Walking through San Pedro de Atacama, you instantly feel as if you've been dropped onto the set of a Hollywood Western. In the heart of the driest non-polar desert in the world, this tiny village of old adobe houses clustered along dusty unpaved roads looks out onto an otherworldly landscape of rugged sandstone valleys, dunes, salt flats, boiling geysers and lagoons inhabited by flamingos - all in the shadow of massive snowcapped volcanoes. The spectacular setting makes San Pedro one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chile, with clear starry skies, jaw-dropping scenery and activities ranging from sandboarding to hot air balloon rides. Our collection of the best places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama range from trendy desert hideaways, to luxury hotels with spas.

People flock to San Pedro for the landscape. Sublime, dreamlike and wild, the region sits in the heart of the Los Flamencos National Reserve - an extraordinary area - and one of the most beautiful in Chile, if not South America. The Valley of the Moon is one such example: the moonlike landscape is peppered with craters, caves and dunes. The Piedras Rojas is also beautiful - a group of red sandstone rocks lapped gently by waves of the warmest blue - made even more stunning by snowcapped volcanoes as a backdrop. Throughout this beautiful, barren land lie steaming geysers - hot springs that shoot up plumes of water into the air - best seen at sunrise when the waters shine red and gold. The Laguna Baltinache, a salt plain brimming with blue salt lagoons, is worth checking out: like the Dead Sea, you float seamlessly in the waters.

In spite of being a remote, near-lifeless and barren land, there are some fascinating historic sites. An hour to the north, just before Rio Grande, you will find Yerbas Buenas, a series of petroglyphs - prehistoric carvings and paintings - which offer an illuminating insight into the beliefs and lives of our prehistoric ancestors. The pre-Incan fortress of Pukara de Quitar is also worth exploring, perched on a hill on the outskirts of San Pedro.

However, the village itself is really the beating heart of all activity in the area, and is where you can book an ATV tour, a hot air balloon ride over the Atacama Desert or a sandboarding session in "Death Valley". But San Pedro's tiny size and lack of bustle is where its charm lies: the skies are unbelievably clear and are perfect for stargazing - you can even go on an astronomy tour. You will find that locals exhibit an extraordinary level of energy and positivity, and they will tell you that its the large quantity of copper and quartz in the region that flood the area with good vibes. Right...

This is a very popular destination, so to ensure a room at one of the best places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama, we recommend planning your trip well in advance.

The best places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama

Budget friendly

• Hotel Altiplanico is a charming hotel with great views of the volcanoes from its desert location. It is built in traditional mud brick. The rooms are simple yet atmospheric, dotted with artefacts and there is a lagoon style pool.

• Hotel Pascual Andino is a small boutique hotel with just ten rooms, in the centre of town. The design is mud brick and wood. All of the town’s historic attractions are within walking distance. An authentic Chilean experience.

• For a more secluded place to stay, but still at the budget end, the Cumbres Hotel and Spa is situated some 2km out of the village, on the edge of the Atacama desert. Interiors feature a mixture of the traditional and the modern being all glass walls and wooden furniture. There is a lovely relaxing spa and the desert views are stunning.

Boutique elegance

• The NOI Casa Atacama offers a notch up in terms of luxury, but retains a boutique feel with just 25 rooms. Like a number of others, Casa Atacama is built in the desert style from local stone. Guestrooms are comfortable and homely, some opening on to terraces, and if you come in winter, choose one with an open fire. The outdoor pool is delightful.

Upmarket desert chic

• For somewhere truly stylish, Tierra Atacama resort and spa is an elegant hotel in the heart of the Atacama desert. The rooms are chic and whitewashed with four-poster beds, bathrooms are contemporary and smart. The views are to die for, and there's a truly pampering spa as well.

• The much more intimate (8 rooms) Awasi Atacama is another ultra cool desert retreat. The style is rustic, the cabins have polished wood floors, adobe walls and traditional hangings. The food is top notch. Great for the outdoors.

For couples

• Nayama Alto Atacama is a chic property set in the heart of the world’s highest desert. The feel is contemporary style meets traditional charm. The rooms are light and airy and there's a lovely spoiling spa.

• At almost twice the cost (but hey, who's counting), Explora Atacama is a stunning contemporary hotel offering beautifully styled rooms with glass, wood and white background, and spectacular views. Desert expeditions are available and there's a relaxing spa to unwind in afterwards. The restaurant serves excellent regional fare - a truly unique stay.

For an apartment or villa

• Check out our partner Booking.com to see their wide range of villas and apartments.

Travel information

• Fly to Santiago, then to Calama where you can get a transfer bus ride to San Pedro.
• If you want to rent a car we recommend contacting our partner Rentalcars.
• During the summer, the temperature averages at around 27 degrees and this is the best time to plan your trip.

Still not sure?

• For more spectacular Chilean landscapes why not browse through our collection of properties in Puerto Natales.

• Or widen the net to include all the best place to stay in Chile.

• Or contact a friendly guru for advice.