Church of San Pedro de Atacama Tours and Activities
Visitors to San Pedro de Atacama would be hard-pressed to miss the bright white church that sits on the west side of the Plaza de Armas. The Spanish colonial-style church is one of the oldest buildings in Chile, dating back to 1744 when it was constructed with adobe (dried mud).
The whitewashed exterior provides a stark contrast against the blue skies of San Pedro de Atacama, and the attractive perimeter wall, built in the 1970s, stays true to the building's adobe construct. Perhaps not surprisingly, the church's patron saint is St Peter (San Pedro).
The interior of the church has some interesting features, namely the unique materials used to build it. Aside from adobe, two types of trees were used: algarrobo, a thorned tree with rounded brown pods, and chañar, a local tree that bears a sweet, starchy fruit. The roof slats are made of cardon cactus rather than wood, as wood is very scarce in the desert. The church's door is attached to its entryway with llama leather, in traditional altiplanic style. The church most recently underwent renovations in 2009, and as one of the only shady spots to be found in town, this area makes for a good spot to take a break from the bright sunshine.
Practical Info
The Festival of St Peter takes place here every year on June 29, and related activities take place both in the church and the whole town that day. Mass is held on Sundays.
Address: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Church of San Pedro de Atacama
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Archeological Tour
Depart from your Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama towards one of the most important archeological sites of the area. Visit Pukará de Quitor, a Pre-Hispanic stone fortress constructed by the indigenous that dates back to the 17th century. Today it represents an archeological monument and its great historical importance lies in the “Battle of Quitor”, where one of the first clashes between the Spanish Conquerors and the indigenous took place.
Next, learn about what is known as the “Culture of San Pedro” at the village of Tulor. Despite of its age it has been well preserved thanks to the natural conditions of the place. This ancient construction is probably the first settlement of the Atacama Salt Flat.
Finally, visit the Church of San Pedro, a National Monument, built from adobe clay, cactus wood, chañar and carob trees in 1745. After this last stop, return to your Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
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$59.00
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$59.00
Marvel of Atacama
Live a unique experience, an extraordinary environment, through the salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile.
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From
$1,000.00
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$1,000.00
Norte Grande Chile
Norte Grande Chile Tour - 4 Days
An exciting tour through the Norte Grande Chile starting from San Pedro de Atacama with excursions to Volcán Isluga National Park, in the Las Vicuñas National Reserve, in the Lauca National Park and to Chungará Lake up to the border with Peru and back to San Pedro de Atacama.
You will be accompanied to the discovery of this extraordinary wild landscape by reliable drivers and guides that will make your trip pleasant, relaxing and safe.
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From
$2,500.00
From
$2,500.00
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