Bike Tour San Pedro de Atacama: Devil's Throat descent

The descent into Devil's Throat is the part that sets this ride apart.

A guided bike tour through Catarpe Valley in San Pedro de Atacama where you ride at your own pace through desert oasis landscape, cross to San Isidro Chapel, and descend Devil's Throat canyon. The guide leads in English or Spanish, bicycle and safety equipment are provided, and children from age 10 are welcome. You decide the rhythm—quiet exploration or active adventure—and the whole loop takes around four hours.

The Experience

Catarpe Valley is where the San Pedro River cuts through the Atacama Desert, turning the landscape into an oasis ringed by geological formations. You start in the center of San Pedro de Atacama and ride into the valley through El Carmen, which gives you the full view of Pukará de Quitor rising above. The pace is entirely yours—the guide follows your rhythm so you can absorb the terrain instead of racing through it.

The route crosses the valley floor to San Isidro Chapel, where you stop and rest. From there comes the signature part of the tour: a descent into Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), a canyon cut into the desert. The operator describes it as fun and not difficult, and it is what distinguishes this ride from other valley tours in the area. After the descent, you loop back to where you started.

Bicycles and safety equipment come with the tour. The whole experience runs about four hours. A live guide speaks English or Spanish and adjusts the day to match what you want—some riders prefer a quiet passage through the landscape, others want to push harder. Children from age 10 can join.

What’s included

• Bicycle and safety equipment.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• four-hour loop through Catarpe Valley and Devil's Throat canyon.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Bike Tour Atacama

Is this one for you?You set the pace and the guide follows, so you can ride as quietly or as actively as you want—the descent into Devil's Throat is the payoff moment, and the valley itself is the landscape you move through at your own speed.

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Top questions

What is Catarpe Valley like to ride through?

Catarpe Valley follows the San Pedro River through the Atacama Desert, creating an oasis landscape with geological formations and views of Pukará de Quitor. You ride at your own pace through the valley floor, stop at San Isidro Chapel, then descend into Devil's Throat canyon before returning to town.

Can I choose how fast or slow the tour goes?

Yes. The guide adjusts the rhythm to match what you want—you can ride quietly and absorb the landscape, or turn it into a more active adventure. The pace is decided by you.

What's included in the bike tour?

The tour includes a bicycle and safety equipment. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the ride and manages the route.

How long does the bike tour take?

The tour runs around four hours total, starting and ending in the center of San Pedro de Atacama.

Can children do this bike tour?

Children are welcome from age 10 and up. The guide can adjust the pace to suit younger riders.