Every August 9th, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is celebrated — a day that seeks to recognize, protect, and honor the cultural, historical, and spiritual richness of the world’s Indigenous peoples. In Chile, few places reflect this connection as strongly as San Pedro de Atacama.

Located in the heart of the Atacama Desert, this small highland village is much more than just a tourist destination — it is the living heart of the Lickanantay culture (also known as the Atacameños), an Indigenous people who have inhabited this land for centuries, developing a deep understanding of the territory, the sky, and the cycles of nature.

A living culture — more than just history

When you visit San Pedro de Atacama, you are not only amazed by landscapes like the Valley of the Moon, the Tatio Geysers, or the Altiplanic Lagoons. You also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in an ancestral culture that is still alive today.

The Lickanantay people preserve their traditions through Andean agriculture, cosmovision, traditional medicine, and spiritual celebrations that honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (mountain spirits).

How to connect with Indigenous cultures?

Now more than ever, travelers are seeking authentic and responsible experiences. In San Pedro de Atacama, it is possible to:

• Visit communities that offer Indigenous tourism, sharing ancestral knowledge and traditions.
• Support the local Indigenous economy by choosing initiatives led by members of the community.

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples invites us to reflect on the importance of preserving Indigenous cultures and learning from their wisdom — in a world that increasingly needs balance and a deeper connection with nature.

Visiting San Pedro de Atacama is an opportunity to listen, learn, and honor the living history that dwells in its streets, mountains, rituals, and people.

If you visit San Pedro in August, ask about local celebrations, workshops, or community experiences. Traveling with respect is also a way to commemorate this important day.

And if you want to discover San Pedro de Atacama and its surroundings, at Caminandes we offer the best tours and take you to explore the region’s most hidden treasures.