Heladería Babalú
A desert oasis offering artisanal Italian ice cream with unique flavors made from local Atacama ingredients like cactus and quinoa.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Heladería Babalú
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A desert oasis offering artisanal Italian ice cream with unique flavors made from local Atacama ingredients like cactus and quinoa.
Try Recommended Flavors
Cactus and Selva Negra are highly recommended, while coconut, mint, and passion fruit are also popular.
Be Prepared for Prices
Prices may be higher than in other regions, but the quality of ingredients is considered worth it.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Ice Cream Shop
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+56 9 9943 2271
Address
Caracoles 140, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exotic Desert Flavors
Experience unique ice cream flavors like cactus, desert flower, and lucuma, made with local ingredients.
Artisanal Italian Ice Cream
Indulge in high-quality Italian ice cream, with some reviewers comparing it favorably to gelato from Italy.
Authentic Local Ingredients
Taste the unique essence of the Atacama region with flavors derived from local fruits and herbs like rica rica and quinoa.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try Recommended Flavors
Cactus and Selva Negra are highly recommended, while coconut, mint, and passion fruit are also popular.
Be Prepared for Prices
Prices may be higher than in other regions, but the quality of ingredients is considered worth it.
Sample Wisely
You are typically allowed two samples per person. Ask upfront if you wish to try multiple flavors.
Payment Considerations
Be mindful of potential issues with change when paying and the practice of verbally requesting tips.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try Recommended Flavors
Cactus and Selva Negra are highly recommended, while coconut, mint, and passion fruit are also popular.
Be Prepared for Prices
Prices may be higher than in other regions, but the quality of ingredients is considered worth it.
Sample Wisely
You are typically allowed two samples per person. Ask upfront if you wish to try multiple flavors.
Payment Considerations
Be mindful of potential issues with change when paying and the practice of verbally requesting tips.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Heladería Babalú is celebrated for its exceptional artisanal ice cream, particularly its unique flavors derived from local desert ingredients. While many praise the quality and taste, some find the prices on the higher side. Service can be inconsistent, with a few reviewers noting a lack of warmth.
"A lot of different and local flavors, worthy try some options. The service was good, it is a traditional ice cream"
Rafael Filipak Siqueira
"Cool concept but as someone who's sampled most of the unique flavors, it's mostly overrated. I cant say if $3usd (4.90 for 2) is high for the region but is otherwise high for South America! I was verbally requested to tip during payment on my first visit by a chico. Very bold! There was a nasty chica who kept saying 2 SAMPLES ONLY after her colleage already gave me several. If it's a rule, post it! You have extremely unique flavors in a tourist town at a high cost per scoop. IF YOU WANT SALES YOU MUST ALLOW MANY SAMPLES. That's life. Second visit she wasnt there and was fine but I noticed a giant tip jar for "an iphone" or whatever. Very tasteless. That said, of all the flavors I had I only liked two: catcus is good and selva negra (black forest cake) is addictive!"
Morgan Brandy
"They have vegan options -you must ask because there are no signs. You are allowed two samples per person. We had the flor del desierto (not much taste but still also very tasty), pisco sour, orange carrot (so delicious!). Kind, helpful staff. Can get ice cream in cone (not vegan) or cup, healthy portions"
Donna Castelblanco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Babalú is famous for its artisanal Italian ice cream made with exotic local ingredients from the Atacama desert, such as cactus, rica rica, and quinoa.
Yes, they offer vegan options, but you need to ask as there are no visible signs indicating them.
Generally, you are allowed two samples per person. It's best to inquire upfront if you wish to try more.
The prices are considered on the higher side compared to other regions, but many find the quality justifies the cost.
Popular choices include cactus, Selva Negra, coconut, mint, and passion fruit. They also feature unique regional flavors.
While specific payment methods aren't detailed, be aware of potential issues with change and be prepared for the possibility of tip requests.
The shop might not have extensive seating. Some suggest they could improve the atmosphere with outdoor seating options.
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The altiplano sun burns bright and hot in San Pedro, so stop in at Babalu Heladeria to sample one of 52 flavors of ice cream.
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La heladería Babalú en San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, es reconocida por sus deliciosos helados italianos y su amplia variedad de sabores exóticos, muchos de los cuales están elaborados con productos locales. Los clientes disfrutan de la excelente calidad y variedad de sus helados, así como de la opción de llevar la comida. Si estás en San Pedro de Atacama, no puedes perderte la oportunidad de visitar Babalú y probar sus sabores únicos.
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Una de las heladerías icónicas de San Pedro de Atacama y, según los locales y mi paladar, con los mejores sabores con productos típicos de la zona. Algunos de los más populares son los helados de rica rica, chañar chips, hoja de coca, cactus ayrampo y algarrobo. Destaco la simpatía de la vendedora, que tuvo paciencia con mi indecisión y me dejó probar casi toda la carta de helados raros para decidirme jeje.
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Babalu Heladería Artesanal : a los chilenos les encanta el helado, y nada ayuda a vencer el calor de Atacama que un helado fresco y refrescante. Hay varios lugares buenos de helados en la ciudad, pero Babalu es especialmente conocido por sus sabores artesanales inventivos que utilizan ingredientes locales como la rica rica o la quinua. ¡Toma un cono o una taza en un día caluroso y disfruta!
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Chileans love ice cream, and nothing helps beat that Atacama heat than some cool, refreshing ice cream. There are several good ice cream joints around town but Babalu is especially well-known for its inventive artisan flavors that use local ingredients like rica rica or quinoa. Grab a cone or cup on a hot day and enjoy!
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Since 2005, Heladeria Babalu has been offering homemade ice cream in distinctly desert flavors including rica rica (a sweet dessert herb), quinoa, chañar (a desert tree), and more (they serve common flavors too). There are now a few Bablu shops in San Pedro de Atacama and they’re a great place for a cooling snack.
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When it comes to cold treats, Tierra del Sol and Babalu Heladería are your best bets. For something truly Chilean, Baltinache is the experience for you. The food here is inspired by the Mapuche (the natives of Chile) and it’s probably one of the most exciting gastronomic experiences you can have in San Pedro!.
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With its prime location near excellent dining options like Aura Andina Restaurant and Babalu Heladeria, Anka truly stands out as a top-notch choice for a wine getaway in Chile's picturesque wine regions.
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Heladería Babalu has a section in their freezer case dedicated to flavors from ingredients in the region. I had algarrobo, quinoa con tres leches, and ayrampo. 1.900 CLP for a single scoop.
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And by the end, check the sympathy of the lady at Babalu Heladeria (ice cream shop) and try ALL FLAVORS of ice cream that you have never heard about it (they are soooooo tasty).
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Agora, vamos de sorvete, ou seja, algo que combina muito com o Deserto do Atacama. Sim, é isso mesmo que você leu. No deserto também tem sorvete!
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