San Pedro de Atacama is a gem, not only for its northern beauty, but also for being a strategic location to visit an enormous number of places of interest. Some of them are at such a short distance that, if you have the necessary motivation and good physical fitness, you can reach them by bike. Discover below which ones they are.
Cover photo: losandesdesuranorte.blogspot.com
Places accessible by bike from San Pedro de Atacama
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Prior recommendations for biking around San Pedro de Atacama
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and a cap or baseball hat.
- Atacama is the most arid desert on Earth: bring water with you. If the day is sunny, at least 1.5 liters per person.
- Good physical fitness. Although the elevation gain to overcome is generally not much, the distances are considerable.
- Check the bike you rent before you leave (brakes, tires, gears…). Some agencies provide a simple map of the area that can be useful for orientation.
- Ask for a lock or security system to tie up your bike during your visit.
- Remember that, in addition to the ride there, there's the ride back. Don't burn out your energy quickly and enjoy the landscape. Keep in mind what time the sun sets, as nightfall could catch you off guard (we recommend bringing a front light or flashlight).
- Bring cash to pay for entrance fees (if applicable).
- There are many agencies that rent bikes in San Pedro de Atacama and also accommodations that offer this service. Prices don't usually vary much.
1. Valle de la Luna by bike
Photo: Jonatha Jünge
One of the must-sees in Atacama. Located 13 kilometers from town, access by road is very easy, as it is clearly marked. When you venture into the valley, you'll leave the asphalt behind to pedal on a well-maintained gravel road. We warn you that this route has considerable elevation gains that will surely make you sweat. Another important tip for this bike visit is that it's usually done to watch the sunset, a spectacle you'll remember forever… The problem is that nightfall will catch up with you and you'll have to make the return trip in the dark. It's essential to bring lights with you for safety reasons.
2. Valle de la Muerte by bike
Photo: avueltasporelmundo.org
One of the closest attractions to San Pedro, just over two kilometers away. The advantage of getting there by bike is that you won't pay the entrance fee that cars must pay. This valley in the heart of the Cordillera de la Sal has the unique feature, in addition to impressive geology, of having a large dune where sandboarding is practiced. There are daring folks who rent a board in San Pedro and bike out there, but we don't recommend it because of the inconvenience and danger of carrying it on your bike.
3. Pukará de Quitor and Valle Catarpe by bike
Photo: welcomechile.com
Getting to this pre-Incan fortress from the 12th century by bike is very easy, as it's only 3 kilometers from San Pedro. In addition to the fort, now in ruins, you can visit dwellings, a silo and other structures from this indigenous culture that managed to develop despite adverse climate conditions. It's no coincidence that this settlement is located in a bend where the San Pedro river flows (take the chance to cool off!).
If you have more energy, you can continue and venture into Valle de Catarpe all the way to Quebrada del Diablo. We think this route through the rocky desert landscape is well worth it, but although it has no technical difficulty, from San Pedro it will take you about 3 hours to reach Quebrada del Diablo (23.3 km).
4. Piedra del Coyote / Kari Viewpoint by bike
We know, you want a photo there. From this viewpoint you'll enjoy a sensational view of the Cordillera de la Sal from a stone that stands out like an altar. The distance to cover isn't too much, 15 kilometers... but you guessed it: every viewpoint demands elevation. The elevation gain to overcome is demanding, but the view of Valle de la Luna is more than a good reward. Watch out because there's no signage to find it, Google Maps will help you so you don't pedal more than necessary.
5. Laguna Cejar by bike
Only for people who are really passionate about two wheels. 26 kilometers south of San Pedro de Atacama, you'll find this lagoon which is one of the most visited attractions. There you can swim in the nearby Laguna Piedra and Ojos del Salar, something that will let you cool off from the heat you're sure to have (remember to bring a swimsuit!). With its high salinity, you'll float in those waters like cork in water. The 26 kilometers back usually feel long…
Watch out because the entrance costs $15,000, biking all the way there and finding yourself without enough money can be a very bitter experience!
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What did you think of these recommendations for discovering places by bike from San Pedro de Atacama? Do you know other interesting routes? Comment below with our entire traveling community!
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