Rio Grande Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Rio Grande which includes a small town or village
Rio Grande which includes landscape views and desert views
Rio Grande which includes landscape views and desert views
Rio Grande which includes a small town or village
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 kilometres) 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.

Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama

Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama

3 out of 5
Toconao 460, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹10,616 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹10,616
₹10,616 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8/10 Very Good! (290 reviews)
"Felt like we were at a resort. Food and facilities were great and close walk to town yet distance enough for a quiet and safe space."

Reviewed on 18 May 2025

Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama
Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama

Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama

4 out of 5
Avenida Las Chilcas S/N, Lote 10 Parcela 2, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta
The price is ₹21,270 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹21,270
₹21,270 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (437 reviews)
"This is a great hotel with very authentic layout. Rooms are very nice."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama
Hotel Kimal

Hotel Kimal

3.5 out of 5
Domingo Atienza 452, Esq Caracoles, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta
The price is ₹12,720 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
₹12,720
₹12,720 total
1 Aug - 2 Aug
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (153 reviews)
"Lovely place. Front desk staff was very helpful. They always helped us during our stay with a great smile. We enjoyed our 3 nights. Big thank to Sevla (front desk). Sorry if I misspelled your name. Great location. Thank yo all the staff at Hotel Kimal"

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2025

Hotel Kimal
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.
Yurak Apart Hotel

Yurak Apart Hotel

2 out of 5
Los Geisers, 169, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta
Stay at this aparthotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Artisans Town and Inca House are located ...
Yurak Apart Hotel
Lodge Ancar Atacama

Lodge Ancar Atacama

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Artisans Town and Inca House ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (27 reviews)
Great for families or groups
"Terrific stay. Great for families. Andres, the property manager is super nice and very helpful. Easier if you can speak a bit of Spanish but not necessary. The cabins are all very well equipped if you want to cook. And the whole family loved the giant St. Bernard on the property who would come out ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2025

Lodge Ancar Atacama
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 Wi-Fi, an airport shuttle (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions San Pedro Church ...
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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