Nestled in the heart of the world’s driest desert, San Pedro de Atacama offers a mesmerising blend of landscapes, from salt flats and hot springs to vast dunes and starlit skies. This unique location makes San Pedro de Atacama a captivating destination for adventurers and culture seekers alike. After exploring this great little desert town on an extended stay, we have found the best places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama, which we compile in this guide.

Whether you’re here to explore the mystic Valle de la Luna or the ancient Atacameño villages, you’ll find the town itself is a gateway to the extraordinary. You can find accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama to cater all tastes and budgets, from hotels and luxury lodges to backpacker hostels. So, let’s take a look.

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Best places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama: quick picks

In a hurry? We go into details below, but these are our top choices for the best accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama:

📍 Best hotel in the town centre: Hotel Pascual Andino
🧘‍♂️ Best hotel outside town for a peaceful retreat: Naturalis Hotel
🛌 Best backpackers’ hostel: Backpackers San Pedro
🍳 Best B&B: Terrantai Lodge

What is the best area of San Pedro de Atacama to stay?

San Pedro de Atacama is a very small town with a population of only around 4,000 people. It doesn’t really have distinctive neighbourhoods, and the main decision when choosing where to stay is whether you want to be in the town centre or around the outskirts.

If you’re looking for quick convenience, close to shops, ATMs, restaurants and tour operators, then the town centre is the best option. But if you would rather prioritise relaxation and want to avoid the crowds, you might prefer to stay a little further out.

As you will see in this guide, there are plenty of relaxing retreats around San Pedro de Atacama that are still within good walking distance of the town centre.

We stayed for five nights outside of the town centre, which was lovely for some much needed chill time after our Salar de Uyuni tour. And it was still only about 15 minutes walk to the centre.

Our first visit to San Pedro was while we were travelling through Chile on a long-term sabbatical. If you’re looking for activities while you’re in town, you can also check out our guide to the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama.

Now, let’s dive into the best hotels, hostels, lodges and B&Bs in San Pedro de Atacama.

Hotels in San Pedro de Atacama

1. Hotel Pascual Andino

Hotel Pascual Andino is an intimate boutique hotel with just 10 rooms, located just 100 metres from Caracoles Street, the lively main street of San Pedro de Atacama. We often went for lunch on this street, and you’ll also find plenty of tour agencies here for booking your activities.

We love that the hotel has such close proximity to the town centre, but it also offers a quiet, comfortable setting for you to unwind. The rooms feature large showers, free wifi and private safes, along with private patios perfect for relaxing outdoors.

You can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast with freshly cooked eggs and omelettes. The hotel is renowned locally for its excellent service, so you can be sure of a pleasant and restful stay. With its central yet quiet location, Pascual Andino is one of the best San Pedro de Atacama hotels if you’re looking to explore the area while enjoying a peaceful retreat.

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2. Naturalis Hotel

Best places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama: Naturalis Hotel

Set in a quiet area of San Pedro de Atacama, Naturalis Hotel provides a tranquil retreat about 3 kilometres outside the town centre, a short drive or bike ride. We prefer the latter option, and it’s made easy here as the hotel offers complimentary bicycle use if you fancy exploring the local scenery on wheels.

Accommodation at Naturalis come with private bathrooms, free toiletries and ample storage in each room. The hotel’s wider facilities include a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, a well maintained garden, and a terrace perfect for relaxing. You can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast featuring homemade and local products, and the hotel’s restaurant also serves three-course dinners.

So, even though it’s a bit outside the town centre, Naturalis Hotel has everything you need for a relaxed stay in the surroundings of the Atacama Desert, and the night skies are particularly stunning here away from the town lights.

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3. Hotel Jardin Atacama

Hotel Jardin Atacama San Pedro

Hotel Jardin Atacama is set in a colonial-style building just a block from the main street in San Pedro de Atacama. This centrally located hotel offers heated rooms decorated in soft colours with wooden beam ceilings, private bathrooms and a safe box.

The hotel’s facilities include a beautiful garden and shaded colonial-style galleries where you can relax. The communal areas, notably the secluded pool and outdoor seating areas, provide a cosy atmosphere for relaxation. Water coolers are located throughout the property as well, so you won’t be short of refreshment in the desert climate!

