Atacama Desert packing requires preparation for extreme conditions: 30-35°C daytime heat versus 0-10°C nighttime cold (temperature swings 20-30°C), intense UV radiation at 2,400m+ altitude (40% stronger than sea level), extreme aridity <1% humidity, and multiple climate zones from desert valley to 4,300m alpine geysers. Essential items: layered clothing system (lightweight daytime, warm layers evening/high-altitude), sun protection SPF 50+ (sunscreen, hat, quality sunglasses UV400, lip balm), closed-toe walking shoes or light hiking boots (uneven terrain all tours), warm jacket for cold tours (down or synthetic rated -10°C minimum for El Tatio), headlamp for pre-dawn departures (El Tatio 4am), swimsuit and towel for hot springs (Puritama, El Tatio), altitude medication (Diamox or coca tea for 4,000m+ tours), high-capacity water bottles 2-3L (extreme dehydration risk), camera equipment with extra batteries (cold drains capacity 40-60%). Pack light targeting 60-70% carry-on capacity enabling flexibility. San Pedro shopping limited expensive: bring essentials from home (sunscreen $6 home vs $12-18 there, down jacket $80-200 home vs limited selection $100-250 there). Seasonal variations: summer December-February needs less extreme cold gear but more sun protection/hydration, winter June-August requires heavy warmth for -15°C to -25°C El Tatio predawn. What NOT to bring: excessive clothing (laundry available), heavy toiletries (basics available), cotton base layers (stays wet from sweat), single-use plastics (environmental concern), valuable jewelry (salt/dust damage), formal clothes (casual environment). Critical items often forgotten: warm hat and gloves (even summer for altitude tours), extra camera batteries (cold kills them fast), power adapter (Chile uses Type C/L), small daypack (essential all tours), cash US dollars (ATMs limited, cards occasionally fail).
photo from tour to Puritama Hot Springs
Extreme temperature swings show 30-35°C midday dropping to 0-10°C nighttime creating 20-30°C daily variation requiring both hot-weather and cold-weather gear in single luggage.
Multiple altitude zones demand different clothing with San Pedro 2,400m being moderate, El Tatio 4,300m being alpine extreme cold, and Altiplanic Lagoons 4,000-4,300m requiring sustained cold-weather preparation.
Intense UV radiation at altitude demonstrates 2,400m creating 25-30% stronger sun versus sea level, 4,300m being 40-50% stronger requiring industrial-strength protection preventing severe burns.
Extreme aridity <1% humidity causes rapid dehydration, skin cracking, lips splitting, electronics static damage requiring specialized moisture protection and hydration strategies.
Temperature swing magnitude shows 25-30°C daily variation being extreme versus typical travel destinations experiencing 10-15°C requiring packing both lightweight breathable clothes and heavy insulation.
The altitude layering demonstrates San Pedro 2,400m base needing moderate layers, El Tatio 4,300m requiring expedition-level warmth (-15°C to -25°C predawn), creating multiple wardrobe needs single trip.
UV intensity multiplication shows 4,300m altitude creating 40-50% stronger radiation versus sea level, with desert lack of shade and high-altitude thin atmosphere amplifying exposure requiring SPF 50+ reapplication every 60-90 minutes.
Extreme aridity impact demonstrates <1% humidity (versus typical 30-60%) causing rapid moisture loss from skin, lips, nasal passages creating cracking, bleeding, discomfort requiring aggressive lip balm, moisturizer, saline spray.
The dust omnipresence shows gravel roads, salt flats, wind creating constant fine particulate exposure requiring waterproof bags protecting electronics, frequent lens cleaning, dust-proof luggage.
Pre-dawn timing necessity shows El Tatio 4am departure, some stargazing 8-9pm, creating darkness navigation needs versus typical daytime tourism requiring headlamp, phone light backup.
Hot springs frequency demonstrates Puritama, El Tatio, occasional others providing thermal bathing requiring swimsuit and towel (tours don’t provide) versus typical travel rarely needing swim gear.
