Moon Valley

Moon Valley & Death Valley

Overview

This is a full-day excursion that leaves from the town of San Pedro de Atacama and travels along the mountains of the Cordillera de la Sal. This region was once a giant lake that eventually dried and rose above Chile's Atacama Desert. Millions of years of erosion by rain, wind, and sun resulted in the stratifications, different colorations, and natural sculptures that exist here today.

The first visit is to the Valle de la Luna, part of Los Flamencos National Reserve, a protected area famous for its flocks of flamingos who reside in the seasonal lakes here. The area is also known for its sand dunes and distinctive rock formations that have been shaped by thousands of years of wind and salt erosion. This caused the terrain to become similar to the lunar surface, which is how the "Valley of the Moon" got its name. One such formation, Las Tres Marias (The Three Marias") are a series of three granite and clay formations that jut dramatically out of the ground like a sculpture carved by mother nature. 

Then it's off to the Valle de la Muerte (Valley of Death). Hyperbole aside, it actually earned its name due to the high dunes with narrow ridges found throughout the area. Not surprisingly, these dunes also make ideal spots for sandboarding. The tour ends at one of the highest points of the Cordillera de la Sal—the Mirador de Kari viewpoint—which is the perfect vantage point to watch the spectacular Atacama sunset.

Itineraries with Moon Valley & Death Valley

Atacama Desert & Easter Island - 13 Days

This 13-day trip combines two bucket-list items in Chile rarely visited by tourists. Kick off with a day in Santiago before you’re jetting off again—this time to the South Pacific. Halfway between Tahiti and Chile, Easter Island is graced with white sand beaches and 600+ mysterious statues carved from volcanic rock. The second half of the trip takes place in a high-altitude desert on the mainland for sand dunes, geysers, hot springs, and starry skies—perfect for sipping Chilean wine.

Chile's Beaches & Natural Wonders - 12 Days

Stretching thousands of miles in length, Chile can feel a world away with its mountains, glaciers, deserts, and rugged coastline. This 12-day trip hits the highlights with a series of unique guided tours. Move at a relaxed pace as you make your way from the Atacama Desert in the north, to Patagonia in the south. You'll also make urban stops in Santiago, Valparaiso, and upscale Viña del Mar for two days of beachy fun.

Chile Grand Tour: Deserts, Lakes & Beaches - 15 Days

This comprehensive 15-day tour allows visitors to see the most interesting cities and regions in the whole of Chile. Moreover, some of this adventure is of the self-drive variety, meaning you'll get to hop behind the wheel and make it a road trip. It begins in the capital of Santiago with excursions to nearby Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, two of the most beautiful coastal cities in the nation. Then it's off to the high-altitude deserts of the northern Atacama and its otherworldly landscapes. The tour culminates with road trips in the Chilean ecological wonderland known as the Lake District.