2 Tours Valley of the Moon and Hidden Lagoons

Experience the Magic of San Pedro de Atacama’s Valleys and Lagoons

This 4-hour tour takes you through two of the most iconic sights in the Atacama Desert: the Valley of the Moon and the Baltinache Hidden Lagoons. For $120 per person, you’ll enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned ride, expert guidance, and a chance to witness some of the most surreal landscapes on Earth. Led by knowledgeable guides who speak multiple languages, this trip offers a personalized touch that makes it stand out among many desert excursions.

What we love most? The spectacular sunset at Valley of the Moon, where the shifting light creates colors that seem almost otherworldly, and the floating sensation in the salt-rich waters of Baltinache, reminiscent of the Dead Sea. Also, the inclusion of snacks and a refreshing Pisco sour adds a relaxed, local flavor to the experience.

One potential consideration is the price of park admissions, which are not included in the tour. You’ll want to budget extra if you plan to visit the parks’ designated areas. This tour suits travelers who appreciate guided, small-group adventures with plenty of opportunities for authentic photo moments and immersive scenery.

Key Points

• Personalized Service: Guides are attentive, speak multiple languages, and help you get the most out of each stop.
• Breathtaking Scenery: Experience otherworldly landscapes that feel like being on another planet.
• Comfortable Transport: An air-conditioned vehicle ensures a relaxing ride across the desert.
• Unique Experiences: Enjoy a sunset at Valley of the Moon and float in the salt lagoons.
• Affordable Value: The price includes snacks and a Pisco sour, adding a local touch.
• Limited Group Size: A maximum of 10 travelers means more personal attention and fewer crowds.

Detailed Review of the Valley of the Moon and Hidden Lagoons Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour is designed to give you a taste of the diverse landscapes that make the Atacama Desert famous. Starting early at 7:30 am, the trip first heads toward Cordillera de la Sal and the Valley of the Moon. This area’s rock formations, shaped by millennia of erosion, create an alien landscape of salt mantles and unusual cliffs. We loved the way the landscape changes colors as the sun moves across the sky, especially during the sunset when the rocks glow with warm hues. The tour also includes a stop at a natural viewpoint, offering a sweeping vista of volcanoes on the horizon.

The second part heads southeast to the Baltinache Hidden Lagoons. The journey itself is a visual feast as the desert’s hues shift from ochre to deep reds and browns. Here, you’ll walk through a series of seven lagoons, with only the first and last suitable for swimming. The salt content in these lagoons creates a sensation of effortless floating, similar to what you experience in the Dead Sea. This floating aspect is often cited as a highlight, with travelers noting how “you can experience the floating effect due to the high salt content.”

What to Expect at Each Stop

Valley of the Moon: Expect a landscape that looks like the surface of the moon, with dramatic rock formations, salt flats, and expansive views. The highlight is the sunset, where the setting sun paints the rocks in fiery reds and purples. Guides typically share insights into the geology and natural history of the area, making the experience educational as well as scenic.

Baltinache Lagoons: These lagoons are more than just beautiful—they’re a chance to experience the salinity of the desert. The lagoons’ crystalline waters are perfect for photos, and the floating sensation is fun and relaxing. Facilities are limited, but bathrooms are available at the lagoon entrance, and the salt-rich environment is unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Considerations

Reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude. One traveler remarked, “Great service and the guides took care of everything,” emphasizing how attentive and professional the guides are. They speak multiple languages, which helps travelers feel comfortable and well-informed.

The trip’s small group size (max 10 travelers) means you won’t feel lost in a crowd. This allows for more personalized attention and the chance to ask questions about the landscape or local culture.

However, be aware that park admission fees are not included, so you might want to plan for that extra cost if you decide to explore the parks further on your own. The tour’s duration of around four hours is ideal for fitting into a day without feeling rushed, but it’s a full experience, so wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection.

Transportation and Comfort

The air-conditioned vehicle is a big plus, especially considering the desert heat. The drive between sites is comfortable and scenic, providing plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the surroundings. The tour begins early, which is perfect for avoiding crowds and catching the best light for photos.

Additional Touches

Snacks are included, and the tour features a complimentary Pisco sour, giving you a taste of local flavor. This small touch adds to the friendliness of the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip but a small celebration of Atacama life.

Authenticity and Value

The direct communication and genuine care from the guides make this tour stand out. One happy traveler summed it up: “They took their time and showed us a lot. They gave us a hand when we needed one.” Considering the price, you’re getting a well-rounded experience with expert guidance, transportation, snacks, and memorable scenery.

Who This Tour Is Best For

If you’re looking for a guided tour with intimate group sizes and a focus on spectacular landscapes, this trip hits the mark. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see the desert’s most famous sites without the hassle of organizing transportation or guides themselves. The tour’s emphasis on authentic, well-explained experiences makes it perfect for those who value learning about the natural world as they explore it.

While it doesn’t include park entrance fees, the overall value and the quality of the guide service make it a worthwhile choice. This tour is especially suited for those who appreciate small-group intimacy, photo opportunities, and authentic local touches like the Pisco sour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, starting at 7:30 am, making it a manageable half-day adventure.

Are park entrance fees included?
No, the admission tickets are not included, so you should budget extra if you plan to visit the parks’ designated areas.

What should I bring with me?
Bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, water, and a camera. Snacks are provided, but you might want additional refreshments.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle, which keeps you cool and comfortable during the roughly one-hour rides between sites.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and less crowded atmosphere.

Can the guides speak my language?
Yes, guides speak German, English, and Spanish, so communication is easy for most travelers.

Is it suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the walking involved and the salt lagoons’ environment for younger children.

Final Thoughts

This combined tour of Valley of the Moon and Baltinache Hidden Lagoons offers a well-balanced mix of spectacular scenery, expert guidance, and cultural flavor. It’s a fantastic way to see some of the desert’s most iconic landscapes without feeling overwhelmed. The small group size and attentive guides ensure a personalized, relaxed experience, making it perfect for travelers who want a meaningful connection with their surroundings.

While a bit more costly than some self-guided options, the value is clear when you factor in the expert narration, transportation, snacks, and the chance to see these remarkable sites with ease. It’s particularly suitable for those who enjoy small-group tours, scenic sunsets, and floating in salt lakes—a true highlight of any Atacama trip.

This tour is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an authentic, informative, and visually stunning experience of San Pedro de Atacama’s most famous natural wonders.