San Pedro de Atacama
Chile · Latin America
The water
294 mg/LVery hard
Source: Superintendencia de Servicios Sanitarios (SISS) · Official figure. Hardness counts dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water; it is the number your hair meets in the shower.
What very hard water does to hair
Build-up is fast, especially on porous or bleached hair. Weekly chelation and richer conditioning are worth it on long stays.
The washing routine for San Pedro de Atacama
Set the rhythm tight: a chelating (detox) wash every second wash, gentle shampoo in between, and rich conditioner after every wash. For long stays, a weekly deep treatment keeps bleached or porous hair from going brittle.
Climate, from recent records (Open-Meteo, ERA5 2015-2024): January is the warmest month, averaging 28°C by day, and humidity peaks in February at about 40% on average. Day to night swings reach 19°C, which dries hair out between washes; the plan adds moisture and a sealing leave-in when a stop spans those months. In the hot months, sun and sweat do as much damage as the water: shade, a hat and a rinse after swimming carry the routine.
Local note: Rio San Pedro source water; town supply is RO-treated so tap is softer.
Altitude: at about 2,443 m, UV runs roughly 10 to 12% stronger per 1,000 m and the air is dry, so UV protection and moisture join the routine; the planner builds both in.
Plugs and power for your tools
Sockets: Type C and L. Supply: 220 V, 50 Hz.
A 120 V only dryer or styler (North American) will burn out on this supply, and a plug adapter does not change voltage. Check the label for dual voltage (100-240 V) before you plug in.
Plug, voltage and frequency: IEC World Plugs and national standards.
Plan San Pedro de Atacama properly
The trip planner turns this water profile into a wash plan for your hair type, a chosen kit and a packing list, month by month.