Latin America · Best Mar–May and Sep–Nov
Atacama Desert packing list for families
The Atacama can drop below freezing before sunrise and feel like summer by lunch, all at high altitude. Packing for it means real warm layers alongside serious sun protection.
Photo by Diego Jimenez on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Chile: Atacama Desert
- San Pedro de Atacama sits around 7,900 feet, and excursions like the El Tatio geysers climb above 14,000. Plan easy first days, keep everyone drinking water, and ask your pediatrician about altitude before the trip.
- The geyser tour starts before sunrise when it is often below freezing, and by afternoon you will be in short sleeves. I pack a real puffer jacket and a warm hat for each child, plus sun layers for later.
- The sun is intense at this altitude and the air is very dry. Sunglasses, SPF lip balm, and a rich moisturizer matter more here than almost anywhere we travel.
Best timeMar–May and Sep–Nov
PlugsTypes C and L, bring an adapter
MoneyChilean peso
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Chile: Atacama Desert
This time of year
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Carry-on18
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Kids' polarized sunglassesHigh-altitude sun and salt flat glare are strong.
Light layers and a rain jacketSpring and fall weather changes fast.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Beach & pool2
Mineral sunscreen
SwimsuitsFor floating in salt lagoons and soaking in hot springs.
Cold weather2
Packable puffer jacketKristina's pickDawn geyser tours and stargazing are freezing.
Warm beanie and glovesNights drop close to freezing much of the year.
Little ones13
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerKristina's pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
SPF lip balm and rich moisturizerThe desert air dries skin and lips fast.
Documents & tech19
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickTypes C and L, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Desert tones
Terracotta, sand, sage, bone
For the grown-ups
For photos
- Warm tones glow at golden hour
- Sage or white keeps it fresh
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Chile: Atacama Desert weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 78°F 26°C | Warm days and cool nights, with occasional afternoon storms in the high country Jan–Feb | Chilean summer holidays, when lodges and tours book up early |
| February | 77°F 25°C | Warm days and cool nights, with occasional afternoon storms in the high country Jan–Feb | Chilean summer holidays, when lodges and tours book up early |
| March | 76°F 24°C | Warm days and cool nights, with occasional afternoon storms in the high country Jan–Feb | |
| April | 73°F 23°C | Clear, mild days and cold nights | Long, clear, dark nights, the best stretch for stargazing tours |
| May | 70°F 21°C | Clear, mild days and cold nights | Long, clear, dark nights, the best stretch for stargazing tours |
| June | 67°F 19°C | Winter: sunny, cool days, freezing nights, and snow possible at high altitude | Long, clear, dark nights, the best stretch for stargazing tours Snow-dusted volcanoes above the salt flats after winter storms San Pedro's patron saint festival around June 29, with dancing and processions |
| July | 67°F 19°C | Winter: sunny, cool days, freezing nights, and snow possible at high altitude | Long, clear, dark nights, the best stretch for stargazing tours Snow-dusted volcanoes above the salt flats after winter storms |
| August | 69°F 21°C | Winter: sunny, cool days, freezing nights, and snow possible at high altitude | Long, clear, dark nights, the best stretch for stargazing tours Snow-dusted volcanoes above the salt flats after winter storms |
| September | 71°F 22°C | Spring into summer: clear skies, warming days, and breezy afternoons | Long, clear, dark nights, the best stretch for stargazing tours |
| October | 74°F 23°C | Spring into summer: clear skies, warming days, and breezy afternoons | |
| November | 76°F 24°C | Spring into summer: clear skies, warming days, and breezy afternoons | |
| December | 77°F 25°C | Spring into summer: clear skies, warming days, and breezy afternoons | Chilean summer holidays, when lodges and tours book up early |
Questions families ask
Chile: Atacama Desert with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Chile: Atacama Desert with kids?
The best time is Mar–May and Sep–Nov. Warm days and cool nights, with occasional afternoon storms in the high country Jan–Feb
What's the weather like in Chile: Atacama Desert?
Typical daytime highs range from about 67°F (19°C) in June to about 78°F (26°C) in January. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Chile: Atacama Desert?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Chile: Atacama Desert?
Types C and L, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Chile: Atacama Desert with kids?
San Pedro de Atacama sits around 7,900 feet, and excursions like the El Tatio geysers climb above 14,000. Plan easy first days, keep everyone drinking water, and ask your pediatrician about altitude before the trip.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.