Valle de la Muerte (Valle de Marte)
Valle de la Muerte
A canyon on the western side of San Pedro, where red cliffs alternate with towering dunes. It is a popular spot for sandboarding and sunset viewing.
The Valley of Death, also known as the Mars Valley, was formed by erosion of the Cordillera de la Sal. Ochre-red cliffs, sharp ridges, and large dunes create a landscape that looks almost like Mars. You can hike or cycle into the canyon. The dunes are Atacama’s most popular sandboarding area. At the viewpoint in the evening, you can watch the sun set over the valley and the distant Licancabur volcano. It is managed by an Indigenous community, and the entry fee is charged in Chilean pesos. It is open from about 8:00 until sunset. It is only about 3 kilometers from the town center, so you can ride a bicycle there, but be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Opening hours
About 08:00 until sunset
Nearby sights
- Piedra del Coyote (Mirador de Kari)
- Pukará de Quitor
- Church of San Pedro de Atacama
- San Pedro de Atacama
- R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum
- Aldea de Tulor
- Valle de la Luna (Atacama)
- Laguna Cejar