Experience – Atacama, Chile: Mars Valley / Death Valley (Valle de la Muerte)
- Address: Mars Valley / Death Valley, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. (Google Maps)
- Hours: Monday – Sunday 7am – 6pm
- Recommended Time: 2 – 4 hours
- How to Arrive: By car, biking
- Distance from Atacama: 2.7 km / 1.6 miles
- Ideal Month(s): All Year
Death Valley (Valle de la Muerte), also known as Mars Valley (Valle de Marte), is located along the Cordillera de La Sal. The name arose due to its tragic history, since most of the people who tried to cross this unforgiving landscape passed away. Proof of this exist in the form of remains you can find in the surroundings (both animal and human). Similar to Moon Valley, Death Valley is recognized for its rock formations and sand dunes, which are set amidst the uttermost aridity of the Atacama Desert. For this reason, many people consider Death Valley the most inhospitable place on earth.
Valle de la Muerte is the ideal place to go mountain biking or go sandboarding down the massive sand dunes. The majority of tours in Valle de la Muerte last between four and five hours, and include a stop in Cordillera de la Sal to see the sunset and enjoy the beautiful colors over the sand mountains. If you decide to go sandboarding, make sure to take plenty of water. Climbing up the sand dunes is difficult, but the experience is well worth the energy.
