Atacama Desert, Chile Packing List for Anxious Travelers
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Visiting the Atacama Desert was one of the most surreal experiences of my life. The landscapes look like another planet, and the skies are so clear you’ll swear you can see the entire universe. But packing for it? Tricky. It’s hot during the day, freezing at night, and the dryness will test your skin. This Atacama Desert packing list will help you be comfortable and prepared, whether you’re watching the sunrise over Valle de la Luna or staying out late for epic stargazing.
What’s the weather like in the Atacama Desert?
The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on earth, but that doesn’t mean it’s always hot! Daytime highs range from 65-80°F (18-27°C), while nights plummet to 30-40°F (-1 to 4°C). Wind can pick up in the afternoons. The dryness here is intense, and if you’re prone to nosebleeds, prepare for that. It’s also the highest elevation desert in the world! That’s why I’ve created this Atacama Desert packing list for you, so you can be prepared for the harsh yet absolutely breathtaking climate.
What should you wear in the Atacama Desert?
Think sun protection by day and cozy layers by night. Locals and tourists alike stick to practical clothing, with long sleeves and head protection all day. At 13,125 feet (4,000 meters) or more, you’re basically in the cradle of the sun and will pay the price without protection. I loved having light, long sleeve shirts during the day, linen shorts in the afternoon, and cozy pants for hanging out in our hotel at night.
Dressing Tips for the Atacama Desert
Daytime
Lightweight long sleeves + wide-brim hat
Loose pants or shorts
Sandals or sneakers for wandering around town (definitely recommend sneakers though, the dust/dirt is real)
Evenings/Stargazing
Warm jacket
Fleece-lined leggings or other warm pants
Atacama Desert, Chile Packing List
Shoes + Boots
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
Hiking boots if you plan on any excursions (you totally should)
Sandals for downtime
Jeans + Pants
Breathable pants for day (I love these linen shorts)
Fleece-lined leggings for cold nights (these are my go to)
Sundress if you want something breezy
Tops + Jackets
UV-protective long-sleeve shirts (my go to)
T-shirts and tank tops—perfect for layering as it heats up and cools down
Warm jacket or sweatshirt
Scarves + Accessories
Wide-brim hat or baseball hat
Sunglasses—the sun is STRONG
Buff or scarf (dust is a real thing!)
Swimsuit (some tours visit hot springs, and if you stay at my hotel recommendation, they have an amazing pool)
Toiletries
All your usual toiletries (check out this hanging bag I’m obsessed with)
Extra moisturizer and lip balm—your skin will thank you
Sunscreen if you don’t want to cover your skin all the time
Electrolytes—trust me, this is an absolute essential to your Atacama Desert packing list. The dryness will dehydrate you faster than you think, combined with the altitude and sun exposure. I swear by these for traveling!
Electronics
Travel adapter (here’s my fave universal one)
Camera (the landscape is surreal, you’ll think you stepped onto another planet)
Kindle or book for downtime
Atacama Desert, Chile Outfit Ideas
Here’s what I wore while we were in the Atacama Desert to help inspire your Atacama Desert packing list! My outfits here are varied, and for once, I got a decent number of pictures of myself 🤣 Plus the obligatory photo of me with an alpaca.
Final Thoughts on What to Pack for the Atacama Desert
The Atacama desert is dry, dramatic, and magical. This was and still is one of my all time favorite trips. This Atacama Desert packing list will guide you to a comfortable vacation where you won’t be suffering severe sunburns. Layer smart, drink lots of water, and enjoy those epic stargazing nights!
Looking for an epic itinerary that gets you to all the highlights? Check out my 6 Day Atacama Desert Itinerary post!