental expenses.
Electricity
- Voltage: 220 V
- Frequency: 50 Hz
- Plug types: C and L – World Power Plug Guide (Chile)
Participants travelling from countries using different plug standards should bring an adapter.
Internet and Mobile Connectivity
Wi-Fi is widely available in
- Hotels
- Cafés
- Restaurants
- Conference facilities
Mobile coverage in San Pedro is generally good, though service may become limited during excursions into remote desert regions.
Major Chilean providers include: Entel, Movistar Chile, Claro Chile
Many international visitors find eSIM services convenient for short stays.
Please remember that Wi-Fi access is not available at the venue.
Weather
The Atacama Desert is among the driest places on Earth. Rain is rare, but weather conditions can vary substantially between day and night.
Typical temperatures:
| Season | Daytime | Nighttime |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Dec–Mar) | 22–30°C | 8 – 15°C |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | 15–23°C | −5 to 5°C |
What to Bring
We recommend packing:
- Light clothing for daytime activities
- A warm jacket or fleece for evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended)
- Lip balm
- A hat or cap
- Reusable water bottle
Even during warm months, temperatures can drop significantly after sunset.
Emergency Numbers
- Emergency: 112
- Ambulance: 131
- Fire Department: 132
- Police (Carabineros): 133
Safety
San Pedro de Atacama is generally considered a safe destination for visitors.
Standard precautions are recommended:
- Keep valuables secure.
- Carry only necessary cash.
- Stay hydrated during outdoor activities.
- Inform others of travel plans when undertaking remote excursions.
- Follow guidance from local tour operators and park authorities.
Tourist places to visit
We can find information on what to see, tours, accommodations, and services here: https://sanpedroatacama.com/en/
