Exploring El Tunel: A Natural Wonder in the Atacama Desert
Discover the stunning rock formations and vibrant colors of El Tunel, a must-visit natural wonder in the Atacama Desert.
Nestled within the captivating landscape of San Pedro de Atacama, El Tunel offers tourists a mesmerizing journey through nature's artistry. This unique geological formation showcases stunning rock formations and vibrant colors, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Atacama desert.
A brief summary to El Tunel
- San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, CL
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to capture the best light for photography.
- Bring water and snacks, as facilities are limited in the area.
- Wear sturdy shoes, as some paths can be rocky and uneven.
- Consider a guided tour for in-depth insights into the geological formations.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and unique rock structures.
Getting There
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Car
From Valle de la Luna, head south on Route 23 towards San Pedro de Atacama. Follow signs for San Pedro de Atacama, which is approximately 15 kilometers away. Once you reach San Pedro de Atacama, continue straight until you see the signs for El Tunel. The entrance is located at the coordinates -22.8565295, -68.2253706. Parking is available nearby, but make sure to arrive early during peak tourist seasons to secure a spot.
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Public Transportation
If you are traveling by public transport, take a local bus from Valle de la Luna to San Pedro de Atacama. Buses operate regularly, and the fare is approximately 3,000 CLP per person. Once you arrive at San Pedro, you can take a taxi or a shared shuttle to El Tunel, which is about 5 kilometers away from the main bus terminal. Ensure you confirm the fare with the driver beforehand; it should cost around 5,000 CLP to get to the site.
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Walking
For the more adventurous, if you are already in San Pedro de Atacama, you can walk to El Tunel. Start from the main square in San Pedro and head southeast towards Route 23. The walk is approximately 5 kilometers and will take about an hour. Make sure to carry water and wear sun protection, as the desert sun can be intense.
Discover more about El Tunel
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa
3.8 km
Discover unparalleled luxury and breathtaking beauty at Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa, your oasis in the Atacama Desert.
Altiplanico San Pedro de Atacama
5.7 km
Experience the Atacama Desert in comfort at Hotel Altiplanico, where traditional architecture meets modern amenities for an unforgettable stay.
San Pedro De Atacama
6.1 km
Discover the enchanting San Pedro de Atacama, where the stunning landscapes of the Atacama Desert meet rich cultural heritage.
Una Noche Con Las Estrellas
6.4 km
Experience the wonders of the universe at Una Noche Con Las Estrellas, where the night sky reveals its beauty in San Pedro de Atacama's pristine desert.
Backpackers San Pedro Hostel & Excursions
6.4 km
Discover the heart of San Pedro de Atacama at Backpackers San Pedro Hostel, where adventure awaits amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Tour Astronomico San Pedro de Atacama
6.4 km
Explore the universe under the clearest skies in the world with an unforgettable astronomical tour in San Pedro de Atacama. Stargazing adventures await!
Feria Artesanal San Pedro de Atacama
6.4 km
Discover authentic Chilean crafts, textiles, and jewelry at this vibrant artisan market in San Pedro de Atacama. Open daily, a cultural treasure!
Atacama Rock and Tours
6.5 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama with Atacama Rock and Tours, the ultimate adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers.
La Picada Del Indio
6.5 km
Discover authentic Chilean flavors at La Picada Del Indio, a culinary gem in San Pedro de Atacama, where every dish tells a story of local tradition.
Terrantai Lodge Hotel
6.5 km
Experience the beauty of the Atacama Desert at Terrantai Lodge, a boutique hotel offering comfort, culture, and stunning landscapes.
Hostal Pueblo de Tierra
6.6 km
Experience comfort and affordability at Hostal Pueblo de Tierra, your gateway to the wonders of San Pedro de Atacama and the Atacama Desert.
Alabalti Atacama
6.6 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Atacama Desert with Alabalti Atacama's exceptional guided tours.
Calle Caracoles
6.6 km
Discover the vibrant Calle Caracoles in San Pedro de Atacama, a lively street filled with artisan shops, delightful eateries, and breathtaking views of the desert.
Adobe
6.6 km
Experience the essence of Chilean cuisine at Adobe in San Pedro de Atacama, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Astronomicos.Apacheta.Sanpedro
6.6 km
Experience breathtaking stargazing in San Pedro de Atacama with Astronomicos Apacheta, your gateway to the cosmos in the Atacama Desert.
