Chile — San Pedro de Atacama
Hike the Valle de la Luna Trail in Chile's Atacama Desert for an otherworldly 10km, easy walk. Traverse a surreal landscape of salt formations and towering dunes, resembling the lunar surface. This 3-4 hour scenic route offers dramatic desert panoramas and unique geological wonders.
Distance: 10.0 km
Elevation Gain: 300 m
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 3-4 hours
The Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) Trail, located in the Atacama Desert of Chile, offers a surreal and otherworldly hiking experience. This relatively short but incredibly scenic day walk takes you through a landscape sculpted by wind and water over millennia, resembling the surface of the moon or Mars. Characterised by its dramatic salt formations, towering sand dunes, and unique geological features, the trail provides a glimpse into the extreme beauty and harshness of one of the driest places on Earth. It's an accessible adventure from the popular tourist hub of San Pedro de Atacama, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the region.
The Valle de la Luna Trail is a captivating journey into a geological wonderland. As you step onto the path, you are immediately immersed in a landscape of stark contrasts: the deep blue of the desert sky against the ochre and red hues of the earth, the smooth curves of sand dunes meeting the jagged edges of salt crusts. The trail winds through a series of interconnected canyons and valleys, each revealing new and astonishing formations. You'll encounter the "Amphitheatre," a natural depression with incredible acoustics, and the "Three Marias," striking rock pillars that stand sentinel against the elements. The highlight for many is the ascent of a large dune, offering panoramic views of the entire valley, especially breathtaking at sunset when the colours intensify and cast long shadows, truly living up to its "Valley of the Moon" moniker.
The geological processes at play here are fascinating. The valley is composed of sedimentary rocks, primarily evaporites (salts) and clays, which have been eroded by wind and occasional flash floods. This erosion has carved out the distinctive shapes, sharp ridges, and smooth, undulating dunes that define the landscape. The salt formations, in particular, create a crystalline, almost alien appearance. Despite its arid nature, the valley supports a sparse but resilient desert flora and fauna, adapted to survive extreme conditions.
This trail is ideal for those seeking a relatively short but visually spectacular experience. It requires no specialised equipment beyond comfortable walking shoes and sun protection, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. The relatively low elevation gain means it's manageable for most fitness levels, allowing you to focus on the incredible scenery and the unique atmosphere of this desert gem.
The Valle de la Luna and the surrounding Atacama Desert have a rich human history stretching back thousands of years. Indigenous peoples, including the Atacameño (Lickan-antay) culture, have inhabited this region for millennia, developing sophisticated agricultural techniques and social structures adapted to the extreme environment. They understood the desert's resources, utilising its salts, minerals, and scarce water sources for survival and trade. Archaeological evidence, such as ancient burial sites and petroglyphs, attests to their long-standing presence and deep connection to this land.
During the colonial era and into the 19th and 20th centuries, the Atacama region became a focal point for resource extraction, particularly for saltpetre (nitrate) and copper. The desert's mineral wealth attracted prospectors and companies, leading to periods of boom and bust, and shaping the economic and social landscape of northern Chile. While the Valle de la Luna itself was not a major site for industrial extraction, its unique geological formations have long been recognised for their scientific and aesthetic value.
The designation of Valle de la Luna as a protected area, part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, has been crucial in preserving its natural beauty and geological significance. This protection allows visitors to experience the landscape as it has been shaped by natural forces, while acknowledging the historical presence of the indigenous peoples who first navigated and understood this challenging terrain. The name "Valley of the Moon" itself reflects the striking resemblance of its terrain to lunar landscapes, a perception that has captivated explorers and travellers for generations.
The Valle de la Luna Trail can be visited year-round, but certain seasons offer more comfortable conditions for exploration. The Atacama Desert is characterised by extreme aridity, with very little rainfall throughout the year. However, temperature fluctuations can be significant.
Spring (September-November): This is often considered one of the best times to visit. Temperatures are generally mild during the day, with cooler evenings. The desert flora may show signs of life after any rare rainfall, though this is infrequent. The skies are typically clear, offering excellent stargazing opportunities at night.
Summer (December-February): While technically the hottest months, the desert's aridity means that daytime temperatures, though warm, are often bearable, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when most visitors explore. The main consideration is the intense sun and the need for constant hydration and sun protection. There is a slight chance of "Altiplanic Winter" (invierno altiplánico) during this period, which can bring brief, intense thunderstorms to the high Andes, occasionally affecting the desert with dust storms or rare rain. However, the Valle de la Luna itself remains very dry.
