The Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) is about 13 km west of San Pedro de Atacama and general admission costs CLP 10,800 in 2026, with a reduced fare of CLP 5,400 for children, students and seniors. Tickets are bought online in advance on Puntoticket, the valley's sales channel, and are mandatory for visitors driving their own car without an agency. It is part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, has been a Nature Sanctuary since 1982 and its entrance is run by Atacameño communities in co-management with Conaf, Chile's forestry and parks agency.
It is San Pedro's classic excursion: a landscape of salt, clay and sand eroded by the wind in the Cordillera de la Sal, more than 2,500 metres above sea level, which turns red and purple at sunset.
Sanctuary facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Cordillera de la Sal, San Pedro de Atacama municipality, Antofagasta Region |
| Distance | 13 km west of San Pedro and about 110 km southeast of Calama |
| Altitude | More than 2,500 metres above sea level |
| Protection | Nature Sanctuary since 1982, within the Los Flamencos National Reserve |
| Management | Valle de la Luna Indigenous Association (communities of Coyo, Larache, San Pedro, Sequitor, Solor and Quitor), co-managing with Conaf |
| Rocks | Sedimentary, with layers of salt, gypsum, clay and sand |
Sources: Puntoticket (the valley's sales channel), Chile Travel and Wikipedia.
Valle de la Luna tickets and opening hours
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| General admission | CLP 10,800 |
| Children, students and seniors | CLP 5,400 (categories vary by channel; check when buying) |
| Atacameños with an indigenous status certificate | Free |
| Opening | 9:00 a.m. |
| Last group entry | Until 5:30 p.m., according to Chile Travel |
| Kari viewpoint | 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. |
| Bicycle entry | 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., exit by 3:00 p.m. |
| Groups | Maximum 12 people per group |
Sources: Puntoticket (official sales channel, checked on October 21, 2026) and Chile Travel. Hours change between winter and summer; confirm them when buying.
What to see in the Valle de la Luna
| Sector | What it is | Visit time |
|---|---|---|
| Duna Mayor viewpoint | Giant dune with a 360° view of the valley | Up to 40 minutes on the route; 10 minutes per group at the viewpoint |
| Amphitheatre | Large horseshoe-shaped rock formation | Short stop |
| Mina Victoria | Remains of an old salt mine | 30 minutes |
| Tres Marías | Natural sculptures of stone and salt | Walk of up to 15 minutes |
| Kari viewpoint | The classic spot to watch the sunset | Up to 60 minutes per group |
Source: Chile Travel. You move between sectors by car or bicycle, with short walks at each one. A park ranger registers each group on entry and explains the rules.
How to get there from San Pedro
- On a tour: the simplest option. San Pedro agencies leave in the afternoon to arrive for sunset and usually include the ticket.
- By car: 13 to 15 km from San Pedro (about 20 minutes). You must buy the ticket online beforehand.
- By bicycle: many travellers rent one in San Pedro; there are special entry hours and a helmet, reflective vest and water are mandatory.
- To get to San Pedro: fly to Calama and then drive about 100 km; see the Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama route if you travel overland.
Rules inside the reserve
- You may not leave the marked trails.
- Eating and drinking alcohol inside the valley are prohibited.
- Pets and drones are not allowed.
- Large motorhomes and buggies are not admitted.
- Anyone breaking the rules is expelled without a refund.
- If bad weather prevents the visit, the ticket can be used another day or refunded, according to Puntoticket.
Tips for visiting the Valle de la Luna
- Arrive early for sunset: if you go on your own, enter before 3:30 p.m. to see the sectors calmly and reach the Kari viewpoint before it fills up.
- Water and sun: bring at least 1.5 litres per person, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen; radiation is very high.
- First day of acclimatisation: at 2,500 metres and with short walks, it is a good first-day trip before going up to the El Tatio geysers, above 4,000 metres.
- Combine: San Pedro has salt flats, high-altitude lagoons and hot springs; see what to do in San Pedro de Atacama.
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See advertising optionsFrequently asked questions
How much is the Valle de la Luna entrance fee?
CLP 10,800 for general admission and CLP 5,400 reduced, according to Puntoticket on October 21, 2026. Atacameños with an indigenous status certificate enter free.
What time is sunset in the Valle de la Luna?
It depends on the time of year. The Kari viewpoint, the classic sunset spot, is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. according to Puntoticket; arrive in good time.
Can you visit the Valle de la Luna without a tour?
Yes, by car or bicycle, but you must buy the ticket online beforehand and respect the entry hours.
