Valle de la Luna tour from San Pedro: Sunset and salt caverns

Valley of the Moon tour, explore salt caverns and rock towers at sunset

A guided tour of Valle de la Luna, the otherworldly landscape 17km from San Pedro de Atacama, takes you through rock formations, salt caverns and multiple viewpoints to watch the sunset. The tour runs 4 to 5 hours with a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese, park entry and air-conditioned vehicle included. Pickup from your hotel is arranged.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Valle de la Luna landscape

• Visit “3 Marias” rock formations
• Explore Salt Caverns
• See different viewpoints
• Watch the sunset

The experience

You start from San Pedro de Atacama and travel 17km to Valle de la Luna, where the landscape opens into formations shaped by wind and salt over millennia. The guide leads you through the 3 Marías, three distinctive rock towers, and into salt caverns carved into the hillside. The route takes in several viewpoints positioned to frame the rock morphology and the way light moves across the valley floor. All of this unfolds in an air-conditioned vehicle between stops, so you walk the sections that matter and rest during the transitions.

The tour builds toward sunset, when the rock faces shift color and the shadows deepen. You'll be on your feet at the viewpoints and moving through the caverns, so a moderate level of fitness helps, though the pace is set by the group. The guide (speaking English, Spanish or Portuguese depending on your preference) explains the geology as you go: this was ocean floor once, and the salt and mineral deposits are what remains. The wind can be strong, and the sun intense even in the late afternoon, so bring water and a hat.

Pickup from your hotel in San Pedro is included, so you don't need a car or local transport arranged. The whole experience (drive, walks, viewpoints and the return) fits into an afternoon or early evening, leaving your morning free for the town or other activities in the region.

What’s included

• Park entry.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• hotel pickup from San Pedro de Atacama.
• live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• stops at the 3 Marías rock formations, salt caverns and multiple viewpoints.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 14:30

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years): free · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for heart conditions

Operated by Full Tour

Is this one for you?Pickup from your San Pedro hotel means you can do this tour without a car or local transport arranged, fitting it into a free afternoon or your first evening in the region. The 4- to 5-hour timeframe leaves your morning open for exploring the town itself.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years): free; Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the 3 Marías in Valle de la Luna?

The 3 Marías are three distinctive rock formations that rise from the valley floor, named for their shape. They're one of the main stops on the tour and a focal point for photos and viewing the surrounding landscape.

Can I do this tour if I'm staying in San Pedro without a rental car?

Yes. Hotel pickup from San Pedro is included, so you don't need to arrange your own transport. The guide meets you at your accommodation and returns you there after the tour.

How long does the tour take?

The tour runs 4 to 5 hours total, including the drive from San Pedro, all stops and viewpoints, and the return to town. Most of that time is spent at the valley itself, with the rest split between travel and transitions between sites.

What's included in the tour price?

Park entry to Valle de la Luna, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, pickup from your hotel and a live guide in your choice of English, Spanish or Portuguese are all included.

Is the walk through Valle de la Luna difficult?

The tour involves walking at several viewpoints and through the salt caverns, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended. The pace is steady but not strenuous, and you rest in the vehicle between stops.