San Pedro de Atacama is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to San Pedro de Atacama?
A typical traveler spends $69 (CL$66,187) per day on a trip to San Pedro de Atacama. This is the average daily price for a vacation in San Pedro de Atacama based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $25 (CL$23,606) on meals
- $9.14 (CL$8,730) on local transportation
- $64 (CL$61,091) on hotels
A one-week trip to San Pedro de Atacama for two people costs, on average, $970 (CL$926,618). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$485
CL$463,309
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$970
CL$926,618
-
One Month
Per person
$2,079
CL$1,985,610
-
One Week
For a couple
$970
CL$926,618
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,940
CL$1,853,236
-
One Month
For a couple
$4,158
CL$3,971,220
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to San Pedro de Atacama cost?
A one week trip to San Pedro de Atacama usually costs around $485 (CL$463,309) for one person and $970 (CL$926,618) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to San Pedro de Atacama on average costs around $970 (CL$926,618) for one person and $1,940 (CL$1,853,236) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in San Pedro de Atacama will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to San Pedro de Atacama on average costs around $2,079 (CL$1,985,610) for one person and $4,158 (CL$3,971,220) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is San Pedro de Atacama expensive to visit?
In San Pedro de Atacama, budget travelers spend $28 (CL$27,113) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $69 (CL$66,187) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $159 (CL$153,326) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to San Pedro de Atacama.
San Pedro de Atacama is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
San Pedro de Atacama can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
Within South America, San Pedro de Atacama is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Santa Cruz de la Sierra or La Plata.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is San Pedro de Atacama Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to San Pedro de Atacama?
The average San Pedro de Atacama trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these San Pedro de Atacama travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to San Pedro de Atacama cost?
San Pedro de Atacama on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$13
(CL$12,536)
|
$32
(CL$30,546)
|
$74
(CL$70,427)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$4
(CL$3,819)
|
$9
(CL$8,730)
|
$17
(CL$16,682)
|
|
Food2
|
$10
(CL$9,671)
|
$25
(CL$23,606)
|
$57
(CL$54,673)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$8
(CL$7,676)
|
$21
(CL$19,762)
|
$54
(CL$51,883)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-3
(CL$1,004-3,011)
|
$2-7
(CL$2,355-7,064)
|
$5-15
(CL$4,886-14,657)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in San Pedro de Atacama is important. While you might think you can save money by cutting expenses, traveling comfortably requires a bit more spending for most people. Think about your favorite vacation activities and ideal travel style. Staying in a resort or comfortable hotel, along with sightseeing and dining out are generally what many people prefer. Your travel preferences will determine how much you'll end up spending on your trip.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $28 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, there are plenty of hostels in San Pedro de Atacama, such as Hostal Rural, Backpackers San Pedro, and Sol Atacama Hostel. Staying at these hostels means you can score affordable dorm lodging and a lively social vibe, but be prepared for basic amenities.
So, are you average?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. It's common for visitors to San Pedro de Atacama to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $69 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in San Pedro de Atacama is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Terrantai Lodge is a solid choice for families, while Hotel Pascual Andino also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for San Pedro de Atacama here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $159 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the destination with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Atacama Airport Private Transfer - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in San Pedro de Atacama
In San Pedro de Atacama, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak season. Off-season prices average around $103, but in peak season, they can average around $192. Prices generally range from $59 to $390, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in San Pedro de Atacama for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $64 (CL$61,091). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $32 (CL$30,546) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in San Pedro de Atacama? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in San Pedro de Atacama include:
- Terrantai Lodge starting at $215
- Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama starting at $279
- Hotel Pascual Andino starting at $157
- Hotel La Casa de Don Tomas starting at $135
- Domos Los Abuelos starting at $69
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during , will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Transportation Budget in San Pedro de Atacama
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $9.14 (CL$8,730) per person, per day, on local transportation in San Pedro de Atacama. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in San Pedro de Atacama is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$9.14
CL$8,730
You can reach San Pedro by bus from Salta and Jujuy in Argentina, as well as most other places in Chile. The closest commercial airport is in Calama, which is about an hour and a half away. There are frequent buses that travel between Calama and San Pedro. It's also possible to rent a car at the airport but the prices are quite high and an international driving permit is required.
