San Pedro de Atacama: Bike Tour Devil's Throat & Catarpe Valley

Summary

Ride past Pukará de Quitor and descend Devil’s Throat with a local guide in Atacama’s wildest valley

You’ll ride from San Pedro de Atacama into Catarpe Valley by bike, pausing at Pukará de Quitor for sweeping views before coasting down Devil’s Throat canyon with your local guide leading the way. Expect dusty smiles, surprising silence in the desert air, and a flexible pace that lets you soak up every moment—whether you’re here for adventure or just to feel something new under your wheels.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost bailed when I saw the bikes lined up in the middle of San Pedro de Atacama. I’m not exactly Tour de France material. But our guide, Matías, just grinned and handed me a helmet—“Don’t worry, we go your speed.” That stuck with me. We pedaled out of town and suddenly it was just us and this strange hush—except for the crunch of tires on sand and the wind that kept sneaking under my jacket.

The first real stop was at Catarpe Valley. The colors out there are hard to pin down—like every shade of brown you’ve ever seen plus flashes of green where the river snakes through. Matías pointed out Pukará de Quitor off in the distance (I tried to say it right; he laughed but didn’t correct me). There was this old chapel too, San Isidro, sitting alone like it was waiting for someone to remember it. We caught our breath there and shared some water that tasted faintly metallic from my bottle. Not fancy, but it hit the spot.

Then came Garganta del Diablo—the Devil’s Throat. I’d heard about it but didn’t expect how tight those canyon walls would feel as we coasted down. The light bounced off everything in weird angles, making shadows jump around us. My hands were sore from gripping the brakes but honestly? It was fun in a way that made me forget how tired my legs were. Someone ahead whooped and it echoed back at us—kind of spooky, kind of thrilling.

We ended up back where we started, dustier than before and still laughing about how I nearly wiped out on a sandy patch (nobody saw… except maybe Matías). Sometimes I catch myself thinking about that valley—the quiet parts especially—and wonder if I’ll ever see colors like that again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bike tour through Catarpe Valley

• Meet in town center
• Enter Atacama Desert
• Cross Catarpe Valley
• Arrive at San Isidro Chapel
• Take a break
• Descend Devil's Throat
• Return to starting point

Top questions

Is bike rental included in the San Pedro de Atacama Devil's Throat tour?

Yes, bicycles and safety equipment are included with your booking.

How difficult is the bike tour through Catarpe Valley?

The pace is flexible and suitable for all fitness levels; you decide how adventurous or relaxed you want it.

Where does the bike tour start and end?

The tour begins and finishes in central San Pedro de Atacama.

Are guides local on this Atacama bike tour?

Yes, tours are led by local guides familiar with the area’s history and landscape.

Is lunch provided during the Devil's Throat bike ride?

No lunch is included; bring your own snacks or water for breaks along the way.

Can travelers with health issues join this tour?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Are service animals allowed on this Atacama bike trip?

Yes, service animals are allowed according to tour details.

What landmarks will we see during this day trip from San Pedro?

You’ll pass through Catarpe Valley, see Pukará de Quitor from afar, visit San Isidro Chapel, and descend Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat).

What’s included

Your day includes bicycle rental and all necessary safety equipment; you’ll meet your guide in central San Pedro de Atacama before heading straight into Catarpe Valley together—no extra transport needed unless you count two wheels powered by your own legs.