Welcome to the best Hostels in San Pedro de Atacama!
Hello and welcome to the San Pedro de Atacama commune – the desert-nestled Chilean oasis that is part of El Loa Province in the Antofagasta region. What makes this area so popular is its positioning since it’s located in the heart of this country’s most breath-taking scenery in the north. Today we are here to give you a brief introduction to this region’s beauty and picturesque views, and present you with a list of the best hostels in San Pedro de Atacama to ensure you have a pleasant stay.
The town in the east of Antofagasta, about 106km from Calama and the famous Chuquimacata copper mine. This area has a desert-like climate and great temperature differences between night and day. It is widely believed that the large amounts of copper and quarts this area possess contribute to the good vibes and positive energy of the people here. But there are other reasons why San Pedro de Atacama has been gaining tourist popularity in recent years.
Our favorite hostels in San Pedro de Atacama are:
- Hostal Campo Base - best for Solo Traveller
- Backpackers San Pedro - best for Backpackers
- Casa Voyage Hostel - best for Family
- Extra: Aji Verde Hostel - best for Couples
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
One of the area’s famous landmarks is just a short drive away – the Solar de Atacama. This is the largest salt mine in the country, with edges rustled by volcanoes, which occupies a surface 100km long and 80km wide. The Solar de Atacama is a result of the surfacing of underground waters that over time have saturated with the mineral salts they contain. Through the process of evaporation, this leaves a hard layer of salts and minerals that creates a distinctive landscape that you won’t be able to see anywhere else.
With fields of steaming geysers, plenty of lunar rock formations, and various layers of the landscape, this region has quite something that makes it worth visiting. Many backpackers decide to go on a trip here because of the rich culture and history this region has, apart from the fact that San Pedro de Atacama overlooks the Licancabur stratovolcano. Namely, a famous tourist spot is the town’s archaeological museum, R.P. Gustavo Le Paige, which contains a large collection of artefacts and relics from the region. In addition, several native ruins attract all those who are interested in exploring the pre-Columbian culture.
Read our best hostels in Chile guide too.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
The people of San Pedro de Atacama have a very welcoming spirit and are happy to meet and host every traveller who decides to visit. The scenic adobe streets, laid-back mindset and music-filled atmosphere make this desert town radiate a special vibe which you can’t resist. Although some say that this place has high prices, there are ways to enjoy the rich culture of this region for quite cheap. But before we delve into the list of best hostels in San Pedro de Atacama, let’s first give you some valuable backpacking tips.
We also have best hostels in Puerto Natales and best hostels in Santiago.
What we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to San Pedro de Atacama
Average price for a bed: Hostels in San Pedro de Atacama cost 12€ – 30€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 38€ up to 171€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Backpacking Tips for San Pedro de Atacama: Make use of the tips in the following list to visit this region’s highlights without having to pay for the costly tourist agency tours:
- Rent a car – instead of marching the streets looking for the best tour offers, you can rent a car and visit the places on your bucket list at your own pace. Driving your vehicle will grant you access to some of the most popular tourist locations easier and cheaper.
- Stay in a hostel – not only will your stay at a hostel cost you less, but you will also be able to meet and hang out with backpackers from other countries, which further adds to the experience.
- Visit some of San Pedro de Atacama’s most popular locations – since this region is known for plenty of historical and eye-pleasing landmarks, it would be a shame not to visit as many as you can. It’s why you’re here, after all! We recommend that you include the following destinations on your list:
- Valle del Arcoiris (Raindbow Valley)
- Salar the Tara (known for its saline lagoons, beautiful rock formations and flamingos)
- Atacama desert (although you can visit them by car, we suggest you take a look at this magnificent Volcano Licancabur, Valle de Luna and the Laguna Cejar and Laguna Tebinquiche from the bird’s perspective. This is possible if you go on a hot air balloon tour)
- Organise your own stargazing tour – if you feel extra adventurous and willing to explore the Atacama’s wilderness, you should definitely set up a stargazing tour. However, there are also several such organised tours; but if you wish to be your own guide, research beforehand.
- Camp and hike in the desert – although this is not a popular activity, it is possible to go on a camping or hiking tour if you want to. Download a map, so you know where you are all the time, and pack plenty of water. Since the temperatures can drop as low as -2˚C overnight, we suggest that you also bring warm clothes and a sleeping bag.
- Stay at a hostel – last but not least, we are here to advise you on accommodation. For the ultimate backpacking experience, we recommend staying at some of the best hostels in San Pedro de Atacama.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in San Pedro de Atacama are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in San Pedro de Atacama.
- Hostal Campo Base – best for Solo Traveller
- Backpackers San Pedro – best for Backpackers
- Casa Voyage Hostel – best for Family
- Extra: Aji Verde Hostel - best for Couples
These are our favorite hostels in San Pedro de Atacama. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
🦸 Solo Traveler: | Hostal Campo Base |
🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Casa Voyage Hostel |
🎒 For Backpackers: | Backpackers San Pedro |
👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Aji Verde Hostel |
👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Casa Voyage Hostel |
👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Hostal Campo Base |
🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Aji Verde Hostel |
1. Hostal Campo Base
First on our list is a small hostel best known for its cosy and quiet atmosphere. Located within a 5-minute walk from the bus station and a 10-minute walk from the city centre, the Hostal Campo Base is perfect for any backpacker who wants to get the most out of their visit. The nearest grocery store is located right next to the establishment.
