Explore the Mystical Atacama Desert

Getting There

• Car

  To reach the Atacama Desert from Valle de la Luna, start by taking Route 23 from Valle de la Luna towards San Pedro de Atacama. The drive is approximately 10 km and should take about 15 minutes. Once you reach San Pedro de Atacama, continue on Route 23 for another 50 km, following the signs towards Antofagasta. After you cross the town of Toconao, you'll start to see signs indicating the direction to the Atacama Desert. The total driving distance is about 60 km from Valle de la Luna to the Atacama Desert, and you should budget for gas, which might cost around CLP 3,000-5,000 depending on your vehicle's consumption.

• Public Transport

  If you prefer public transport, start by taking a bus from the main bus terminal in San Pedro de Atacama to Antofagasta. You'll need to first travel from Valle de la Luna to San Pedro de Atacama, which can be done by taxi or a local shuttle (costing approximately CLP 5,000-10,000 for taxi). The bus ride from San Pedro de Atacama to Antofagasta takes around 4-5 hours and costs about CLP 7,000-15,000, depending on the bus company. Once you arrive in Antofagasta, you can take a local taxi or public transport to reach specific areas of the Atacama Desert.

• Taxi or Rideshare

  For a more direct approach, you can hire a taxi or use a rideshare service from Valle de la Luna straight to the Atacama Desert. This option is more expensive, costing anywhere from CLP 30,000 to CLP 50,000, but it provides a convenient and comfortable travel experience, especially if you're traveling in a group. The journey should take around 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.