Valley of the Moon

The valley is a very big and impressive site. The landscape is vast, dry, and full of unusual rock formations and colours. It really does feel like you are on another planet. We joined a tour, which was good but a bit limited. We only stopped at two places inside the valley itself before heading off to the main viewpoint for sunset. The views at sunset were fantastic, wide open skies, golden light over the mountains. It was definitely the highlight of the tour. If you are happy to drive yourself, there is a lot more to explore on your own. You can stop where you like, take your time, and see more of the smaller sights within the area. The site is large, and there are walking tracks and lookouts spread around. Overall, it is well worth a visit, whether on a tour or self-drive. The scenery is unique and very different. Just be aware that tours tend to move quickly, so if you prefer to explore at your own pace, driving yourself may be the better choice.

This is the best natural reserve/park I have ever been to. It is taken care of to an incredible level. At the start you get a personal explanation of the park and there are multiple small hikes that are all worth doing. In total we walked for about 2h and drove around as well. If possible I would recommend doing it in a rental car or by bike, since you can enjoy the place at your own pace and see everything you want. Definitely a must see in this region.

We self drove The Valley of the Moon and bought tickets online in advance the morning of our visit, it’s very close to San Pedro. This place really is like another planet, a landscape unlike any other. We were blown away by its beauty.

Roxana was an incredible tour guide. She was extremely knowledgeable about La Paz, being a native and about the rock formations and legend behind the creations of these formations. She guided us slowly and talked to us about Neil Armstrong and the moon ways of the land, how protected it is and what it's made of. Roxana was an amazing photographer as well. I really enjoyed my time doing this tour.

Valley of the Moon is absolutely stunning and a must-visit if you’re in the area. The landscapes are otherworldly, with incredible rock formations and breathtaking views, especially at sunset. It’s an unforgettable experience. One small point — the speed limit throughout the park is set at just 20kph, which felt unnecessarily slow at times. But it’s a minor inconvenience compared to the beauty of the place. Highly recommend!

Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna) in Chile is an absolutely stunning and unforgettable destination! Located just outside San Pedro de Atacama, this place truly lives up to its name—the landscapes are so surreal and dramatic that you feel like you’ve landed on another planet. The salt flats, jagged rock formations, and massive sand dunes create a breathtaking backdrop that is perfect for photography and exploring. I visited during sunset, and the colors were just incredible—the sky turned shades of pink, orange, and purple, and the whole valley seemed to glow. The views from the top of the sand dunes and the Kari Viewpoint are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas over the Atacama Desert and the distant Andes mountains. Walking the trails through the valley, I was amazed by the unique rock formations like the Amphitheater and Las Tres Marías, as well as the salt caves and canyons. The site is well-organized, with clear trails and friendly staff who help protect the fragile environment. There are basic facilities at the entrance, but I recommend bringing plenty of water, sun protection, and a camera to capture the ever-changing light and scenery. It’s easy to visit on your own by car or bike, but I joined a guided tour and learned a lot about the geology and history of the area. If you’re in San Pedro de Atacama, you absolutely can’t miss Valley of the Moon. It’s one of the most unique and beautiful places I’ve ever seen, and the sunset experience is truly magical. Highly recommended for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for an adventure in Chile!

The Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna) in Chile's Atacama Desert is one of those places that truly earns the overused phrase "like another planet." Rugged, lifeless, and eerily beautiful, it feels like walking across the surface of Mars — only it's here, just outside the small desert town of San Pedro de Atacama. With jagged salt formations, sand dunes, rust-colored canyons, and dramatic sunsets that turn the whole landscape to gold and crimson, this valley is one of South America’s top natural highlights, and for many, the heart of the Atacama experience. The Valley of the Moon in Chile's Atacama Desert, with its otherworldly, Mars-like landscape, has been a popular filming location for movies and documentaries that require surreal, extraterrestrial settings. Here are some notable productions filmed there or in the surrounding Atacama region: Quantum of Solace (2008) The Mandalorian (TV Series, 2019– ) The Last Days on Mars (2013)

What an extraordinary place and we were fortunate to have a very informative Guide who after telling us about the geological formations took us to the sunset viewpoint. This was magical. The Valle de la Luna is located about and 17 km west of San Pedro de Atacama and is part of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range) and the Los Flamencos National Reserve. It has beautiful lunar-like landscape with unique geological formations shaped by wind and water, including salt flats, dunes, caverns, and sculptural saline outcrops. The area is one of the driest on Earth, with no flora or fauna due to its extreme aridity.