Autumn (March-May): Similar to spring, autumn offers pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler nights. The light can be particularly beautiful during this season, casting warm hues across the desert landscape. This is another excellent period for visiting.
Winter (June-August): Winter in the Atacama is characterised by colder temperatures, especially at night, which can drop below freezing. Daytime temperatures are generally cool and pleasant. The skies are exceptionally clear, making it a prime time for astronomical observation. While cooler, the lack of rain and clear skies make it a viable and often beautiful time to visit, provided you are prepared for the cold.
Weather Reality: Regardless of the season, the Atacama Desert is defined by its extreme dryness and intense solar radiation. Always be prepared for strong sunlight, even on cloudy days. Wind can also be a factor, particularly in the open areas of the valley, and can whip up dust. Flash floods, though rare, can occur during the summer months if significant rainfall impacts the higher Andes, but these are unlikely to affect the main tourist trails within Valle de la Luna itself.
Early Morning (approx. 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Departure from San Pedro de Atacama
Morning (approx. 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Exploration of Valle de la Luna
Midday (approx. 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Ascent to a Dune Viewpoint
Afternoon (approx. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Sunset Viewing and Return
Important Notes:
The Valle de la Luna Trail is a popular day trip from San Pedro de Atacama, a well-established tourist town. The primary logistical consideration is transportation to the site and entry into the Los Flamencos National Reserve. Most visitors opt for organised tours, which include transportation, a guide, and often a sunset viewing. If you prefer to self-drive, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially for accessing certain viewpoints or if road conditions are less than ideal, although the main access road to the park entrance is generally well-maintained. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and you have sufficient fuel, as services are limited once you leave San Pedro.
San Pedro de Atacama itself is the perfect base. It offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels and guesthouses to comfortable hotels. The town has numerous tour operators, restaurants, ATMs, and shops selling essential gear and souvenirs. It's advisable to book accommodation and any desired tours in advance, especially during peak seasons (December-February and July-August), to secure your preferred options.
This is a day hike requiring no overnight accommodation.
Access to Valle de la Luna requires an entrance fee as it is part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve. This fee is typically paid at the park's entrance station. It is advisable to check the current fee structure with local tour operators or the Chilean National Forest Corporation (CONAF) before your visit, as prices can change. Payment is usually accepted in Chilean Pesos (CLP), and it's recommended to have cash on hand, as card facilities may not always be available or reliable at the park entrance.
The reserve is managed by CONAF, and visitor numbers are generally not capped in a way that requires advance booking for individual day hikers, unlike some more remote or sensitive national parks. However, if you are travelling during a major holiday period or a particularly busy season, it's always prudent to confirm any specific entry requirements. Organised tours will typically include the entrance fee in their package price, so confirm this when booking.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Valle De La Luna Trail (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Valle De La Luna Trail, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
San Pedro de Atacama is a gateway to a wealth of unique desert experiences. Beyond Valle de la Luna, consider these other popular excursions:
Pre-Departure Checks:
Desert Hazards:
General Safety:
Cancha de Bochas (Bowling Alley): A unique area within Valle de la Luna where perfectly spherical salt formations, resembling bowling balls, are scattered across the desert floor. These formations are a result of salt crystallization processes and are a fascinating geological curiosity.
Valle de la Luna Amphitheatre: This natural depression in the landscape offers remarkable acoustics. Visitors often test its properties by speaking or singing, and the sound carries surprisingly well. It's a natural stage formed by the erosion of the salt mountains.
Las Tres Marías (The Three Marias): These are three prominent, eroded rock pillars that stand as iconic landmarks within the valley. Their distinctive shapes are a testament to the relentless forces of wind and water erosion over thousands of years.
Dune Climbing for Sunset: The most significant "point of interest" is the experience itself. Ascending one of the larger sand dunes, particularly in the late afternoon, provides unparalleled panoramic views. As the sun begins to set, the entire valley transforms. The colours shift from muted earth tones to vibrant reds, oranges, and purples, creating a breathtaking spectacle that truly earns the valley its name.
Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range): The broader geological context of the trail. The entire area is part of this range, characterised by its dramatic, sculpted formations of salt, clay, and gypsum. Understanding that you are walking within an ancient seabed adds another layer of appreciation to the landscape.
The Valle de la Luna and the surrounding Atacama Desert are incredibly fragile ecosystems. The extreme aridity means that plant and animal life is scarce and slow to recover from disturbance. Protecting this unique environment is paramount for its preservation.
Your responsibility as a visitor:
By adhering to Leave No Trace principles, you help ensure that the surreal beauty of the Valle de la Luna can be enjoyed by future generations.