The shopping limitation shows San Pedro being small town (2,000 residents) with limited stores charging inflated tourist prices (sunscreen $12-18 vs $6-8 major cities) creating bring-from-home necessity.
Altitude sustained exposure shows 7-12 hour tours at 4,000-4,300m (El Tatio, Altiplanic Lagoons) requiring preventative altitude medication versus brief mountain passes requiring no preparation.
Book comprehensive Atacama tours with Atacama Chile Tours where we provide detailed packing lists customized for your specific itinerary ensuring proper preparation.
Summer December-February requires lightweight breathable daytime clothes (t-shirts, shorts/pants, sun hat) plus moderate evening layers (fleece, light jacket for 10-15°C nights) with heavy warmth only for altitude tours.
Winter June-August demands heavy insulation with down jacket essential even San Pedro evenings (5-10°C), extreme cold gear for El Tatio (-15°C to -25°C predawn), and comprehensive layering all tours.
Shoulder seasons March-May and September-November provide moderate conditions requiring versatile mid-weight layers, fleece for evenings (10-20°C), and standard cold-weather gear for altitude tours.
Year-round essentials include sun protection clothing (long-sleeve sun shirt, wide-brim hat), closed-toe walking shoes, warm layers for altitude regardless of season, and layering flexibility.
Depending on whether you’re visiting Atacama in winter / summer / spring & fall, road conditions change dramatically – winter can bring flash floods to dry riverbeds, and you won’t know about closures until you’re already there.
Summer lightweight emphasis shows t-shirts, shorts, sun shirts, light long pants being primary with single fleece and light jacket handling evenings versus heavy down only for El Tatio altitude.
The winter heavy focus demonstrates warm jacket needed San Pedro evenings (0-10°C), expedition-grade down for El Tatio (-15°C to -25°C), thermal underwear mandatory versus summer optional creating pack-space dominance.
Shoulder season versatility requires mid-weight layers (long-sleeve shirts, light fleece, convertible pants) handling moderate 20-28°C days and 5-15°C evenings while maintaining altitude tour preparation.
Altitude tour consistency shows regardless of season, El Tatio requiring extreme cold gear (-10°C to -25°C depending on month) and Altiplanic Lagoons needing warm layers (midday 5-15°C at 4,000m+).
The packing proportion shift demonstrates summer focusing 60% lightweight breathable clothes, 40% cold-weather gear versus winter inverting to 30% moderate daytime, 70% heavy insulation for cold tours/evenings.
Evening temperature drop shows San Pedro cooling 15-25°C from midday peak creating jacket necessity even summer (10-15°C evenings) versus winter requiring heavy coat (0-10°C).
Layering system universal applies all seasons with base layer (t-shirt or thermal) + mid-layer (long-sleeve or fleece) + outer layer (light jacket or down) enabling adjustment throughout day.
Tour-specific needs demonstrate Valle Luna sunset requiring light evening layers, El Tatio needing expedition warmth, Altiplanic sustained moderate cold, Puritama hot springs needing swimsuit creating variety.
The best time to visit Atacama desert affects more than just weather – winter can bring occasional flash floods to dry riverbeds, and rental car drivers won’t have guides’ local knowledge about which roads to avoid.
Closed-toe walking shoes or light hiking boots essential for all tours show uneven terrain (gravel, rocks, stairs) making sandals/flip-flops dangerous except accommodation/shower use only.
Primary footwear features demonstrate closed-toe protection, ankle support optional but helpful, broken-in comfort (not brand new causing blisters), dust resistance, and breathable mesh versus waterproof unnecessary.
Secondary sandals useful show waterproof sandals or flip-flops for accommodation, hot springs, evening casual wear, and post-tour comfort though not for actual touring.
Sock strategy requires 5-7 pairs (one per day plus extras) with moisture-wicking synthetic or wool (never cotton staying wet) preventing blisters from day-long walking and altitude tours.
Hiking boots vs trail shoes shows boots providing more ankle support and durability for rocky terrain though trail shoes being lighter and faster-drying working well for most visitors.