The hostel offers two types of rooms, private and shared, each providing free Wi-Fi, lockers, and access to a fully equipped kitchen. Some of the rooms feature private bathrooms, while in others, you get access to shared bathroom facilities.
It is easy to get assistance for anything you need, given that this hostel has a 24-hour front desk. There is also a handy tour desk if you wish to go on organised exploring tours. If you wish to go on a quick trip on foot, you should know that the famous Gustavo Le Paige museum is located just 5 minutes away.
Many independent reviews have rated this area as their favourite. They’ve also given high ratings to the staff for their extraordinary attentiveness and hospitality, as well as the place’s cleanliness. For those who want to meet fellow backpackers and enjoy a friendly atmosphere, you can hang out in the outdoor communal area around the hammocks.
Location: This hostel is located only a 5-minute walk from the bus station and a 10-minute walk from the town centre, in a tranquil area right next to a grocery store. Gustavo Le Paige museum is a 5-minute walk away. Calama Airport is approximately a 1-hour drive away.
The best choice in San Pedro de Atacama for
- Solo Travellers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Backpackers San Pedro
Next on our list of best hostels in San Pedro de Atacama is a place that carries the town’s name – Backpackers San Pedro. It is located near several supermarkets and local restaurants and is only 10 minutes away from the town’s centre.
Apart from its convenient location and superb cleanliness, the visitors mostly praise this accommodation for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Backpackers worldwide have nice things to say about the hostel’s staff, claiming they go out and above to meet the guest’s needs and ensure a pleasant and convenient stay.
Backpackers San Pedro can accommodate 21 guests, providing them with the essential facilities. There is free Wi-Fi, lockers, hot showers, and a laundry service. The place features four equipped kitchen areas, as well as a nice and tidy garden with tables, chairs and hammocks. You can feel free to hang out on the outdoor patio and enjoy the bonfire at night.
Location: The hostel is situated about 5 minutes from the center of the town and the restaurants and bars.
A great choice for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
3. Casa Voyage Hostel
In the middle of the Atacama desert, Casa Voyage Hostel offers superb accommodation for any backpacker looking for a place where they can feel at home. The rooms are well-equipped and feature a shared bathroom, with some of them having access to a private kitchenette and dishwasher, as well. This accommodation also features private parking, a shared lounge area, communal garden space, and a private pool – great for refreshment in the hot weather.
Casa Voyage has a bike hire service available, and a friendly and helpful staff that is always ready to answer your requests.
By staying at this hostel, you’ll be granted the unique experience of sleeping in an ecologically built dome in the middle of the desert. You’ll also be able to meet and hang out with other backpackers and share your story gathered around the campfire, enjoying the nights filled with music and laughter.
Location: This hostel is located 7.9 km from Piedra del Coyote. Termas de Puritama is 29 km from Casa Voyage Hostel, while San Pedro Church is less than 1 km from the property. The nearest airport is El Loa Airport, 92 km from the accommodation.
This is one of the best hostels in San Pedro de Atacama for
- Family
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
4. Aji Verde Hostel
Speaking of a desert oasis, we have yet another one of the best hostels in San Pedro de Atacama – Aji Verde Hostel. The owners have built and designed this hostel with the goal of surprising and delighting travellers from all over the globe. It is conveniently located close to several good local restaurants and supermarkets and is only a 10-minute walk from the town centre.
Aji Verde hostel offers rooms that can accommodate 2 to 10 people, featuring private and shared bathrooms. Several tents can fit two people, equipped with double or twin mattresses, and set in a beautiful natural area.
This is a more luxurious option for backpackers, offering a kitchen, living room, information centre, bike rentals, laundry services – and even a pool! If you wish to stay in the most perfect man-made oasis in natural surroundings while enjoying all the modern amenities, then Aji Verde hostel is ideal.
Location: The hostel is only 900 m from San Pedro Church and R.P. Gustavo Le Paige Archeological Museum. Caracoles Street, which is the main street of the zone is a 15-minute walk away. The bus station is 4 blocks away and Calama Airport is 1.5 hours away.
This is one of the best hostels in San Pedro de Atacama for
- Couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in San Pedro de Atacama for Solo Travelers?
What is seriously the best hostel in San Pedro de Atacama for solo-travelers?
The best hostel in San Pedro de Atacama for solo-travelers is Hostal Campo Base. It is at an excellent location just a few minutes of the dusty main road for tourists. The beds are very comfortable, the showers and toilets clean, the breakfast with pancakes, eggs, bread, fresh fruit etc is delicious. If you’re looking for a place that actually cares about their guest and pays attention to the little details, this is the hostel for you.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
With this, we end our list of the best hostels in San Pedro de Atacama. With some of the most picturesque sceneries and unique locations, San Pedro de Atacama deserves to be on your backpacker’s bucket list. Book your stay in some of the hostels we’ve listed above to ensure you have the most pleasant and comfortable visit. And before you indulge in one of the most pleasant and adventurous trips in your backpacking experience, make sure that you consider our tips.
What about the cheapest hostels in San Pedro de Atacama?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in San Pedro de Atacama.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in San Pedro de Atacama
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
I included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of San Pedro de Atacama best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
My Best Hostels in San Pedro de Atacama for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best San Pedro de Atacama hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
In San Pedro de Atacama we absolutely enjoyed:
- Iglesia San Pedro
- Meteorite Museum
- Valle de la Luna
- Pukará de Quitor
- Mirador de Kari – Piedra del Coyote
- Tulor
- Atacama Large Millimeter Array – ALMA
- Mars Valley / Death Valley
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
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