Overall, Hotel Jardin Atacama is one of the best places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama for its excellent location and amenities.

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4. Hotel La Casa De Don Tomas

Best hotels in San Pedro de Atacama: Casa De Don Tomas

Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás ranks among the best places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama, combining tranquillity with easy access to urban attractions, just a short stroll from lively Caracoles Street. This hotel is another ideal option if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat near the heart of the town and within easy reach of activities in the desert.

Your room comes equipped with a private bathroom, complimentary toiletries, a safety deposit box, fans and heating. From our experience, good ventilation is a top priority when deciding where to stay in San Pedro de Atacama, and you definitely get that here.

Another way you can cool down is by taking a dip in the outdoor swimming pool, and you can enjoy reasonably priced meals at the on-site restaurant and snack bar. The hotel also has a lush desert garden, offering a serene spot to unwind.

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5. Hostal Montepardo

Hostal Montepardo San Pedro de Atacama

Hostal Montepardo is a delightful place to stay, where you will feel the warm hospitality of Chile. Conveniently located just 300 metres from the bus station and the artisan village, and a 15-minute walk from the town centre, it offered both accessibility and a tranquil retreat.

You’ll be charmed by the hostel’s thoughtful decor, which features a unique blend of indigenous and global cultural elements. Each room includes a large wardrobe and a private bathroom. The well equipped kitchen and the beautiful terrace with stunning views will make your stay even more enjoyable.

The best thing about Hostal Montepardo is the sense of warmth and welcoming atmosphere. With its blend of beautiful decor, excellent facilities and a cosy environment, this is one of the best San Pedro de Atacama hotels if you’re travelling on a mid-range budget.

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Hostels in San Pedro de Atacama

6. Backpackers San Pedro

We had a great stay at San Pedro Backpackers Hostel in San Pedro de Atacama

Backpackers San Pedro was the first place we stayed on our trip to San Pedro de Atacama, and we loved it here. So much that we decided to extend our stay by a few days.

This is one of the best hostels we’ve stayed in for meeting other travellers. There’s a camp fire outside where we sat around chatting at night on the chilly desert evenings, which brings a lovely community vibe. You’ll love the free Chilean drink nights three times a week! It’s not a party hostel but has a nice social feel.

In the daytime we loved relaxing in the outdoor patio area, complete with hammocks. There is decent strength wifi (not always guaranteed in the desert) which was good enough for us to back up our travel photos.

The hostel is divided into four apartment blocks, each with fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms. We did some group cooking one night in one of the communal kitchens, and had everything we needed to make a big batch pot. Options for both private rooms and shared dorms with secure lockers are available.

Overall, Backpackers San Pedro is one of the best places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama if you’re on a budget. It offers a comfortable and social environment, and it’s about a 15-minute walk from the town centre.

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7. Hostal Mamatierra

Hostal Mamatierra

Hostal Mamatierra stands out as one of the most cosy and inviting San Pedro de Atacama hostels, situated just a 10-minute walk from the town’s central plaza. This hostel reflects the town’s rustic charm, featuring rooms adorned with lively-coloured bedspreads and equipped with essential amenities, including some with private bathrooms and hot showers.

You’ll appreciate the thoughtful touches such as snack packs provided for early morning tours if you miss breakfast. The hostel features a fully equipped common kitchen, making it easy to self-cater, combined with a conveniently located market next door. This is always something we look for in backpacking hostels, and Hostal Mamatierra ticks the box.

The hostel’s terrace, kitted out with hammocks, provides an ideal relaxation spot following a day of exploration. Overall, Hostal Mamatierra offers a perfect blend of comfort and superb service, making it a prime choice for your stay in San Pedro de Atacama, at a backpacker’s price.

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8. Anka Hostel

Best places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama: Anka Hostel

Anka Hostel is among the best San Pedro de Atacama hostels, providing comfortable lodging right in the heart of the town. It is one of the most centrally located hostels, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the main road and plaza.

We love the hostel’s garden and barbecue facilities, which bring a relaxing touch as well as opportunities to connect with other travellers. This is another place that provides snack bags for those early morning tours, which you’ll definitely appreciate.

The hostel’s mixed dormitories are four-bed, so they won’t be overcrowded. Private rooms are available as well, each coming with a balcony. The shared spaces, such as the well equipped kitchen and the outdoor dining area with hammocks, are great for hanging out or finding moments of quiet relaxation.

