The Atacama desert is a truly magical and exciting place and HI - San Pedro de Atacama Hostel is a great hostel to stay in to ensure that you get the most out of your visit. There's a free (basic) breakfast and you can book your desert activities right here in reception.
Location
This small HI hostel is bang in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. However the dusty little town is so small that it isn't really important where you stay with regards to location, as everything you need is within a short walk.
Rooms and Bathrooms
All facilities are desperately basic, but then this is the middle of the desert! Rooms are tall and thin, big enough to hold the towering triple-decker bunk beds but not much else (those with vertigo may have issues here). Bathrooms are outside in a large, cabin-style structure. You are advised to only use the hot water for a short time but this rule is well respected, due to the fact that this is also the driest desert in the world. For outside facilities, the showers/toilets are all very clean.
Common Spaces
The common spaces are equally as basic, consisting of a few chairs and tables outside. Because the hostel is so tiny, you can't help but get to know your fellow hostelers.
Summary
There is no internet, kitchen, bar, or TV, but this is not really an issue considering this is a fairly new South American community and you're stranded in the desert. As long as there is running water, you can't really complain.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
January 2009
Location/Contact
