Desierto de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama is the gateway town to the Atacama Desert.

From here, you can join multi-day tours that take you to the desert’s main attractions.
On the tour I joined, Rainbow Valley and the stargazing tour required separate reservations.

There are several local tour agencies in town, so you can also book directly upon arrival.

The Moon Valley tour begins with a visit to several lakes.

The lakes in the Atacama Desert shimmer in emerald green, surrounded by white salt crusts that create a striking and surreal contrast of colors.

Valle de la Luna, or “Moon Valley,” is a mystical place where otherworldly terrain and colors evoke the surface of the moon.

Sculpted over centuries by wind and rare rainfall, its eroded rocks and sand dunes create a surreal landscape that leaves a lasting impression.

Valle de la Luna, or “Moon Valley,” is a mystical landscape where unique terrain and hues unfold like the surface of the moon.

Shaped over centuries by wind and rare rainfall, its eroded rocks and sand dunes create a surreal scene that feels truly otherworldly.

The tour begins with daytime exploration of the dunes and rocky hills, followed by a breathtaking sunset view over the valley.
Especially at dusk, the scenery becomes majestic—the barren terrain bathed in orange and pink light against the vast desert sky is nothing short of spectacular.

Atacama Salt Flat offers a stunning view of flamingos wading gracefully.

With a clear blue sky and a mirror-like water surface,
this place creates a dreamlike scene that’s perfect for photographers.

Due to its extreme dryness, the region is renowned as one of the world’s premier stargazing destinations.
You can witness a sky filled with countless stars—an unforgettable experience.

Stargazing in the Atacama Desert requires booking a separate tour.
Nights can be extremely cold, so proper cold-weather gear is essential.