The athletic sneakers alternative demonstrates comfortable broken-in running or walking shoes being adequate for Valle Luna, Cejar, Puritama though hiking boots preferable for Altiplanic’s extended rocky terrain.
Closed-toe universality shows 100% of tours requiring substantial footwear with flip-flops/sandals being dangerous on Valle Luna gravel, El Tatio boardwalks (slippery), Altiplanic Lagoons rocks.
Waterproof sandals dual-purpose provides hot springs pools (Puritama, El Tatio) requiring footwear plus accommodation comfort and evening casual wear creating worthwhile pack space despite not touring.
The broken-in necessity demonstrates new shoes causing blisters on multi-hour tours (Valle Luna 2-3km walking, Altiplanic 3-4km) requiring wearing primary shoes minimum 2-3 times before trip.
Sock moisture-wicking importance shows cotton absorbing sweat staying wet creating blisters and cold feet versus synthetic or merino wool wicking moisture away maintaining comfort and warmth.
Winter foot warmth demonstrates thick wool or synthetic socks being essential El Tatio predawn (-15°C to -25°C) with feet freezing first at altitude versus summer needing only standard athletic socks.
The dust exposure reality shows desert fine particulate entering shoes requiring evening shoe-shaking and accepting dust inevitability versus attempting to stay pristine being futile.
Pack quantity shows single primary pair (worn throughout trip) plus secondary sandals (hot springs, casual) being adequate with daily sock changes (5-7 pairs) maintaining hygiene.
Elevation gain consideration demonstrates most tours being relatively flat (Valle Luna gentle slopes, El Tatio boardwalks level) though Altiplanic including optional short hikes benefiting from hiking boot support.
Sunscreen SPF 50+ absolutely critical shows 2,400m altitude creating 25-30% stronger UV, 4,300m being 40-50% stronger requiring highest protection reapplied every 60-90 minutes preventing severe burns.
Quality sunglasses UV400-rated essential demonstrates intense bright desert light plus high-altitude radiation damaging eyes with cheap $5-10 sunglasses lacking proper UV protection being dangerous false security.
Sun hat wide-brim necessary provides face, ears, neck protection with baseball caps leaving ears/neck exposed causing burns versus wide-brim (8-10cm minimum) blocking all angles.
Lip balm SPF-rated prevents painful splitting from extreme <1% humidity and intense UV with regular lip balm being inadequate versus SPF 30+ formulations protecting and moisturizing.
Sunscreen quantity shows 200-250ml bottle being adequate 7-10 day trip with frequent reapplication (every 60-90 minutes outdoor) versus single small 50ml travel bottle being grossly insufficient.
The SPF 50+ requirement demonstrates anything lower being inadequate at altitude with SPF 30 providing insufficient protection at 4,300m creating burns within 60 minutes versus SPF 50 extending to 2+ hours.
Sunglasses quality critical shows UV400 rating (blocking 99-100% UVA/UVB) being essential versus cheap $5-10 sunglasses often blocking only 70-80% UV providing false security while eye damage occurring.
Wide-brim dimension shows 8-10cm brim minimum (3-4 inches) providing adequate coverage versus 5cm baseball cap leaving ears and neck exposed receiving severe burns.
The lip balm SPF necessity demonstrates altitude and aridity creating cracking within days with regular non-SPF balm providing moisture but zero UV protection versus SPF 30+ preventing burns and splitting.
Physical barrier advantage shows long-sleeve sun shirts (UPF 50 fabric) blocking UV completely versus constant sunscreen reapplication being tedious and incomplete coverage creating burn spots.
Buff versatility provides neck protection (sun or dust), dust mask (gravel road travel), headband (sweat management), scarf (evening warmth) creating multi-purpose utility justifying pack space.
The cost differential demonstrates San Pedro sunscreen being $12-18 (versus $6-8 home), sunglasses limited selection expensive, making bring-from-home strategy saving $30-80 over buying locally.
Reapplication reality shows 60-90 minute intervals being necessary versus typical 2-3 hour land application due to intense UV, sweating from exertion, and towel contact (hot springs) removing protection.
Water reflection amplification demonstrates salt flats (Cejar, Tebinquinche) and water features doubling UV exposure bouncing rays from below requiring facial sunscreen under-chin and neck-underside application.
Altitude medication (Diamox) prescription recommended shows preventative use 1-2 days before high-altitude tours (El Tatio 4,300m, Altiplanic 4,000m+) reducing altitude sickness risk from 30-40% to 10-15%.
Coca tea alternative demonstrates over-counter option (legal in Chile, banned most other countries) helping mild symptoms though less effective than prescription Diamox for serious prevention.
High-capacity water bottles 2-3L total show extreme dehydration risk from altitude (increased breathing), aridity (<1% humidity), and physical exertion requiring double typical hydration versus 1L being grossly inadequate.
Basic first aid supplies include altitude sickness medication, headache relief (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), anti-nausea (Dramamine for altitude or motion sickness), antihistamine (dust allergies), band-aids (blisters).
Beyond the general safety in San Pedro considerations, rental car drivers face unique risks – breakdowns in remote areas, altitude emergencies without support, getting stranded overnight in freezing temperatures.
Diamox preventative timing shows starting 1-2 days before high-altitude exposure enabling body adjustment versus taking only when symptoms appear being less effective preventing rather than treating.
The water quantity 2-3L demonstrates minimum hydration needs with altitude increasing respiration (water loss through breathing), extreme aridity, walking exertion requiring triple sea-level consumption.
Headache relief necessity shows altitude headaches affecting 40-60% of visitors at 4,000m+ with ibuprofen or acetaminophen providing symptomatic relief while body acclimatizes over 24-48 hours.
Anti-nausea dual-purpose covers altitude sickness nausea (affecting 20-30% at 4,000m+) plus motion sickness from rough gravel roads (2+ hour drives to El Tatio, Altiplanic) creating worthwhile inclusion.
The antihistamine value shows desert dust exposure triggering allergies in 15-25% visitors with constant fine particulate from gravel roads, salt flats, wind creating irritation requiring medication.
Saline nasal spray prevention demonstrates extreme <1% humidity causing nasal membrane drying, cracking, bleeding (affecting 30-40% visitors) with spray maintaining moisture preventing painful bloody noses.
Moisturizer aggressive use shows daily full-body application being necessary versus home occasional-use with <1% humidity extracting skin moisture creating cracking, tightness, discomfort within 2-3 days.
The hand sanitizer importance demonstrates remote tour locations having limited or basic bathroom facilities (pit toilets, no soap) requiring portable hygiene maintaining health standards.
Electrolyte replacement shows extreme sweating from dry heat plus altitude exertion depleting sodium, potassium, magnesium requiring supplementation beyond water alone preventing weakness and cramping.
Hydration bladder alternative demonstrates CamelBak-style systems enabling hands-free sipping during tours though bottles being simpler, easier to refill, and adequate for most visitors.
Camera body and lenses bring weather-sealed if possible show dust infiltration being constant from gravel roads, salt exposure requiring protective measures versus pristine environment allowing casual gear.
Extra batteries 4-6 total demonstrate cold draining capacity 40-60% (El Tatio predawn -15°C to -25°C) requiring triple normal backup versus warm environments needing single spare.
Memory cards multiple show 64GB+ per card with extensive photography opportunities (Valle Luna sunset 50-100 shots, El Tatio 100-200 shots) requiring adequate storage versus running full mid-tour.
Lens cleaning supplies essential include microfiber cloth, rocket blower, lens cleaning solution for constant dust exposure requiring multiple daily cleanings maintaining image quality.
Camera weather-sealing value shows dust and salt being corrosive with fine particles infiltrating lens mechanisms requiring weather-sealed gear (Olympus OM-D, Pentax K-series, higher-end Canon/Nikon) or protective rain cover.
The battery quantity 4-6 demonstrates El Tatio requiring 2-3 batteries (cold drain plus 3-hour shooting), regular tours 1-2, with charging overnight meaning rotating stock versus running completely dry.
