Location
San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta Region
🌊
Desert, walking and sunset
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
A landscape of salt, sand and sculpted rock near San Pedro de Atacama, especially memorable in the late-afternoon light.
Suggested time
3 to 4 hours
When to visit
Year-round; book a slot that works with sunset
Entry and costs
Paid, capacity-controlled entry. Book ahead and verify current prices and opening times.
Why visit
Discover Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
Salt formations, rock and dunes a short distance from San Pedro de Atacama. Entry is controlled, trails are defined and sun exposure is intense.
Great Dune
An elevated trail with broad views across the Salt Mountain Range.
Salt formations
Erosion reveals layered formations; respect every closure and marked boundary.
Sunset light
The landscape changes colour late in the day. Arrive early enough to complete the circuit.
No surprises
Plan the practical details
Road and access
About 15 km from San Pedro via Route 23. Visit by car, bicycle or tour and confirm the latest admission time before departure.
Transport
Daily tours leave San Pedro. Cyclists should account for sun, wind, altitude and the return journey in fading light.
Facilities
Basic facilities are available near the entrance; carry your own water. San Pedro has ATMs, pharmacies, restaurants and accommodation.
Useful for international visitors
Before travelling in northern Chile
Money and payments
The currency is the Chilean peso (CLP). Cards are common in towns, but carry cash for fishing villages, parking and remote areas.
Coverage and navigation
Download maps and bookings before departure. Mobile coverage can disappear outside towns and along coastal or altiplano routes.
Driving
Chile drives on the right. Wear seatbelts, avoid remote roads after dark and fill up before every circuit.
Electricity
Chile uses 220 V / 50 Hz and type C and L plugs. Visitors from countries with a different voltage may need an adapter or converter.
Emergency numbers
Ambulance 131 · Fire 132 · Police 133. Share your route and expected return time before entering areas without coverage.
Desert weather
UV exposure is intense and temperatures change quickly. Carry water, sun protection and a warm layer even on clear days.
Map and route
How to reach Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
Save the point before leaving town and use the dedicated directions page for distances and navigation options.
Cargando mapa...
Check before departure
Official information
Opening times, tickets and road conditions can change. Confirm them through these sources.
Continue exploring
More routes
Pan de Azúcar National Park
A remarkable protected area where the desert meets the Pacific, with coastal trails, endemic cacti and native wildlife.
La Virgen BeachA sheltered beach south of Bahía Inglesa, known for turquoise water, pale sand and a peaceful desert-coast setting.
Portofino BeachA quiet beach on the Atacama coast with powerful surf, open landscapes and very limited services — ideal for prepared, independent travellers.