San Pedro de Atacama is one of the main destinations in Northern Chile. This information is not new but has now once again been confirmed by figures from Chile’s National Statistical Office, according to which about 173,800 visitors arrived in San Pedro de Atacama in 2017, an increase of 11% compared to the previous year.
Due to the positive international positioning of this destination, the proportion of foreign tourists to this area is considerably higher than for other destinations in the north. While places such as Antofagasta and Calama recorded a decline in visitor numbers, San Pedro de Atacama experienced an increase in day and overnight visitors. According to the National Statistics Office, the number of overnight stays in San Pedro rose by 7% in 2017 compared to 2016, and in January it registered a hotel occupancy rate of 82.5%.
The Lake District – the Región de Los Lagos – has also experienced high growth rates, rates of up to 88% in visitor and overnight stays by foreign tourists recorded in the last four years. Due to the popularity of both regions, a long-term planning of the travel programmes is essential, as well as the need to book early in order to ensure the best availability for rooms and activities for our guests.
