Valley of the Moon

Valle de la Luna

This stunning geological formation features colorful rock formations, sand dunes, and otherworldly ridges that resemble an alien landscape. The valley is particularly magical during sunset when the rocks display brilliant hues of red, orange, and purple.

Things to do

• Sunset Viewing at Main Ridge — Watch the colorful rock formations shift through brilliant reds, oranges, and purples as the sun descends, creating the valley's most iconic experience.
• Hiking the Colorful Ridges — Trek across the otherworldly multicolored ridges and peaks to explore the geological formations up close and discover hidden viewpoints.
• Sand Dune Exploration — Traverse the golden and rust-colored sand dunes that surround the valley, offering panoramic views of the entire landscape.
• Photography Tour at Three Marias — Visit the famous Three Marias rock formation, a photographer's paradise known for its distinctive triple peaks and vivid mineral coloring.
• Stargazing at Night — Experience some of Chile's clearest night skies as the Atacama's minimal light pollution reveals the Milky Way in spectacular detail.
• Camel Trek Experience — Ride llamas or alpacas across the desert landscape for a unique perspective of the valley's geological formations.

Food to try

• Empanadas Salteñas — Baked pastry pockets filled with meat, potatoes, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, a classic Andean staple found throughout the Atacama region.
• Chorrillana — A hearty Chilean dish of french fries topped with meat, fried onions, and melted cheese, perfect fuel for active desert exploration.
• Fresh Maize and Squash Dishes — Local produce from nearby oasis settlements prepared simply to highlight the flavors of vegetables grown in this arid region.
• Pan de Queso — Warm cheese bread made with fresh local cheese, a comforting snack commonly sold at valley entrances and local markets.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive Early or Stay for Sunset — Most visitors come for sunset (around 6-7 PM depending on season), so arrive in late afternoon or come earlier to avoid crowds and experience the landscape in different light.
• High Altitude Acclimatization — The valley sits at 2,400 meters elevation; drink plenty of water and move slowly to adjust to the altitude before engaging in strenuous hiking.
• Respect Indigenous Heritage — The Atacama region is ancestral Kunza and Aymara land; be respectful of any local communities and cultural sites you encounter during your visit.
• Hire a Local Guide — Official guides from San Pedro de Atacama provide essential context about the geological formations and ensure you don't miss key viewpoints safely.