"VALLEY OF THE MOON AND TASTING" Tour

"VALLEY OF THE MOON AND TASTING" Tour

VALLEY OF THE MOON – San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Located just a few kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama, the Valley of the Moon is one of the most iconic and breathtaking landscapes in the Atacama Desert. Shaped over millions of years by wind and water erosion, this extraordinary valley features dramatic rock formations, sharp ridges, vast sand dunes, and salt-covered terrain that together create a truly otherworldly atmosphere reminiscent of a lunar surface. Visitors to the Valley of the Moon are immersed in a scenery of striking contrasts, where shades of ochre, gold, and red dominate the landscape. As you explore the area, you will encounter unique geological formations such as sculpted cliffs, caves, and natural amphitheaters that reflect the powerful forces of nature at work in one of the driest deserts on Earth.

One of the highlights of the visit is witnessing the sunset, when the fading light transforms the valley into a spectacle of intense colors. The sun slowly dips behind the Andes, casting long shadows and painting the rocks with warm tones that change minute by minute, offering unforgettable photographic opportunities and moments of quiet contemplation. The Valley of the Moon is part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, making it not only a geological wonder but also a protected natural area of great environmental and cultural importance. Guided visits often include insightful explanations about the region’s geology, climate, and the ancestral cultures that once inhabited the desert.

Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking unique landscapes, a visit to the Valley of the Moon is an essential experience in San Pedro de Atacama—an unforgettable journey through one of Chile’s most extraordinary natural treasures.

Itinerary

• The tour begins with an early departure from the hotel, accompanied by a delicious breakfast, as we head toward the majestic Cordillera de la Sal. In the calm of the morning, guests will enjoy the silence and vastness of this extraordinary landscape, shaped by remarkable geological formations of salt, gypsum, and reddish earth. Our journey includes a visit to the iconic Valley of the Moon, where dramatic rock formations and otherworldly scenery reveal the power of nature over millions of years.
• We then continue toward the Ayllus, the ancient communal settlements of the Lickan-Antai people. Here, we take a gentle walk through narrow paths bordered by fertile farmland, traditional orchards, native trees, irrigation canals, and historic adobe houses, offering an authentic glimpse into ancestral desert life.
• The cultural immersion continues with a traditional tasting hosted by a local Atacameño family, featuring fresh, organic ingredients typical of the desert and high-altitude region. This moment provides a meaningful opportunity to discover local flavors while learning about traditional food practices passed down through generations.
• Our experience concludes with a visit to the ceramics workshop of a renowned local artisan, where ancestral techniques are preserved and shared. Guests will learn about the creative process behind handcrafted ceramic pieces and admire unique sculptures inspired by Andean culture and the surrounding landscape.
• After this enriching cultural and scenic experience, we return to the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.

Includes

• Guide service in Spanish and English.
• Entrance fees.
• Pick-up from your accommodation,
• Tasting of traditional products or Visit to Ceramics Workshop,
• Water.
• Breakfast.

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.
• The pickup and return times depend on the season and will be confirmed upon booking confirmation.