Memory card capacity shows 100-300 photos per major tour (Valle Luna sunset 50-100, El Tatio 100-200, Altiplanic 100-200, stargazing 50-150) requiring 64GB minimum versus 32GB filling mid-trip.
Lens cleaning frequency demonstrates dust exposure requiring 3-5 cleanings daily (morning, post-gravel-road-travel, mid-tour, post-tour, evening) maintaining optical quality versus assuming clean environment.
The tripod necessity shows astrophotography requiring stable platform (multi-second exposures), sunset long exposures (dramatic sky movement), though lightweight travel tripod (<1kg) adequate versus heavy studio version.
Camera bag weatherproofing importance demonstrates dust infiltration through zippers, seams requiring rain cover or built-in weather protection versus standard backpack allowing particulate entry damaging gear.
Power bank capacity shows 10,000mAh minimum supporting 2-3 full phone charges enabling all-day photography, GPS, flashlight without anxiety versus small 5,000mAh single charge being inadequate.
The power adapter necessity demonstrates Chile using Type C and Type L outlets (European two-prong and three-prong Italian) requiring adapter versus relying only on USB charging (wall adapters needed).
Headlamp red light mode shows preserving night vision for stargazing, astrophotography, 4am El Tatio predawn navigation versus white light destroying dark adaptation requiring 20-30 minute recovery.
Astronomy in Atacama desert requires serious equipment that rentals don’t provide – professional tours deliver telescope access and astronomy expertise that DIY stargazing simply can’t match.
GoPro waterproof advantage enables hot springs photography (Puritama, El Tatio), salt cave cramped spaces, sandboarding, creating adventure documentation impossible with standard camera.
Moisturizer heavy-duty show extreme <1% humidity requiring aggressive hydration with thick cream (CeraVe, Eucerin, Cetaphil) versus light lotion being inadequate preventing skin cracking within days.
Lip balm multiple sticks demonstrate constant reapplication need from aridity and UV with single stick being inadequate versus 2-3 sticks rotating use throughout day.
Shampoo and soap minimal quantities sufficient show San Pedro accommodations providing basic toiletries with small travel-size bottles being adequate supplementing versus packing full-size products wasting space.
Toothpaste and toothbrush standard show bringing own preferred brands versus relying on accommodation provision creating comfort and consistency.
Moisturizer quantity 100-200ml shows daily full-body application being necessary extreme aridity with travel-size bottle adequate 7-10 days though larger quantities (250ml+) beneficial longer trips.
The lip balm multiple sticks demonstrates carrying one in daypack (constant use during tours), one accommodation (morning/evening application), one backup preventing emergency purchase at inflated prices.
Shampoo minimalism shows most hostels/hotels providing basic shampoo and soap with small 50ml travel bottles supplementing personal preference versus packing full 250ml bottles wasting luggage space.
Deodorant necessity demonstrates extreme dry heat (30-35°C midday) plus tour walking exertion creating sweat despite low humidity requiring standard hygiene versus assuming dry climate prevents odor.
The shaving timing shows avoiding razors 24 hours before Laguna Cejar tour preventing salt-sting severe burning on recently-shaved skin (legs, armpits, face) creating painful experience.
Feminine hygiene supply demonstrates San Pedro having limited selection (basic options only) making bring-from-home strategy ensuring preferred brands adequate quantity versus local emergency purchase.
Prescription medication necessity shows bringing complete trip supply plus 3-5 day extra buffer accounting for delays versus assuming pharmacy availability (limited San Pedro, language barriers).
Contact lens challenge demonstrates extreme <1% humidity causing dryness, irritation, discomfort with many users switching to glasses during trip versus fighting continuous rewetting drops.
The insect repellent skip shows zero mosquitos in desert (too arid for breeding) making repellent unnecessary versus tropical destinations requiring DEET creating luggage space savings.
Nail care utility shows desert hiking causing nail damage, hangnails, requiring clippers/tweezers for basic grooming preventing discomfort versus assuming won’t need during week-long trip.
Cotton clothing base layers stay wet from sweat remaining damp uncomfortable versus synthetic or merino wool wicking moisture maintaining comfort despite exertion.
