Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation from remote areas, trip cancellation, and adventure activities. Our destinations are far from urban centers, and medical evacuation can be very expensive. Verify that your policy covers the specific activities in your itinerary (high altitude, trekking, sailing, etc.).

Altitude sickness (or soroche) occurs when you ascend to high altitudes too quickly. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. To prevent it: we run activities at the altitude of San Pedro de Atacama (2,400 masl) during the first 2 days, before going up to the altitude of the Altiplano. We always carry water in the vehicle so you stay hydrated; if you drink alcohol, keep it to small amounts during the first days, eat light meals, and consider taking medication such as acetazolamide (consult your doctor). If symptoms persist or worsen, tell your guide immediately.

Essential items include: sunscreen SPF 50+, lip balm with UV protection, sunglasses with UV400 protection, wide-brimmed hat, layers of clothing (mornings are cold, days are hot), warm jacket for high altitude and nights, comfortable hiking shoes, headlamp or flashlight, refillable water bottle, personal medications, and a small backpack. For high-altitude tours, add thermal clothing, gloves, and a balaclava.

The Atacama Desert can be visited year-round, but the best months are from April to November (Southern Hemisphere fall, winter and spring). During these months, you'll find clear skies perfect for stargazing, stable temperatures, and fewer tourists. December to March is summer with higher temperatures, occasional afternoon clouds and even some rain. For volcano climbing, the best season is November to March when there's less snow, although they can be climbed year-round.

The Atacama Desert has extreme temperature variations. In San Pedro de Atacama (2,400 masl): daytime 20-25°C (68-77°F) and nights 0-10°C (32-50°F). At high altitudes (4,000-5,000 masl): daytime 10-15°C (50-59°F) and nights -5 to -15°C (23 to 5°F). The sun is very intense due to thin atmosphere and proximity to the equator. Rain is extremely rare (driest desert in the world), but because San Pedro de Atacama sits on the edge of the desert, occasional summer storms can occur between December and March.

While tap water in San Pedro is generally treated, we recommend drinking only bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues. Bring a refillable bottle and use filtered water available at most accommodations. During tours, we provide clean drinking water. Stay hydrated at all times, especially at high altitudes where you need to drink more water than usual.

It depends on the tour. Day tours around San Pedro require basic fitness and ability to walk on uneven terrain. Multi-day tours and high-altitude excursions require good physical condition, as altitude affects everyone differently. Volcano climbing requires excellent fitness, prior high-altitude experience, and medical clearance. If you have any health conditions (heart, respiratory, etc.), consult your doctor before booking.

San Pedro de Atacama has only a few ATMs (3), and they sometimes run out of cash or have technical issues. That said, most hotels, restaurants and shops accept card payments. US dollars are sometimes accepted but at poor exchange rates. We recommend exchanging money at the exchange offices on Toconao street in San Pedro de Atacama.

No special vaccinations are required for the Atacama Desert. However, ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date (tetanus, hepatitis A and B). Consider bringing: altitude sickness medication (acetazolamide), pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamines for allergies, and any personal prescription medications with extra supply. If you have asthma or respiratory conditions, bring your inhaler and consult your doctor about traveling to high altitudes.

San Pedro de Atacama has decent 4G coverage from the main Chilean carriers (Entel, Movistar, Claro, Wom). Most hotels and restaurants offer WiFi, though speeds can be slow. Once you leave town on tours, expect little to no cell coverage, especially in remote areas and high altitudes. This is part of the experience of disconnecting and enjoying nature. We recommend downloading offline maps and informing family of limited communication. That said, Entel has the best coverage in remote areas such as Socaire and El Tatio, and if you need to make an urgent call, your guide carries a satellite phone you can use.