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Calama, San Pedro & Valle de la Luna: Route Guide

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The Valle de la Luna's ridges glowing at sunset
Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A three-day April–November journey from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama and Valle de la Luna’s desert formations. Arrange the Valle de la Luna vehicle visit and dated admission in advance; high-altitude lagoons, geysers and stargazing outings are separate choices.

Calama, San Pedro & Valle de la Luna is a 115 km one-way journey (mixed transport). It works best as a 3-day trip; the plan below is the 3-day version for May, built from 77 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

3
days
115km
distance
3
Stops
77
curated stops

View ready-made plans 3-day plan · best time to go

The route

Calama public desert-history arrival day→ 100 kmSan Pedro public Lickanantay and oasis-heritage day→ 15 kmValle de la Luna confirmed reserved vehicle circuit day
Stone terraces at Pukará de Quitor above the oasis near San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama · Day 2

Pukará de Quitor

Stand atop an ancient fortress and take in breathtaking panoramic views.

3-day plan →

Photo: Vessna · CC BY-SA 3.0

What you'll see

St. John the Baptist Cathedral
Feel the city's heart at Plaza 23 de Mayo's grand cathedral.
Calama public desert-history arrival day
San Pedro public Lickanantay and oasis-heritage circuit
Use public town, oasis and Lickanantay heritage with a gradual altitude pace. High-altitude or provider excursions remain separate.
San Pedro public Lickanantay and oasis-heritage day
Valle de la Luna confirmed reserved vehicle circuit
Use only the dated pre-booked Valle de la Luna vehicle circuit and signed trails. Pedestrian entry, off-route driving and an automatic sunset slot are not implied.
Valle de la Luna confirmed reserved vehicle circuit day
Memorial for '73 Disappeared
Reflect at this solemn desert memorial on the path to San Pedro.
Calama public desert-history arrival day
Calama public desert-history arrival circuit
Use a bounded public Calama arrival and desert-history orientation. Mine tours and industrial access are not included.
Calama public desert-history arrival day

Choose your length

3-day plan7 stops · 3.7 h transit2.3 stops/day · 1.2 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November

A three-day April–November lower-desert journey from Calama to San Pedro and a pre-booked Valle de la Luna vehicle circuit. Higher lagoons, geysers, volcanoes and provider excursions remain separate.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

View ready-made plans