Excessive clothing beyond 5-7 days shows laundry services available San Pedro ($5-15 full load) enabling clothing rotation versus packing 10-14 day supply wasting space.
Heavy toiletries full-size show accommodations providing basics with travel-size bottles or purchasing locally being adequate versus packing full shampoo bottles, large moisturizer containers.
Valuable jewelry gets damaged by salt exposure, dust, potential loss during active tours versus leaving expensive items home preventing damage or theft stress.
Cotton base layer problem shows absorbing sweat staying damp against skin creating discomfort especially altitude tours (increased sweating from exertion) versus synthetic polyester or merino wool wicking away.
The clothing excess shows 5-7 days being adequate with midpoint laundry ($5-15 full load, same-day service common San Pedro) enabling clean clothes versus packing 10-14 outfits filling entire luggage.
Full toiletries waste demonstrates travel-size 50ml shampoo, conditioner, soap being adequate 7-10 days with local purchase option ($5-15 products) versus 250ml bottles wasting 200-400ml luggage capacity.
Jewelry damage reality shows salt exposure (Cejar, Tebinquinche), dust, active tours (climbing dunes, walking rocks) tarnishing silver, damaging gold, losing pieces versus leaving valuables home.
The formal clothing futility demonstrates 100% casual environment with nicest restaurant in San Pedro (Adobe) being smart-casual at most (jeans, collared shirt acceptable) versus packing dress shoes, suits, formal dresses.
Hair dryer inclusion shows most hostels and all hotels providing dryers (though voltage requiring adapter) making personal dryer unnecessary versus assuming need bringing heavy appliance.
Book weight disadvantage demonstrates 500g paperback versus e-reader storing 1,000 books same weight creating obvious efficiency though single paperback being reasonable alternative.
The umbrella irrelevance shows May-November dry season having zero rain (0-3mm monthly precipitation) making umbrellas useless weight versus sun hat providing necessary protection.
Multiple shoe waste demonstrates single primary hiking shoe/sneaker plus one sandal being adequate entire trip versus packing 3-4 shoe pairs creating luggage bulk and weight.
Camping gear assumption shows stargazing tours, overnight experiences being fully-equipped (tents, sleeping bags provided) versus assuming need bringing personal gear creating 5kg unnecessary weight.
photo from tour to Tatio Geysers in Atacama desert
Valle de la Luna sunset requires comfortable closed-toe shoes, warm layer (15-20°C temperature drop post-sunset), headlamp (return after dark), camera, sun protection during 3-hour tour.
El Tatio geysers demands extreme cold gear (down jacket, thermals, gloves, warm hat for -10°C to -25°C), headlamp (4am predawn), swimsuit and towel (hot springs), extra camera batteries (cold drains).
Altiplanic Lagoons needs warm layers (sustained 4,000m altitude, midday 5-15°C), sun protection (intense altitude UV), altitude medication (preventative), snacks (lunch sometimes not included), camera gear.
Puritama hot springs requires swimsuit (worn under clothes), towel (tours don’t provide), waterproof sandals (slippery boardwalks), change of clothes, sun protection for outdoor pools.
Smart travelers using our booking Atacama tours: advance vs on arrival strategies often spend less than rental car drivers while maintaining schedule flexibility through strategic tour timing.
Valle Luna evening cooling shows post-sunset temperature dropping 15-20°C within 30 minutes requiring fleece or light jacket versus relying on daytime t-shirt creating cold discomfort during drive home.
The El Tatio extreme preparation demonstrates heaviest packing needs any tour with expedition-level warmth (-15°C to -25°C predawn), pre-dawn darkness gear, hot springs bathing, altitude medication creating comprehensive list.
Altiplanic sustained altitude shows 10-12 hours at 4,000-4,300m requiring preventative altitude medication (Diamox 1-2 days before), warm layers (midday temperatures 5-15°C), extensive hydration (2-3L minimum).
Stargazing red light necessity demonstrates preserving dark-adapted night vision requiring headlamp red-light mode versus white phone flashlight destroying night vision needing 20-30 minute recovery.
