San Pedro De Atacama: Vallecito Valley + Magic Bus

San Pedro de Atacama is a captivating destination in Chile’s Atacama Desert, offering visitors an unforgettable experience in the Vallecito Valley. This otherworldly landscape, marked by ancient water channels and vast sand dunes, is a true marvel to explore. One of the highlights of the tour is the enigmatic "Magic Bus," an abandoned vehicle that stands as a testament to the region’s captivating history. As the day draws to a close, the breathtaking sunset at Vallecito enchants onlookers with its vibrant hues, showcasing the Atacama’s natural beauty in a mesmerizing display. Delve deeper into this enchanting adventure to uncover the secrets that San Pedro de Atacama and its Vallecito Valley hold.

Key Points

• The Vallecito Valley tour in San Pedro de Atacama showcases a lunar-like landscape with ancient water channels and captivating sand dunes.
• The tour includes a stop at the "Magic Bus" area, featuring an abandoned bus in a surreal desert setting.
• Visitors can witness a breathtaking sunset over the Salt Mountain Range, providing a stunning finale to the tour.
• The tour is led by a bilingual guide, ensuring accessibility and insights for diverse participants.
• The tour offers flexible booking options, free cancellation, and wheelchair accessibility, making it inclusive for all travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers visitors a chance to experience the stunning Vallecito lunar landscapes, where ancient water channels, sand dunes, and breathtaking sunset views abound.

Lasting 5 hours, the tour departs from downtown San Pedro de Atacama, with prices starting at $60 per person.

Booking is flexible, as there’s no upfront payment required, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Pickup from your accommodation is included, and a bilingual guide in Spanish and English is provided.

The itinerary highlights include visiting the Salt Mountain Range viewpoint, exploring the Valle del Micro (Magic Bus area), and witnessing the captivating sand dunes before enjoying a sunset from Vallecito.

Booking Information

Booking the Vallecito Valley tour is flexible, as there’s no upfront payment required. Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for full refunds. To check availability, visitors can inquire about starting times.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all. The booking process is straightforward and hassle-free, giving travelers the freedom to plan their San Pedro de Atacama adventure with ease.

Tour Details

Pickup from one’s accommodation is included, with travelers asked to wait in the lobby at the specified departure time.

The tour is led by a bilingual guide fluent in both Spanish and English, making it accessible to a wide range of participants.

Plus, the tour is wheelchair-friendly, ensuring accessibility for all.

The itinerary departs between 3:00 and 4:10 PM, with highlights including a visit to the viewpoint of the Salt Mountain Range, exploration of the Valle del Micro (Magic Bus area) with an abandoned bus, discovery of ancient water channels, and the opportunity to witness sand dunes and enjoy a beautiful sunset from the Vallecito region.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing between 3:00 – 4:10 PM, the tour first takes visitors to a viewpoint overlooking the impressive Salt Mountain Range.

Next, the group explores the Valle del Micro, also known as the Magic Bus area, where an old abandoned bus sits amidst the lunar-like landscape.

Guests then discover the ancient water channels and witness the captivating sand dunes that characterize the Vallecito region.

The highlight of the tour is the beautiful sunset witnessed from Vallecito, offering a stunning backdrop of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Throughout the experience, the bilingual tour guide provides insights into the unique geology and history of this captivating area.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Inclusions and Recommendations

The tour includes shared transportation, pick-up and drop-off, a bilingual tour guide, a cocktail, and all relevant fees.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a camera and wear comfortable clothes to fully enjoy the experience.

Plus, the following recommendations should be kept in mind:

1. Alcohol, drugs, and littering are strictly prohibited on the tour.
2. Guests should be prepared for the variable weather conditions in the Atacama Desert.
3. It’s advised to pack snacks and water to stay hydrated during the 5-hour excursion.

Exploring Vallecito Landscapes

As visitors embark on the Vallecito Valley tour, they’re transported to a lunar-like landscape that has captivated explorers for centuries. The vast, open expanses are dotted with ancient water channels and stunning sand dunes, offering a glimpse into the region’s geological history.

One of the highlights is the "Magic Bus" area, where an abandoned old bus sits amidst the otherworldly scenery, inviting visitors to explore and capture the unique setting.

The tour culminates with a breathtaking sunset over the Salt Mountain Range, leaving travelers in awe of the raw, untamed beauty of this remarkable desert landscape.

Visiting the Magic Bus

Nestled within the captivating Vallecito Valley lies the "Magic Bus" area, a peculiar highlight of the tour. Visitors are drawn to this abandoned vehicle, a remnant of a bygone era, standing amidst the surreal lunar landscapes.

As they explore the site, they’ll discover:

1. The intriguing history of the bus, which once served as a means of transportation for local communities.
2. The striking contrast between the weathered, rusting exterior of the bus and the serene, otherworldly surroundings.
3. The opportunity to capture unique and awe-inspiring photographs, framing the bus against the majestic sand dunes and ancient water channels.

This stop on the tour offers a glimpse into the region’s past and the resilience of nature in the face of human activity.

Sunset at Vallecito

After exploring the intriguing Magic Bus area, the tour continues to the highlight of the day – the breathtaking sunset at Vallecito.

Travelers are taken to a prime viewpoint overlooking the lunar-like landscape, where they can witness the sun dip below the surrounding mountains.

As the sky transforms into a stunning display of reds, oranges, and pinks, the group takes in the serene atmosphere and captures the moment with their cameras.

This is the perfect finale to the tour, leaving visitors awed by the natural beauty of the Atacama Desert and its mesmerizing sunset vistas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

This tour may be suitable for families with young children. It includes wheelchair accessibility, a bilingual guide, and a 5-hour duration. However, the activity level and potential hazards like dunes and an abandoned bus should be considered for young children’s safety and comfort.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. The tour operator allows flexibility in the itinerary, so you can discuss your interests with the guide and tailor the experience to suit your needs.

Is There Any Age or Height Restriction for This Tour?

There are no age or height restrictions for this Vallecito tour. It’s suitable for all ages and abilities, as the tour is wheelchair accessible. Children are welcome to join the excursion.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour. However, the tour operator recommends enjoying the complimentary cocktail provided. Bringing excessive food or alcohol is discouraged, as it may distract from the tour experience.

Is There a Safety Briefing Provided Before the Tour Starts?

The tour includes a safety briefing before the start, where the guide covers important information and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. They’ll also address any questions or concerns.

The Sum Up

Vallecito Valley in San Pedro de Atacama offers an unforgettable desert experience. Visitors can explore the captivating lunar landscapes, including the iconic "Magic Bus" set against a striking backdrop. The tour culminates with a breathtaking sunset that showcases the Atacama Desert’s natural beauty, leaving guests in awe of the region’s mesmerizing environment. This tour provides a unique opportunity to take in San Pedro de Atacama’s remarkable landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: