Moon Valley Tour 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
See the unearthly landscape of the Valle de la Luna — Moon Valley — on a tour from San Pedro de Atacama. One of the driest places on the planet, the valley is made up of dunes, caverns, sharp peaks and natural depressions, creating an unbelievable moon-like scene in the Salt Mountain Range. With a guide, you’ll explore the area on foot, checking out caves, canyons and climbing a dune for a sunset view that will take your breath away.
Available options
Moon Valley Tour from San Pedro de Atacama
Pickup included
What's included
Transport by air-conditioned minivan or bus
Professional guide
Drop off is at the city centre
Hotel pickup
Detailed itinerary
1
Your day trip from San Pedro de Atacama begins with hotel pickup Remember that the Hotel pick up and drop off is included only on hotels nearby the town and you have to let us know the correct information about your Hotel for being picked up. Please reconfirm pick-up information and time at least 1 day before the tour.
2
The best place to enjoy the much anticipated Chilean sunset is in the Salt Mountain range, the location of the Mars and Moon valleys. The valleys contain a variety of stone, sand-like formations - a result of water and wind. As the sun sinks below the horizon, experience the wonder of the area and its close resemblance to the moon.
In the evening, one of the most expected moments is the sunset and the best place to appreciate it is the mountain range of the Salt, with its Mars and Moon Valleys that are saline and sacrilegious conformations product of the mineralogical folding that has taken place for one hundred million years and that originated small mountains of capricious and sculptural forms that at sunset resemble a Lunar landscape. We will visit 3 main points, starting with a view to the Cordillera de la Sal in the Valley of death. Incredible landcapes from the desert we can find here, and amazing postals too!
3
Stop 3
After the Cordillera de la Sal, we will visit the Licanantay viewpoint where you can see the mountains of salt from above. Beautiful landscapes, where the desert gives us the opportunity to see how great and incredible is it, full of colors and history behind its sand, rocks and mountains.
4
Stop 4
Finally, we will visit the Valley of the Moon, where 3 sites are visited. First, a tour of the salt caves is subsequently the salt statues "Las Tres Marias", the amphitheater and the large sand dune in the central part of the Moon Valley. We wait for the sunset at the Coyote stone. After an incredible scenic sunset, we begin the trip back to your Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.
5
Finally, after getting marvelled by the colors and the majesty of the desert, enjoying the sunset in the Moon Valley at the Coyote stone viewpoint, we will begin our trip back to San Pedro de Atacama.
What's not included
Gratuities
Valle De La Luna
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.8
19 reviews
5★
7
4★
5
3★
3
2★
4
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.3
38 reviews
5★
24
4★
4
3★
7
2★
2
1★
1
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes such as trekking pants, socks and trekking shoes, as you will be walking on sand
Please bring a windbreaker or jacket, gloves, and carry water, sunblock and sunglasses
Note: Please bring cash to pay for the entrance fees
Pick up is from 15:00 to 15:40 summer time and 14:30 to 15:10 winter time.
Important notes
Note: Remember that the Hotel pick up and drop off is included only on Hotels located nearby San Pedro de Atacama urban zone. If your Hotel is located on Ayllus far away from the downtown, please contact us as soon as you booked the tour.
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