After you arrive at San Pedro you can walk to most places worth visiting in town, including restaurants and bars. There are a handful of hotels located on the outskirts of town, so it is worth confirming the location of your hotel before booking. The downtown area of San Pedro is approximately twelve blocks in size. There are a good number of places around town where you can rent a bike to reach more distant destinations.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Atacama Airport Shuttle Transfer for $38 details
- Puritama Hot Springs Experience with Transfer and Entrance for $90 details
- Shared Transfer from San Pedro de Atacama to Calama Airport for $29 details
How much does it cost to go to San Pedro de Atacama? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in San Pedro de Atacama will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in San Pedro de Atacama
Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in San Pedro de Atacama can vary significantly, the average cost of food in San Pedro de Atacama is $25 (CL$23,606) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$25
CL$23,606
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in San Pedro de Atacama is around $24 (CL$23606) per person, with previous travelers spending from $10 to $57. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in San Pedro de Atacama are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $7
- Lunch: $4 to $10
- Dinner: $7 to $17
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
The cheapest option at most restaurants is the set meal, or "menu". There are a variety of good restaurants around town. Some of the most popular are Cafe Adobe, Blanco, La Estaka, and La Casona. They can be expensive and the quality can vary. For vegetarians, a good option is Todo Natural, on Caracoles. The food is good and the prices are reasonable.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect the environment.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in San Pedro de Atacama, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Private Dinner Under the Stars for $300 details
- Local haute cuisine tasting menu dinner for $135 details
Listed below are typical food prices in San Pedro de Atacama, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
-
Empanadas
CL$1,200
-
Lunch
CL$10,000
-
Dinner
CL$10,500
-
Drink
CL$900
-
Empanada
CL$5,000
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in San Pedro de Atacama
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in San Pedro de Atacama typically cost an average of $21 (CL$19,762) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$21
CL$19,762
There are a handful of major sights that you must see in San Pedro, in addition to other smaller sights around the area. Popular sights include Geysers del Tatio, Valle de la Luna, Lagunas Altiplanicas, Laguna Cejar, Puritama, Salar de Tara, and Valle del Arcoiris.
Geysers del Tatio has some of the highest geysers in the world. This area is about 100 kilometers outside of San Pedro. Valle de la Luna, or "Moon Valley," is part of the Salt Mountain Range and has some absolutely beautiful rock formations and impressively barren landscape. The area has the most dramatic sunsets, so do ensure you'll be here at the right times. Lagunas Altiplanicas is a tour that usually includes the village of Toconao, Laguna Chaxa, Miscanti and Miniques lagoons, and Socaire, where you can grab a quick lunch. There is no shortage of sights you can visit around San Pedro, many of which are easily visited in a tour which can be arranged on arrival in San Pedro.
In addition to visiting the many sights in the areas around San Pedro, there are also some interesting activities that you can enjoy. Sandboarding has become a popular activity given the town's desert location. There are plenty of dunes and sand banks where you can sandboard. Sandboarding tours will take you to the most popular place, Valle de la Muerte.
Mountain climbing is also a popular activity. There are mountains that cater to all skill levels and a few tourist agencies that specialize in mountain climbing. Confirm in advance that the tour operator will provide all of the necessities and equipment that you need.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore San Pedro de Atacama. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Tour of the Moon Valley for $232 details
- Astronomical Guided Tour in San Pedro for $35 details
- Tour of the Rainbow Valley and Petroglyphs of Yerbas Buenas for $45 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in San Pedro de Atacama, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
Nightlife Budget in San Pedro de Atacama
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $4.93 (CL$4,709) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in San Pedro de Atacama per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$4.93
CL$4,709
Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.
Listed below are typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in San Pedro de Atacama, as reported by real travelers. These figures should give you an idea of what drinks cost. However, your actual expenses will depend on your nightlife activities and dining choices, how frequently you consume alcohol, and the quantity you order. If you're looking to save on your trip, reducing your alcohol consumption is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your budget.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 11, 2025
Traveling in San Pedro de Atacama
Atacama, Chile
San Pedro de Atacama is a gateway to northern Chile. It is a good jumping off point for exploring the area's impressive landscape, most of which is included in the Los Flamencos National Reserve. It is popular with both Chilean and international tourists, and because of its popularity, it is a relatively expensive destination, with many prices comparable to what you might pay in Santiago.
The town is small, with about 5,000 residents. It is at an elevation of 7,900 feet and is located about 60 miles southeast of Calama. It looks out over the Licancabur Volcano.
The town's climate is dry and mild. The daytime temperatures are usually between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months and 64 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter months. Winter lows can drop below freezing at night. Summer is bewteen the months of December and February and winter is between the months of June and August.
Neighborhoods & Around
San Pedro is a small town. The downtown area has twelve small blocks that are contained by Domingo Atienza and Toconao from west to east and Licancabur and Caracoles from north to south. Caracoles is the main street and a pedestrian zone. Riding a bike on this street is forbidden as well. Almost everything you need will be in the downtown area. There are hotels located on the outskirts of town, but it is best to stay closer in.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.