Plizio Visual Lab

Valle de la Luna

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Valle de la Luna, or Moon Valley, is located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile and is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary, lunar-like landscape. Situated within the Los Flamencos National Reserve, it was carved over millennia by wind and water erosion acting on complex salt, sand, and stone formations. The extreme environmental conditions and near-total lack of moisture make it one of the driest places on Earth. Particularly striking features include the 'Three Marys' formations and a natural amphitheater that glows in spectacular shades of red and gold during sunset. The ground is often encrusted with a white layer of salt, enhancing its otherworldly and alien appearance. Scientists frequently use the valley as a testing ground for Mars rovers due to its geological similarities to the Red Planet. Valle de la Luna is an essential destination for travelers seeking to experience the raw beauty and geological diversity of the Chilean desert first-hand.

Location: Chile
Top sights: Plano Hacienca · Three Maries · Mina crisanta

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	16	15	15	13	10	9	8	10	11	13	15	15
Rain mm	6	7	4	1	2	0	1	1	0	0	1	3

📋 Practical info

🚪

Visiting

Valle de la Luna is a protected natural area that can only be visited on guided tours or with an off-road vehicle. Entry is fee-based, with the ticket office located at the park entrance.

🕒

Typical hours

The park is typically open from sunrise to sunset, exact times vary by season. Guided tours usually depart early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.

📷

Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the valley, especially spectacular are sunset shots with the colored sand formations. A tripod is useful for long exposures of the bizarre rock structures.

⏱️

Time needed

A guided tour usually lasts between 2 and 3 hours, depending on how many viewpoints are visited. For individual exploration by car, allow about 1.5 hours for the main route.

➕

Combine with

Valle de la Luna is just a few kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama and combines ideally with the Atacama Salt Flat (Salar de Atacama) or the El Tatio geysers. Many operators sell combination tours.

🧭

Getting there

From San Pedro de Atacama, the valley is reached by car in about 20 minutes via Route 23. Alternatively, many agencies in San Pedro offer guided tours with hotel pickup.

💡

Insider tip

Wear a windproof jacket as the valley is often very windy, especially late afternoon. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential because the light reflection on the bright sand is extremely intense.

Geography

Coordinates

-22.87000, -68.27000

Facts

Part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve since 1982.
One of the driest places on Earth with minimal precipitation.
Famous for the 'Three Marys' rock formation.
Contains massive dunes and salt lakes at 2,500m altitude.
Used by NASA as a testing ground for Mars expeditions.
The landscape was formed by complex tectonic folding.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Aldea de Tulor5 km · NWExplore →

Pukará de Quitor6 km · NExplore →

Los Flamencos National Reserve16 km · NWExplore →

Salar de Atacama Lithium Plant32 km · WExplore →

El Tatio Geysers37 km · NEExplore →

Licancabur43 km · NExplore →

Pukará de Lasana47 km · SEExplore →

Laguna Blanca51 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Valle de la Luna (3)

Plano Hacienca 📍 landmark

An expansive historic estate plain located near the dramatic, lunar-like formations of the desert valley.

Three Maries 🌿 nature

A striking viewpoint showcasing three distinct natural salt and clay statues shaped by centuries of desert wind.

Mina crisanta 📍 landmark

An abandoned salt mine that illustrates the region's harsh historical mineral extraction amidst lunar landscapes.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called 'Moon Valley'?

Because of its bizarre salt and rock formations that resemble a lunar landscape.

When is the best time to visit?

At sunset, when the colors of the mountains change from gold to deep red.

Where is the valley located?

In the Atacama Desert, about 13 km west of San Pedro de Atacama.

Is it allowed to climb the dunes?

In some areas, walking on them is strictly prohibited to protect the formations. Please follow the signs.

Is there water for sale there?

No, there are no shops in the park. Be sure to bring plenty of water from San Pedro.

Valle de la Luna: where is it located?

Valle de la Luna is located in Chile.

Valle de la Luna: what is there to see?

Highlights include Plano Hacienca, Three Maries, Mina crisanta.

Valle de la Luna: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

Valle de la Luna: why is it worth visiting?

Valle de la Luna, or Moon Valley, is located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile and is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary, lunar-like landscape.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Valle de la Luna

Best time to visit & climate