The Valley of Mars in the Atacama
The Valle de la Muerte, also known as the Valley of Mars or Death Valley, is one of the most popular attractions in the Atacama Desert. Between dunes and ancient formations, a large canyon reveals an exuberant view of the Andes.
Among the incredible sequence of volcanoes that can be seen from the top of Valle de la Muerte, it is worth highlighting the symmetrical and most important volcano in Atacama, the great Licancábur.
Like the Valle de la Luna, Valle de la Muerte is located near the town of San Pedro de Atacama, at an altitude of around 2,500 meters. That’s why this attraction is a great choice for the start of your trip, during the acclimatization period.
How to visit Valle de la Muerte
Each agency offers travelers a different option, you can explore Death Valley by trekking, horseback riding, bike riding and even sandboarding.
It’s very common to do married day trips, where you’ll visit both Valle de la Luna and Valle de la Muerte.
As well as being a great tour to visit in the first few days of your itinerary, our recommendation is that you go there with an agency and a responsible guide. As well as ensuring greater safety, you’ll get historical and geological information about the region.
Information about Valle de la Muerte
For those who prefer a guided tour, the FlaviaBia Expediciones agency, which we recommend as one of the best options for your trip, offers the Luna and Marte Trekking, where travelers will have the opportunity to explore the two attractions on a delightful hike.
The trekking at these two points is considered easy and can be done by most travelers who don’t have mobility problems. It’s worth noting that there are some uphill and downhill sections, which require a certain amount of balance. However, the poles provided by the agency, as well as the support of the guide, make the tour very easy.
For those who prefer to go on their own, in the center of San Pedro de Atacama there are agencies that rent bikes and sandboarding equipment – in this case, they also offer transportation at set times.
Tips for enjoying the Valle de la Muerte tour
Like Valle de la Luna, Valle de La Muerte is not a high altitude walk, being 2.500 meters above sea level – the same altitude as the town of San Pedro de Atacama. If you choose a tour that starts very early in the morning or includes sunset, take some clothing to protect yourself during the coldest times of the day.
To protect yourself and enjoy the ride, our suggestion is a jacket that isn’t too heavy and, if possible, is windproof. This model is a good option because, if you need to carry it during the walk, it won’t be a nuisance. It’s worth prioritizing closed, comfortable walking shoes, so you don’t get sand in them and you can walk more safely.
Outside of winter, temperatures tend to rise in the Valle de la Muerte region and it is possible to go on walks in cooler clothes. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of the time of your trip when preparing your suitcase.
It is also very important to always have a bottle of water, sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen with you. The Valle de la Muerte region has intense sunlight and few shady spots, so it’s important to be protected – especially around midday.
Important: Book your hotel in advance here!
Photos of Death Valley in Atacama Desert
Which agency to hire in Atacama
Our suggestion is that you book your tours with registered and well-recommended agencies. The best agency we can recommend in San Pedro de Atacama is FlaviaBia ExpedicionesflaviaBia Expediciones, a company that we have known since it began operations and has an excellent track record in terms of traveler satisfaction.
For those who value a good experience, tours without a large number of people, comfortable and safe cars and, of course, professional guides, this is undoubtedly one of the best alternatives for your trip.
We recommend FlaviaBia's work transparently. We know the work closely and have already done all the activities offered, testing and guaranteeing the quality of the service.
You can contact the agency directly using the form and receive all the information you need for your trip.
The FlaviaBia Expediciones agency was created by Flavia, who raised her family in the desert and today is a benchmark for quality service in San Pedro de Atacama.
Travelers who have already visited Valle de la Muerte
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