2-Day Itinerary in ALMA and the Valley of the Moon
LANDSCAPES:
DESERT AND ALTIPLANO
Updated on 25 de September, 2025
Cosmic science and ancestral landscapes in Atacama
2 DAYS
TEMPORADA RECOMENDADA
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
ALMA Observatory and Los Flamencos National Reserve
Before moving on to the itinerary, it is essential that you have previously registered with the ALMA Observatory on its official website. Also, keep in mind that visits take place on weekends. If you already have your tickets, you will start your day by boarding a bus that will pick you up in San Pedro de Atacama.
Inside its modern facilities, you will learn about the incredible technology and discoveries that have redefined our understanding of the universe. Through educational talks, you will learn how its antennas work in the operations center, in an experience that lasts approximately three hours and will bring you closer to the secrets of the cosmos.
After returning to San Pedro for lunch, the journey continues to the Los Flamencos National Reserve. There you will enter the heart of the Atacama Salt Flat, a unique ecosystem where the sky merges with the salt crust. Elegant flamingos await you, protagonists of a natural landscape of breathtaking beauty.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
ALMA Observatory and Los Flamencos National Reserve
Before moving on to the itinerary, it is essential that you have previously registered with the ALMA Observatory on its official website. Also, keep in mind that visits take place on weekends. If you already have your tickets, you will start your day by boarding a bus that will pick you up in San Pedro de Atacama.
Inside its modern facilities, you will learn about the incredible technology and discoveries that have redefined our understanding of the universe. Through educational talks, you will learn how its antennas work in the operations center, in an experience that lasts approximately three hours and will bring you closer to the secrets of the cosmos.
After returning to San Pedro for lunch, the journey continues to the Los Flamencos National Reserve. There you will enter the heart of the Atacama Salt Flat, a unique ecosystem where the sky merges with the salt crust. Elegant flamingos await you, protagonists of a natural landscape of breathtaking beauty.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Let's learn about stars and galaxies
Dedicate the morning to exploring the history of the area with a visit to the Pukará de Quitor. This Atacameño fortress, more than 700 years old, located a few kilometers from San Pedro, offers an incredible panoramic view of the valley and the oasis.
In the afternoon, prepare for an out-of-this-world experience in the Valley of the Moon, a nature sanctuary declared a Natural Monument. Its dunes, rock craters, and salt outcrops will make you feel like you are walking on the lunar surface.
The tour is done by vehicle, stopping at key points such as the salt caverns, the Duna Mayor, and the rock formations of the Tres Marías. End your day waiting for the famous sunset, when the lights change and paint the Andes Mountains with unforgettable colors.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Let's learn about stars and galaxies
Dedicate the morning to exploring the history of the area with a visit to the Pukará de Quitor. This Atacameño fortress, more than 700 years old, located a few kilometers from San Pedro, offers an incredible panoramic view of the valley and the oasis.
In the afternoon, prepare for an out-of-this-world experience in the Valley of the Moon, a nature sanctuary declared a Natural Monument. Its dunes, rock craters, and salt outcrops will make you feel like you are walking on the lunar surface.
The tour is done by vehicle, stopping at key points such as the salt caverns, the Duna Mayor, and the rock formations of the Tres Marías. End your day waiting for the famous sunset, when the lights change and paint the Andes Mountains with unforgettable colors.
What you should know
How to get there by air
To get to San Pedro de Atacama, you must fly from Santiago to El Loa Airport in Calama. From there, a transfer or bus will take you to the town in a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Another option is to land in Antofagasta and enjoy the northern coast before your trip.
How to get there by land
From Calama, you must travel 100 kilometers along Route 23 to reach San Pedro de Atacama, a journey of approximately one and a half hours that you can make in a private vehicle, bus, or transfer. To explore attractions such as ALMA or the valleys, it is recommended to hire organized tours that include transfers.
Climate and clothing
Atacama has an extreme thermal oscillation. Sunny days require light clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. At night and at high altitudes, the temperature drops drastically, making it essential to wear a thick jacket, hat, and gloves to be prepared.
Must-Know Tips
The key to this itinerary is anticipation. The visit to ALMA must be booked months in advance on its website. For parks such as the Valley of the Moon and the Los Flamencos Reserve, buy your tickets online to secure your spot. Drink plenty of water and move calmly to acclimatize well to the altitude.
