"MOON VALLEY & KARI VIEWPOINT" Tour

"MOON VALLEY & KARI VIEWPOINT" Tour

MOON VALLEY & KARI VIEWPOINT — SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA: Explore one of the Atacama Desert’s most iconic and otherworldly landscapes on a visit to Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) and the Kari Viewpoint, two of the region’s must-see natural attractions just outside San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Located approximately 13 km west of San Pedro de Atacama, Moon Valley earns its name from its surreal, lunar-like terrain, shaped over millions of years by wind and water erosion. Here, salt, clay, and sandstone formations create dramatic ridges, sculpted dunes, and captivating rock structures that resemble an extraterrestrial surface. The valley’s pale salt crusts contrast with stark ridges and deep shadows, offering astonishing photographic opportunities and striking geological beauty. During a typical excursion, visitors walk among highlights such as the Great Dune, the natural Amphitheater, and the unusual Tres Marías rock formations. These areas showcase the power of geological forces and the desert’s ever-changing light and color.

The adventure culminates at the Kari Viewpoint (Mirador de Kari), also known as Piedra del Coyote, perched around 2,550 meters above sea level. From this panoramic lookout, you can admire sweeping views across the Salt Mountain Range, the valley below, and the distant Andes. Named for a distinctive rock formation that resembles the famous cartoon coyote silhouette, this viewpoint is among the most photographed spots in the Atacama and a perfect place to experience the desert’s vast scale and stark beauty. Sunset is an especially magical time here — as the low light paints the plateau in warm hues and the shadows deepen across the valley, the landscape seems to come alive with color and contrast, making it a highlight of any visit to the region. Whether you’re drawn by geology, photography, or simply the raw beauty of one of the driest places on Earth, the Moon Valley & Kari Viewpoint experience offers a profound connection with the natural wonders of the Atacama Desert.

Itinerary:

• Hotel pickup in San Pedro de Atacama to begin an unforgettable sunset excursion to one of the most romantic and iconic landscapes in South America.
• Traveling along the striking Cordillera de la Sal, we will explore the extraordinary Valley of the Moon, renowned for its surreal desert scenery. During the visit, we will discover emblematic sites such as the Great Dune, the famous Tres Marías salt formations, and Victoria Mine, with short and easy walks that allow a closer appreciation of the valley’s unique geology and textures.
• The experience concludes at the spectacular Kari Viewpoint, one of the highest observation points in the Cordillera de la Sal. From this rocky plateau, crowned by a remarkable stone formation that appears to defy gravity, we will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountain ranges. Here, we will witness a majestic sunset, as the landscape transforms with intense colors and dramatic shadows—an ideal moment for photography and quiet contemplation.
• After sunset, return to the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Estimated return time: Winter: 18:30 hrs – 19:00 hrs / Summer: 20:00 hrs – 20:30 hrs.

Includes

• Guide service in Spanish and English.
• Tickets for the Moon Valley.
• Pick-up from your accommodation,
• Snack and water.

Does not include

• Tips and gratuities.
• Professional guide in French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. If you would like a guide in these languages, please request one in advance and pay an extra fee, subject to availability.
• Other services not described in the program.

Notes:

• Level of difficulty: low.
• Minimum age required for the tour: 7 years old.
• Times are approximate and vary throughout the year depending on the season and sunset times.
• The final schedule will be reconfirmed upon arrival in San Pedro de Atacama.