The Cejar shaving timing shows avoiding razors 24 hours before visit preventing salt-sting burning on freshly-shaved skin (legs, armpits, face men) creating painful swimming versus smooth unshaved skin.
Puritama towel critical shows tours NOT providing towels despite hot springs being featured attraction with 70-80% of unprepared visitors suffering wet cold exit versus bringing compact quick-dry towel.
Tour duration correlation shows longer tours (Altiplanic 10-12 hours, El Tatio 7-8 hours) requiring more comprehensive packing (snacks, extra water, altitude medication) versus short tours (Valle Luna 3 hours) being minimal.
The altitude progression demonstrates 2,300-2,400m (Valle Luna, Cejar) requiring minimal special gear, 2,900m (Puritama) moderate preparation, 4,000-4,300m (El Tatio, Altiplanic) demanding maximum preparation.
Multiple tour day shows bringing all gear all days versus selective packing each tour with daypack carrying day-specific items (swimsuit Puritama day, extra batteries El Tatio day).
Our guide Atacama trip costs and budgeting shows realistic daily costs across categories – and rental cars consistently emerge as the worst value proposition compared to every other expense.
Critical essentials: sunscreen SPF 50+ (200ml), quality UV400 sunglasses, wide-brim sun hat, down jacket (-10°C rated minimum), closed-toe hiking shoes, warm layers (fleece, thermal underwear), water bottles 2-3L total, altitude medication (Diamox or coca tea), headlamp, camera extra batteries, power adapter Type C/L. Temperature swings 25-30°C daily and altitude tours requiring comprehensive preparation.
San Pedro 2,400m nighttime: summer 10-15°C, winter 0-10°C. El Tatio 4,300m predawn: summer -5°C to -15°C, winter -15°C to -25°C. Requires down jacket rated -10°C minimum year-round for altitude tours plus fleece and thermal layers. Daytime 25-35°C creating extreme 20-30°C temperature swings single day.
Yes but expensive and limited. Sunscreen $12-18 (vs $6-8 home), down jackets $150-250 limited selection (vs $80-150 home), outdoor gear premium prices. Better strategy: bring critical items from home. Exceptions: altitude medication cheaper San Pedro ($10-20 pharmacy vs $30-50 prescription home), coca tea only available locally.
Extreme cold gear essential: down jacket rated -10°C to -20°C minimum, thermal underwear top/bottom, fleece mid-layer, warm hat covering ears, insulated gloves, warm socks. Plus: swimsuit worn under clothes (hot springs), towel, headlamp (4am predawn), sun protection (4,300m intense UV despite cold). Temperature -10°C to -25°C sunrise requiring expedition-level warmth.
Closed-toe walking shoes or light hiking boots mandatory. All tours have uneven terrain (gravel, rocks, stairs) making flip-flops/sandals dangerous. Hiking boots preferable (ankle support, durability) though comfortable broken-in sneakers adequate. Bring secondary waterproof sandals for hot springs and accommodation only. Never tour in open-toe footwear.
Soft-sided backpack 60-70L or wheeled suitcase medium size (26″). San Pedro has cobblestone streets making wheels sometimes difficult though manageable. Backpack advantages: easier buses, fits overhead, hiking-friendly. Suitcase advantages: organized compartments, easier packing, familiar. Either works – choose based on overall travel style (multi-destination backpackers vs single-base visitors).
CLOTHING:
FOOTWEAR:
ACCESSORIES:
SUN PROTECTION:
TOILETRIES:
HEALTH & ALTITUDE:
ELECTRONICS & PHOTOGRAPHY:
DAYPACK ESSENTIALS:
DOCUMENTS & MONEY:
OPTIONAL BUT HELPFUL:
Written by experienced Atacama Desert travel specialist with expertise in extreme environment preparation, multi-altitude packing strategies, and optimizing luggage for Chile’s most challenging tourism destination ensuring visitors arrive properly equipped for 20-30°C temperature swings, sustained 4,000m+ altitude exposure, and comprehensive tour requirements. Date: December 29, 2025.