The staff are bilingual so if you’re not confident speaking Spanish then you’ll still be able to communicate easily. With its emphasis on cleanliness and a freshly prepared breakfast each morning, Anka Hostel stands out as a prime accommodation option if you’re seeking some comfort and convenience on a budget in San Pedro de Atacama.

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9. Hostal Pablito

Hostal Pablito

Hostal Pablito is situated on the north-east side of town in a quiet area, about a 15-minute walk from the plaza and main street, and a couple of blocks away from the R.P. Gustavo Le Paige Archeological Museum. The hostel’s best feature is the outdoor swimming pool, which is open all year round, lined with deck chairs for relaxation under the expansive desert sky.

The hostel doesn’t have dorms like a typical hostel, but it’s great value if you’re travelling in a group – twin rooms and triple rooms work out very cheap if you share. You can also go for a classic double room if you’re on a couple’s adventure.

The rooms all come with a private bathroom, satellite TV and the essential amenities needed for a comfortable stay. You can also make use of shared facilities such as a kitchen, a beautiful garden and a charming terrace.

Whether you’re lounging by the pool or exploring nearby cultural sites, Hostal Pablito serves as a fantastic low-cost base for discovering everything San Pedro de Atacama has to offer.

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Lodges and B&Bs in San Pedro de Atacama

10. Terrantai Lodge

Best places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama: Terrantai Lodge

Terrantai Lodge is nestled in the historic centre of San Pedro de Atacama, beautifully blending local architecture with modern amenities for a truly unique stay. Rooms at the lodge have wooden flooring, central heating and private bathrooms. You’ll also enjoy complimentary perks such as free wifi and a daily breakfast.

Located amid local art galleries, craft centres and restaurants, the lodge provides an excellent base for exploring the surroundings while still feeling like a secluded sanctuary. You can unwind in the small outdoor pool or sip organic tea in the library.

The lodge runs fun daily social activities such as tea time and evening wine tastings, great for meeting people. The staff are super helpful and will make you early breakfast if you’re going out on a tour. Altogether, Terrantai Lodge a standout choice if you are looking for tranquil yet central accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama.

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11. Casa Solcor Boutique B&B

Casa Solcor Boutique B&B

Casa Solcor Boutique Bed & Breakfast offers a serene escape just a 10-minute walk from the heart of San Pedro de Atacama. This gorgeous little B&B is equipped with a common kitchen, an outdoor swimming pool and a soothing Hammam. You can indulge in massage services, use the BBQ facilities, and start each day with a fresh and varied breakfast. There’s free wifi too if you need to connect.

The rooms at Casa Solcor are comfortably furnished, featuring private bathrooms and room service to enhance your stay. The property is surrounded by peaceful outdoor areas, including a lush garden perfect for unwinding and a private patio ideal for stargazing.

Casa Solcor has a home-away-from-home vibe, like a little oasis away from the town centre. Perfect if you’re looking for somewhere simple and relaxing.

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12. Casa Lickana B&B

Casa Lickana B&B

Casa Lickana B&B has a prime location just off Caracoles Street and 200 metres from San Pedro’s main square. Staying here you have immediate access to the best restaurants and cultural sites in San Pedro de Atacama.

Rooms at Casa Lickana are well equipped with private bathrooms featuring hot showers and all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. We particularly love the large terrace and jacuzzi for relaxation after a day’s exploring.

This B&B provides free wifi, parking, and a varied buffet breakfast to start each day with eggs, ham, cheese, fresh fruit, toast and cereals. Overall it’s a fabulous little place to stay right in the heart of town.

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Best places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama: map

You can see the locations of the best places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama from this guide by clicking on the map below:

Map of the best places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama

Are you planning to see more of Chile, but not sure where to go? We have put together the ultimate northern Chile 2 week itinerary to help you plan your trip.

For another amazing stargazing destination in Chile, check out our guide to Pisco Elqui.

Have you visited San Pedro de Atacama before? Let us know about your own recommendations on the best places to stay in the comments below.

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We compile the best places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, including our favourite hotels, hostels, B&Bs and lodges. #sanpedrodeatacama #sanpedrochile

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