Useful data
Due to the accentuation of the thermal oscillation it is necessary to bring summer clothes for the day (cotton t-shirts, swimsuit, shorts and slim trousers) and winter clothing for the night and to visit the Tatio geysers (polar, Thick wind cut, feather parka, cap).
Shoes: Bototos and slippers suitable for walking, sandals are not recommended due to the amount of soil that is in the streets.
Basic things to wear: sunglasses, sunscreen with filter above PF 35, body moisturizing cream, hair moisturizer, hat, parka, flashlight and binoculars
During the spring and summer you can expect temperatures above 30 ° C during the day and 5 ° C at night. Also during the summer, the altiplánico winter arrives with some rains coming from the tropical forest. In winter it freezes at night and you will experience sub-zero temperatures
San Pedro de Atacama is located at an altitude of 2,450 meters (8,000 feet), most of the tourist attractions are over 4,000 meters. This can cause altitude sickness also known as “puna mal” or “Sorojchi” (Soroche).
Headaches are the main symptom of altitude sickness, although a headache is also a symptom of dehydration. A headache that occurs at an altitude above 2400 meters (8000 feet), in combination with one or more of the following symptoms, may indicate altitude sickness:
• Lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting
• Tiredness or weakness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Insomnia
• Difficulty breathing when exerting effort
• Nosebleed
Fast pulse persistent
• Drowsiness
• General discomfort
• peripheral edema (swelling of hands, feet and face)
To avoid altitude sickness take into account the following recommendations:
• Do not exercise until the body has adapted (at least 24 hours).
• If you suffer from high blood pressure you should not rise above 4,000 meters above sea level.
• If you suffer from heart weakness, high blood pressure or obesity, consult your doctor first.
• Drink plenty of water
• Do not eat meat and avoid soft drinks with sugar
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages, as alcohol tends to cause dehydration, which aggravates altitude sickness
• Aspirin is recommended for the prevention of symptoms.
• For centuries, indigenous peoples in the Americas, such as the Altiplano Aymaras, have chewed coca leaves to try to alleviate the mild symptoms of altitude sickness.
It is advisable to keep the body hydrated, due to dryness in the air. It is recommended to drink only bottled water that can be purchased at local village. Although drinking water is safe to drink, it contains a high concentration of minerals.
When you go on a trip, be sure to bring enough bottled water.
Schedule of warehouses, commercial premises and municipal offices: from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. And from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Hours restaurants and travel agencies is from 8:00 am to midnight.
The local currency in Chile is “Pesos Chilenos”. There are coins of $ 1, $ 5, $ 10, $ 50, $ 100 and $ 500 pesos, and $ 1,000, $ 2,000, $ 5,000, $ 10,000 and $ 20,000 bills.
There are four ATMs, and many exchange offices, but the change is not the best you can expect. Dollars, Euros and credit cards are accepted in almost all stores.
In cafes, restaurants and bars, you should leave a tip of 10% of the total value of your bill. Porters, tour guides and service providers also expect a tip.
To get the most out of your photos we recommend that you use a circular polarizing filter during the day to avoid reflection and capture blue skies. We also recommend that you use a tripod to capture the beautiful sunsets.
If you are crossing Argentina in a vehicle do not forget to get insurance, because without it you will not be able to enter the country.
Atacama Medical:
The attention is general medicine, we serve from the smallest of the house to the largest.
It has the private consultation and at home, tb by the forecast of fonasa and isapre.
Address: Caracoles 400.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 18:00 to 21:00 on Saturdays and Sundays and holidays from 11:00 to 18:00.
Telephone (available 24 hours):
+56553211038
+56966458561
E-mail: atacamamedicalspa@gmail.com
Website: www.atacamamedical.cl