Unmissable attractions to see
Devil's Throat
1.4 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Devil's Throat in San Pedro de Atacama, where nature's artistry meets dramatic landscapes and serene tranquility.
Catarpe
2.3 km
Explore Catarpe: A breathtaking valley near San Pedro de Atacama offering stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable adventures.
Pukará de Quitor
4.0 km
Discover the ancient fortress of Pukará de Quitor, a UNESCO World Heritage site that reveals the rich history of Chile's Atacama Desert.
Puerta del Sol - Mirador Valle de la Muerte
4.2 km
Discover the stunning landscapes and vibrant sunsets at Puerta del Sol - Mirador Valle de la Muerte in the Atacama Desert, Chile.
Mars Valley / Death Valley
4.7 km
Discover the stunning beauty of Mars Valley in Death Valley, where unique geological formations meet breathtaking desert landscapes.
Cruz Papal
5.1 km
Experience the stunning vistas of Cruz Papal, an observation deck in San Pedro de Atacama, offering breathtaking views of Death Valley and the Atacama Desert.
Mirador San Pedro
5.5 km
Discover the stunning vistas of Mirador San Pedro, an iconic viewpoint in the Atacama Desert, perfect for breathtaking photography and tranquil moments.
Valle de Marte
6.0 km
Explore the stunning landscapes of Valle de Marte, a must-visit natural attraction in San Pedro de Atacama, showcasing breathtaking rock formations and vibrant colors.
Machuca
6.0 km
Explore Machuca, a charming village in San Pedro de Atacama, where stunning landscapes meet rich culture and authentic local cuisine.
Meteorite Museum
6.2 km
Explore the Meteorite Museum in San Pedro de Atacama, a treasure trove of cosmic wonders and celestial artifacts waiting to be discovered.
Museo R. P. Gustavo Le Paige, zona de recinto transitorio
6.3 km
Uncover the ancient secrets of the Atacama Desert at Museo R. P. Gustavo Le Paige, a premier archaeological museum in San Pedro de Atacama.
Iglesia San Pedro
6.6 km
Explore the historic Iglesia San Pedro, a breathtaking Catholic church in San Pedro de Atacama, rich in culture and architectural beauty.
Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama
6.6 km
Experience the vibrant heart of San Pedro de Atacama at Plaza de San Pedro, where local culture, food, and stunning landscapes converge.
Cordillera traveller
6.7 km
Discover the enchanting beauty of the Atacama Desert with Cordillera Traveller's expert-guided sightseeing tours.
Tumisa Park
6.9 km
Explore the enchanting beauty of Tumisa Park in San Pedro de Atacama, a serene oasis perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Ckausama
5.7 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Restaurant Ckausama in San Pedro de Atacama - where every dish tells a story.
San Antonio
5.8 km
Experience authentic Chilean flavors at San Antonio in San Pedro de Atacama – a must-visit culinary destination for every traveler.
Mal de Puna
6.3 km
Discover authentic Chilean cuisine at Mal de Puna in San Pedro de Atacama - where tradition meets taste in a cozy setting.
La Parada del Desierto
6.4 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at La Parada del Desierto in San Pedro de Atacama, where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
Barros Restaurante
6.4 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Barros Restaurante in San Pedro de Atacama – a culinary delight amidst breathtaking desert landscapes.
Tican Don Pedrito
6.4 km
Discover Tican Don Pedrito: A family-friendly restaurant in San Pedro de Atacama serving delicious local cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.
Paso Turistico
6.4 km
Experience authentic Chilean flavors at Paso Turistico in San Pedro de Atacama—where tradition meets breathtaking desert views.
Restaurant Tara
6.4 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine in San Pedro de Atacama at Restaurant Tara, where local flavors meet a warm ambiance.
Paso Del Inca
6.4 km
Discover authentic Chilean cuisine at Paso Del Inca, nestled in San Pedro de Atacama's stunning desert landscape.
Los Gor2
6.5 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Los Gor2 in San Pedro de Atacama - where every dish tells a story.
Las Delicias de Carmen
6.5 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Las Delicias de Carmen in San Pedro de Atacama - where tradition meets flavor.
El Huerto
6.5 km
Experience authentic Chilean flavors at El Huerto, a charming restaurant nestled in San Pedro de Atacama's scenic landscape.
LA PICÁ DEL PERRÓN
6.5 km
Experience authentic Chilean flavors at La Picá del Perrón in San Pedro de Atacama – where every dish tells a story.
