Valle de la Luna: Sunset Tour & Drinks from San Pedro

Summary

Moon Valley sunset colors, wild geology and local flavors in Atacama

You’ll step into Valle de la Luna’s otherworldly silence, climb sandy dunes with a local guide, taste pisco sour as the sun sets over wild rock formations, and share snacks with fellow travelers above the Atacama Desert—leaving you with a sense of awe that lingers long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing along the gravel road outside San Pedro de Atacama when our guide, Carla, started telling us how locals call Valle de la Luna “the place where silence whistles.” I half-laughed at that—then we got out of the van and I swear I heard it. The wind made this soft hissing sound over the salt ridges. It’s weird how quiet can feel so loud out here. The ground crunches under your boots, all pale orange and white like someone dusted everything with flour. Carla pointed out Las Tres Marías—a cluster of rocks shaped by wind for ages. She asked if we could see the “three Marys” in them; honestly, I only spotted two but maybe my imagination was tired.

We climbed up Duna Mayor (not as hard as it looks), sand sticking to my ankles. The view from up there—well, it’s not what you expect. Everything looks both ancient and sort of alien. There was a group of Chilean kids sliding down the dune, shrieking like they’d never seen sand before (maybe they hadn’t?). Sunlight hit the Amphitheater cliffs just right and turned them this strange pinkish color for a few minutes. Carla handed around cookies and pisco sour—she said it’s tradition to toast before sunset. That first sip tasted sharp and sweet at once. Someone tried to say “cheers” in Spanish but messed up (“Saludo?”), which made everyone laugh.

The last stop was Piedra del Coyote lookout, where people gathered quietly as the sky changed from gold to violet over Moon Valley. It got colder fast—the kind that makes your skin prickle even through a jacket—and someone passed around little paper cups of wine while we watched shadows stretch across the Atacama Desert. I didn’t expect to feel so small or so… peaceful? Maybe that’s what people mean when they talk about “big landscapes.” Anyway, I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Valle de la Luna and sunset

• Visit Valle de la Luna park
• Discover Las Tres Marías rock formations
• Watch sunset from viewpoint

Top questions

How far is Valle de la Luna from San Pedro de Atacama?

The park is about 3 km from San Pedro de Atacama.

Is hotel pickup included in this Valle de la Luna tour?

The tour includes pickup from San Pedro de Atacama.

What snacks are provided during the Moon Valley sunset tour?

You’ll get cookies, juice, pisco sour, wine, appetizers, potatoes, and sauces.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

No, it’s not recommended for people with mobility problems or spinal injuries.

Are infant seats available on this day trip?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available on request.

What are some highlights visited on this tour?

You’ll visit Las Tres Marías rocks, Duna Mayor dune, Amphitheater cliffs, and Piedra del Coyote viewpoint.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes pickup from San Pedro de Atacama, guided exploration through Valle de la Luna’s unique landscapes and viewpoints like Duna Mayor and Piedra del Coyote, plus snacks—cookies, appetizers, local drinks like pisco sour and wine—to enjoy while watching sunset colors sweep across the desert sky before heading back to town together.