January 16, 2025
5 Magical Days in San Pedro de Atacama: The Perfect Itinerary.
San Pedro de Atacama is a guest favorite not only because it boasts the most beautiful starry nights in Chile or the driest desert in the world.
Tomas Poblete, Tierra Atacama’s bartender.
In this guide, Tomás Poblete teaches us how to prepare each one of these exquisite cocktails from the Tierra Atacama bar and he also gives advice about how to make these at home using ingredient substitutes.
“These Atacama Desert herbs have many properties with health benefits, but these ingredients are also difficult to find in other places. Additionally, they must be used in specific ways in order for their medicinal properties to take effect,” explains Tomás. He adds that there are ways to make something similar at home using other herbs.
Of the three, this herb is found at the lowest altitude, at no more than 3,000 meters above sea level. We find this herb along the road between the village of Socaire and the Puritama Hot Springs. It has a strong, refreshing smell.
Cocktail ingredients
Preparation
* Peppermint can be substituted as it is derived from mint and also has medicinal properties.
This infamous herb is found above 3,500 meters above sea level. It is known as ‘Atacama Viagra’ due to its aphrodisiacal properties. It’s sweet, juicy fruit is edible and its dehydrated stems can be boiled to make simple syrup for cocktails.
Cocktail ingredients
Preparation
* Rosemary can be substituted. This herb is known for its uses in the kitchen as well as its curative medicinal properties.
This herb grows at above 4,200 meters above sea level. along the road to the high-plains lagoons where Miscanti and Meñiques are located. It especially grows in the villages of Ollagüe and Río Grande. This native bush thrives in low temperatures and its mentholated, bitter smell can be perceived from a distance. It is also known for provoking dreamlike experiences.
Cocktail ingredients
Preparation
*Echinachea can be substituted. This is one of the best plants for stimulating the immune system.
In order to find rica rica, copa copa and pingo pingo herbs, one must leave San Pedro de Atacama and travel into higher altitudes. You can personally discover these places thanks to the special excursions developed by Tierra Atacama guides.
Want to give these cocktails a try? Download this guide so you have this information within reach and can prepare your own high-altitude cocktails, step-by-step, inspired by the Atacama Desert.
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