Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Natural landscape · San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta
Valle de la Muerte
Valley of reddish ridges and a large dune in the Cordillera de la Sal, a few kilometers from San Pedro. Popular for hikes, cyclists and sandboard runs.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Valle de la Muerte
Valle de la Muerte, also called Valle de Marte, is a narrow valley in the Cordillera de la Sal, a few kilometers west of San Pedro de Atacama. Its reddish rock walls, salt ridges and a large sand dune create a landscape that locals and visitors compare to the surface of Mars.
There are two stories about the name. One version attributes the Mars comparison to a foreign geologist who studied the region and says that, because of his accent, Chileans understood “Muerte.” The other links the name to the almost total lack of life in the valley, where there is no water or vegetation.
The valley is popular for walks among the formations, bike rides and sandboarding, the descent of the dune on a board, usually done with an instructor and equipment from local agencies. A natural viewpoint on the rocks shows the valley and, in the distance, the Licancabur volcano.
Entrance is paid at the gate, without prior reservation; bring cash, because cards are not always accepted. Agency tours usually include the fee.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one and a half to two hours to walk and climb to the viewpoint; sandboarding takes a morning or an afternoon.
Best time
Sunset draws those who want to see the red rocks in low light. For sandboarding, the morning is cooler and the sand heats up less. In January and February, summer rains on the high plateau sometimes suspend activities.
How to get there
It’s about 3 km from the center of San Pedro, leaving via Ruta 23 toward Calama. It’s roughly a 10-minute drive or a short bike ride with some uphill sections.
Tip
For sandboarding, wear clothes that can get full of sand and bring sunglasses. Climbing the dune on foot is more tiring than it seems because of the altitude: go at your own pace and stop to breathe.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Valle de la Muerte
Are Valle de la Muerte and Valle de Marte the same place?
Yes. Both names are used for the same valley in the Cordillera de la Sal, near San Pedro de Atacama.
Do you need an agency to do sandboarding in Valle de la Muerte?
For sandboarding, it's common to hire an agency, which provides the board, an instructor and transport. For walking or biking, you can go independently and pay the entrance fee at the gate.
How long does it take from San Pedro to Valle de la Muerte?
About 10 minutes by car. By bicycle the route is short but includes climbs.