Rio Grande Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Rio Grande which includes landscape views and desert views
See fascinating petroglyphs from pre-Hispanic settlements. Learn about their ancient ways of hunting llamas in this arid pastoral village.

Rio Grande is a rural commune in the valley of mountains along the river of the same name. It is characterized by quaint structures made from stone, mud and straw. Escape from modern chaos and appreciate this quieter way of life. The village is a fascinating place to find out about Chile’s indigenous history through the petroglyphs in the rock face offering an insight into pre-Hispanic life.

Enjoy the fresh air of this rural commune, miles from the nearest city. Fewer than 100 inhabitants live here. They farm corn, garlic, onions, lettuce and potatoes and also raise llamas, goats and other animals.

An advantage of the village’s isolation is its spectacular night sky, where you can see the Milky Way clearly. Lie under the evening stars and name the constellations. During the day, appreciate excellent views of the red-brown mountains that surround valley pueblo structures.

Spot cute chinchillas and vicuñas, Andes camels that produce very expensive wool. Get a close look at the drawings and carvings that reveal information about the lives of the Atacameño people.

Arrive in the village to enjoy festivals, such as the Cleaning of the Canals and the Cross. The commune’s highlight is the church, which receives thousands of visits from pilgrims every year. Gaze up at the cross rising from the thatched roof of the red mud and stone structure.

Bring plenty of liquids with you for your trip to this arid terrain. The area has very dry weather year-round. Prepare for possible difficulty breathing at the high altitude.

The village is 55 miles (90 kilometers) north of San Pedro de Atacama in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile, near the border with Bolivia. Fly into El Loa Airport, which serves domestic locations such as Santiago and Iquique. The drive to the village from the airport should take about 2 hours.

Come to Rio Grande for a bit of history in a quaint rural area that retains its isolated charm.

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Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama
3 out of 5
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The price is AU$138 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
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per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (189 reviews)
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4 out of 5
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The price is AU$390 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$390
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Meteorite Museum and San Pedro ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (227 reviews)
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Hotel La Casa de Don Tomas
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomas
3 out of 5
Calle Tocopilla Sitio 18, San Pedro de Atacama
The price is AU$321 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$321
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (210 reviews)
Charming hotel
"They are very welcoming here. From the moment you get there until you leave, you feel like family. They want to help you with whatever you need. The place is charming, like the village. The rooms are nice, but a bit warm because no A/C, only a tower fan. We made do. They have a swimming pool but ..."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

Hotel La Casa de Don Tomas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lodge Ancar Atacama
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3.5 out of 5
Pasaje Lasana 654 - Ayllu Conde Duque, Sector Punta De Diamante, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a children's pool. Popular attractions Inca House and Plaza de San Pedro ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
Highly Recommend This Property
"Andres was extremely helpful and an amazing host. He was available for any and all things."

Reviewed on 6 Jan. 2024

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Casa Solena San Pedro De Atacama
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Stay at this vacation home in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
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"Cute private house just outside of San Pedro. Very responsive owner. Great stay."

Reviewed on 2 Nov. 2023

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Cabañas Doña Juanita
Cabañas Doña Juanita
3 out of 5
469 Calama, San Pedro de Atacama, Región de Antofagasta
Stay at this 3-star cabin in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle, and a terrace. Popular attractions San Pedro Church and Plaza de San ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
舒适安静家的感觉
"往返玻利维亚在圣佩德罗驻留,都住在小屋,舒适安静像家一样。"

Reviewed on 20 Dec. 2019

Cabañas Doña Juanita
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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