Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Aji Verde Hostel
Charming San Pedro de Atacama hostel with pool, garden, and traditional adobe architecture. Dorms and private rooms, communal kitchen, and organized group tours. Quiet location minutes from town center.
Aji Verde Hostel occupies a traditional adobe building at Toconao 406 in San Pedro de Atacama, a desert oasis town in Chile's Atacama region at 2,438 meters above sea level. The hostel is set within a garden compound characteristic of Atacameño architectural tradition, where thick adobe walls provide natural temperature regulation — critical in a desert environment where days regularly reach 25–30°C and nights drop sharply to near-freezing. The property's outdoor garden area and small pool serve as the central social spaces for the hostel's community of budget travelers.
San Pedro de Atacama is one of Chile's most popular destinations for visitors exploring the extraordinary landscapes of the Atacama Desert, and Aji Verde's location on Toconao street places it within a short walk of the village's central plaza, artisan market, and the cluster of tour operators offering daily excursions to Valle de la Luna, El Tatio geysers, Salar de Atacama, and the high-altitude flamingo lagoons at Laguna Chaxa.
Accommodation options include dormitory beds in shared rooms and private rooms suitable for couples or solo travelers seeking more privacy. Communal bathrooms are shared among dormitory guests. The kitchen is fully available for self-catering, enabling travelers to manage food costs in a destination where restaurant prices tend to be elevated relative to other Chilean towns due to the remote location and tourist concentration.
The hostel organizes group tours and connects guests with local tour operators for excursions throughout the Atacama. Organized group bookings often result in better per-person pricing for popular routes such as the El Tatio geyser dawn excursion and the Valle de la Luna sunset tour. Staff are knowledgeable about the surrounding region and can advise on day trip logistics, hiking routes, and acclimatization for the high-altitude desert environment.
Amenities
- pool
- kitchen
- garden
- WiFi
- tours
- breakfast available
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +56 55 285 1142
Location
Toconao 406, San Pedro de Atacama
-22.9089, -68.2028 — View on map
Highlights
- Traditional adobe construction with garden courtyard and small pool, providing natural temperature regulation in the Atacama Desert
- Walking distance to San Pedro de Atacama's central plaza, artisan market, and tour operator offices
- Group tour arrangements for cost-effective access to Valle de la Luna, El Tatio geysers, and Salar de Atacama
- Communal kitchen available for self-catering, practical in a destination where restaurant prices reflect the remote tourist economy
Tips
- Acclimatization is advisable on the first day — San Pedro de Atacama sits at 2,438 meters and high-altitude excursions like El Tatio at 4,321 meters should not be attempted immediately after arriving from sea level.
- Bring sunscreen with the highest available SPF — the combination of altitude, desert conditions, and low humidity significantly intensifies UV radiation in the Atacama.
- Self-catering in the communal kitchen can substantially reduce daily costs — the local market and small supermarkets in the village stock basic supplies.
- Group tour bookings through the hostel often secure better per-person rates than individual booking at operator offices, particularly for dawn excursions like El Tatio.
- Nights in the Atacama are cold year-round despite warm days — bring warm layers for evening activities and stargazing.
FAQ
What types of accommodation does Aji Verde Hostel offer?
The hostel offers both dormitory beds in shared rooms and private rooms for couples or solo travelers. Both room types share communal bathrooms. Breakfast is available for an additional fee.
Is the pool at Aji Verde operational year-round?
The outdoor pool is best used during the Atacama summer months (November–March) when daytime temperatures make it most practical. In winter months (June–August), nights are cold and pool use is less comfortable.
How close is the hostel to tour operator offices for Atacama excursions?
Most tour operator offices in San Pedro de Atacama are within a five to ten minute walk of the hostel. Staff can also connect guests directly with reputable local operators.
Is San Pedro de Atacama safe for budget travelers staying in hostels?
San Pedro de Atacama is a small, well-touristed desert village with a generally safe environment for travelers. Standard precautions apply — use lockers for valuables and remain attentive in public markets.
Accessibility
Aji Verde Hostel is built in traditional single-storey adobe style with garden-level access, which reduces some barriers compared to multi-story buildings. However, the property is not specifically designed for wheelchair accessibility, and the shared bathroom and dormitory layout may present challenges for guests with mobility limitations. Direct contact with the hostel is recommended for travelers with specific requirements.