Cafe Rural
6.5 km
Discover authentic Chilean cuisine at Café Rural in San Pedro de Atacama - where tradition meets flavor amidst breathtaking desert landscapes.
Ckunna
6.5 km
Savor authentic Chilean cuisine at Ckunna in San Pedro de Atacama - a culinary delight amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Mini Market / Bakery
5.5 km
Explore the flavors of San Pedro de Atacama at the Mini Market and Bakery, where fresh baked goods and local groceries await.
Valimport Supermarket
6.3 km
Discover Valimport Supermarket in San Pedro de Atacama for a local shopping experience rich in variety and convenience.
Valle de la luna
6.4 km
Explore Valle de la Luna: A mesmerizing desert landscape of unique rock formations and breathtaking sunsets in the Atacama Desert.
Martinez
6.4 km
Explore the vibrant culture of San Pedro de Atacama at Martinez, your go-to general store for local crafts and travel essentials.
Emporio Tanti
6.4 km
Discover Emporio Tanti, the go-to grocery store in San Pedro de Atacama for local snacks, beverages, and travel essentials.
Atacama Store
6.4 km
Explore Atacama Store in San Pedro de Atacama: Your one-stop shop for local goods and essential supplies in the heart of the desert.
Chañar - Taller de artesanos
6.4 km
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siempre GIRLS
6.4 km
Discover chic women's fashion at Siempre GIRLS in San Pedro de Atacama, celebrating local culture and style with every unique piece.
Almacén INKA
6.5 km
Explore authentic Chilean flavors at Almacén INKA, your local grocery store in San Pedro de Atacama, offering a unique selection of regional products.
Atacama Craft
6.5 km
Discover the essence of Atacama culture at Atacama Craft, where every handcrafted piece tells a unique story.
Galeria Kunza
6.5 km
Explore Galeria Kunza in San Pedro de Atacama for unique crafts, local art, and a taste of Chilean culture in a vibrant shopping atmosphere.
EL TELAR
6.5 km
Discover unique handcrafted souvenirs in San Pedro de Atacama at El Telar, where local artistry meets warm hospitality.
Piedras Australes
6.5 km
Explore exquisite handcrafted jewelry that captures the essence of Atacama's culture at Piedras Australes in San Pedro de Atacama.
Secondhand Outdoor Clothes
6.5 km
Shop sustainably at Secondhand Outdoor Clothes in San Pedro de Atacama for stylish, eco-friendly apparel that enhances your travel adventures.
Chile Infinito
6.5 km
Explore the finest selection of Chilean wines at Chile Infinito in San Pedro de Atacama, a must-visit destination for wine lovers.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Botilleria Nueva Atacama
6.3 km
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Perrock
6.5 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of San Pedro de Atacama at Perrock, a gastropub offering innovative dishes and a lively atmosphere.
RestoBar Nativo
6.6 km
Experience the authentic flavors of San Pedro de Atacama at RestoBar Nativo, where local cuisine meets a welcoming atmosphere.
REDSTONS food-cocktails-pizzas italianas
6.6 km
Experience the best of Italian gastronomy in San Pedro de Atacama at REDSTONS, where every pizza is a masterpiece.
ChelaCabur
6.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of San Pedro de Atacama at ChelaCabur, a lively bar with an extensive beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere.
Roots Cafe Pizza
6.7 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Roots Cafe Pizza in San Pedro de Atacama, where local ingredients meet culinary creativity in a cozy atmosphere.
Cervecería St. Peter
6.8 km
Discover the essence of Atacama at Cervecería St. Peter, a brewpub offering unique craft beers and delightful local cuisine in San Pedro.
Restobar Amigos San Pedro de Atacama
7.1 km
Experience the vibrant culture and flavors of Chile at Restobar Amigos in San Pedro de Atacama, where every meal is a celebration.
Restaurant Kunza
7.5 km
Experience the flavors of San Pedro de Atacama at Restaurant Kunza, where local ingredients meet stunning desert views for an unforgettable dining experience.
Tres Higeras
43.3 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Tres Higeras, a charming bar in San Pedro de Atacama, perfect for relaxing and enjoying local drinks amidst stunning desert views.
Paulina Coctelería
83.4 km
Discover the vibrant cocktail scene at Paulina Coctelería, where innovative drinks meet a lively atmosphere in the heart of Calama.
