It is the most southern Atacamanean village of the Salar de Atacama, located 100 kilometers to the south of San Pedro de Atacama at 2,420 meters above sea level.  

This village of pre-Hispanic background as can be seen by the Peine Viejo ruins, the oldest defense Pukará, that during the Inca period was one of the most important tambos* on the Inca Path (Camino del Inca), because it was the only route to and from the valley of Copiapó. Due to the long period of time it took to build, several techniques as well as materials were used, such as stone with clay, or quarry stone. A church that was built in the XVI century stands out among the ruins and was one of the first constructions that were declared a National Monument in Chile.

Today, the people of Peine work for companies that exploit mineral salts from Salar de Atacama for the extraction of lithium.  Others work for the public service companies leaving behind the agricultural and livestock farming jobs. 

Another attraction site for tourists are the "cochas de Peine", two beautiful pools built between rocks, with a panoramic view to the Salar de Atacama.  These "cochas" (pools) collect the water that runs off from the slopes, water that can be used to spray de oasis as well as for a nice refreshing bath.