Small-Group Tour to Moon Valley from San Pedro de Atacama
Active
4h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Venture into one of the most hostile places in the world: the Atacama Desert. You will have the opportunity to visit this amazing place more intimately, sharing your day with other travellers but avoiding big groups:
Within the Flamencos National Reserve, you will get to the world-famous Moon Valley. Find yourself astonished as you take in the views of a geological phenomenon known as Salt Mountain Range. You will understand the delicacy of the clay when visiting 'Las Tres Marias'; sculptures carved by nature. And, for a perfect closure admire the landscape from Kari Lookout point!
Available options
Small-Group tour
Small-Group share service tour: This tour includes a professional guide for a group of maximum 15 people.<br/>Minivan
What's included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Bilingual driver-guide assistance
Detailed itinerary
1
In the afternoon, begin your journey to discover one of the world’s driest and most hostile zones of the world: the Atacama Desert. There, you will visit geological formations created by the unique combination of clay and salt.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Located inside the Flamencos National Reserve, the worldwide known Valle de la Luna is a natural Sanctuary, set of landscapes of incomparable beauty and that resemble a fragment of the lunar landscape, to which it owes its name.
3
Stop 3
Once inside the reserve, you will visit a geological phenomenon known as Salt Mountain Range and will admire the landscape from different spots. You will pass by the ‘Amphitheatre’, a structure that evokes Roman civilization, sculpted by nature and made of rock and salt. It is more than 40 metres high and can be seen from miles away!
4
Mysterious forms of salt and mud will begin to emerge as we approach the area of "Las Tres Marías". You will understand the delicacy of the clay while visiting those natural formations, sculptures craved by nature: These statues are the female guardians of this cosmic landscape.
5
Next up, walk on the Great Dune, from where we'll be able to see the Andes, Domeyko mountain range and the Salt mountain range.
6
On your way back to San Pedro de Atacama, you’ll make a stop at Kari lookout point "Piedra del Coyote". For the perfect closure on 'Small-Group' tour, you will admire the dusk; get ready to see how all the colours change in the desert! Located at 2,550 masl., this viewpoint is one of the most famous postcards of San Pedro de Atacama, with a great panoramic view of the Salt Mountain Range, where water, wind and temperature combined their forces to produce this interesting canyon.
7
At the end of the trip, you will be driven back to San Pedro de Atacama.**Schedules are estimated.** Attractions may be visited in a different order
What's not included
Gratuities
Moon Valley Reserve
Hotel pick-up and drop-off (included on Private tour)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
28 reviews
5★
20
4★
4
3★
3
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.7
63 reviews
5★
48
4★
11
3★
3
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
IMPORTANT: Passport name, number & nationality are required at the time of booking for all participants.
IMPORTANT: please advise your hotel name in the Special Requirements box! we do need this info to compleate our passengers' form
Please bring: Closed or trekking shoes, jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and water. You can also bring snacks.
Easy difficulty tour, some slope on the 'Great Dune'.
Please include your accommodation at the time of booking on "special requeirements" box. This information is necessary in order to complete the information required to enter the park
We don't recommend taking flights on the same day of the tour.
Meeting point and schedule could have slight modifications for operational reasons.
IMPORTANT: this excursion is not allowed for pregnant women
People with Hypertension, Edema or Embolism must have medical authorization
Please keep in mind that we will reach a height of 2550 masl so some people may suffer from altitude sickness
Minimum age for this tour is 7 years old
Meeting point
The exact meeting point will be provided on your confirmation (downtown area)
Winter departure 3:00 p.m. / Summer departure 4:00 p.m.
*Exact departure time will be confirmed after booking
Drop off at downtown area.
Important notes
For customers, please contact us in this number: +54 9 11 5720 9905
Please inform your accommodation and contact information at least 1 or 2 days before the tour date, so the local can contact you to reconfirm the booking.
About San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama is a charming town in northern Chile, known as the gateway to the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world. This unique destination offers stunning landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, and a rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for adventure and nature enthusiasts.
Top Attractions
Valle de la Luna
Valle de la Luna is a surreal lunar-like landscape with sand dunes, rock formations, and salt formations. It's a must-visit for its stunning views and unique geological features.
Nature
Half-day tour
Moderate (approximately $20-$30 for a guided tour)
Laguna Cejar
Laguna Cejar is a unique saltwater lagoon where you can float effortlessly due to its high salt content. It's a great spot for swimming and relaxing.
Nature
Half-day tour
Moderate (approximately $20-$30 for a guided tour)
Geysers del Tatio
Geysers del Tatio is a geothermal field with boiling hot springs and geysers. It's one of the highest geyser fields in the world and offers a unique experience.
Nature
Full-day tour
Moderate (approximately $50-$70 for a guided tour)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cazuela
A traditional Chilean stew made with meat, potatoes, corn, and pumpkin. It's a hearty and comforting dish perfect for the cool evenings in the desert.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian versions are available
Empanadas de Pino
A popular Chilean snack, these empanadas are filled with a mixture of ground beef, onions, raisins, olives, and a hard-boiled egg.
Snack/Appetizer
Vegetarian and vegan options are available
Popular Activities
Sandboarding
Dune buggy rides
Hiking
Mountain biking
Hot springs
Yoga retreats
Meditation
Visit to the Atacama Museum
Best Time to Visit
April to October (dry season)
The dry season offers the best weather for exploring the desert, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures during the day. Nights can be quite cold.
10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F)
50°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English, Quechua (indigenous language)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Chilean Peso (CLP)
Time Zone
CLT (UTC-4)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
San Pedro de Atacama is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
- • Use reputable tour operators and guides
Getting there
By air
- El Loa Airport • 200 km (124 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama
By bus
San Pedro de Atacama Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Local buses connect San Pedro de Atacama to nearby attractions like the Valle de la Luna and Laguna Cejar. They are affordable but not very frequent.
Taxis
Available • Apps:
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Town Center
Cascadas
Day trips
Puritama Hot Springs
20 km (12 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama • Half-day to full-day
Puritama Hot Springs offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience in a stunning desert setting. The natural hot springs are surrounded by beautiful rock formations and lush vegetation.
Rainbow Valley (Valle del Arcoiris)
100 km (62 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama • Full-day
Rainbow Valley is known for its colorful rock formations and stunning landscapes. It's a popular spot for hiking, photography, and exploring the unique geological features of the Atacama Desert.
Festivals
Atacama Desert Festival • February
Pro tips
- Visit the Valle de la Luna at sunset for the best views and photography opportunities
- Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season
- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong desert sun
- Dress in layers to accommodate the significant temperature variations between day and night
- Respect the environment and follow the principles of responsible tourism
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
