The Best Place to Shop in San Pedro de Atacama, El Norte Grande

Background Illustration for Shopping

Just about the entire village of San Pedro is an open-air market. Shopping here is fun, but prices are probably about 20% to 30% higher than in neighboring areas, and you'll find many of the same products: the traditional altiplano ponchos (aka serapes), jewelry, and even musical instruments. If you are taking a tour out to some of the smaller villages you might find the same products being sold at a much lower price. Most upscale hotels also have a small shop with high-quality goods, often at an even higher price.

Libreria del Desierto

Fodor's Choice

For a unique literary experience, head out to this eclectic bookshop and library in the small ayllu (village) of Solor. It's an hour walk or 20-minute bike ride out of town, but you'll be rewarded with an impressive collection of books in multiple languages, eco-friendly architecture, stunning volcano views, and philosophical conversation with the passionate and intellectual owner, Diego. The bookshop also operates as a publishing house, producing original works about the local culture.