Rent a bike in the Atacama and you can visit the Moon, Mars, or careen through the Devil’s Throat gorge. Cycling gives you the freedom to explore natural wonders, Inca ruins, and adobe churches at your own pace.
Keep in mind that this is the driest desert on earth. The town of San Pedro sits at 2,400 metres of elevation, so monitor your altitude sensitivity.
Tips: Take it slow, bring lots of water (and snacks), and wear long, light clothing to protect from the sun and heat. Don’t bike long distances in the hot midday sun. Leave early in the morning and return in the cooler evening air before sunset.
Wait, there’s good news! This desert universe has fairly flat terrain and incredible views within reasonable distances.
Savour these seven sights at the pace of a bicycle:
1. Mars Valley (Valle de Marte, Atacama)
Sling a sand board over your back and bike to Mars Valley (also called Valle la Muerte “Valley of Death” to make it sound more extreme). It’s just a few kilometres outside of town. Start with this short ride as a warm up.
Here, you’ll find rocky tunnels to hike through and a giant sand dune to climb up and, if you’re up for it, sand board down.
2. Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna, Atacama)
Bike to the Moon Valley and you can skip the tour bus crowds and go at your own pace. There’s so much to take in, with side hikes to miradors (viewpoints), salt mines, and odd rock formations on the route.
Some say NASA used this location to fake the lunar landings. Conspiracy or not, the landscape didn’t match my crater-riddled, white sand image of the moon. Yet, it’s red rock geography and white salted hills certainly could be Christmas on Mars.
3. The Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo, Atacama)
The “Devil’s Throat” is a biking/hiking route that matches the name. The sand covered road/path/death-trap winds through rocky gorges and passages. It’s full of giant tire-eating pot holes, blind corners, cliffs and sand.
Yet, the views and the ride through the valley to get here are seriously worth it. Also, it’s a really fun, technical ride if you like mountain biking.
Take it slow and watch out for sudden sand patches that can make you lose control of your bike.
4. City of Sand (San Pedro, Atacama)
The culture in the isolated Atacama is unlike anywhere else in Chile. You’ll stay in the small town of San Pedro.
The people who live here have diverse indigenous, Chilean, and Bolivian backgrounds. You’ll find influences from all cultures including colourful textiles, unique foods like Mote con Huesillo (a drink made with corn and dried peaches), and a more reserved personality.
To survive and thrive in the desert, locals built the town out of it. Adobe brick homes line the streets. Even the churches are made of red sand.
Everything is literally “Dust in the wind.”
Enjoy biking along the old cobblestone and dirt roads and stop to eat at the central market.
5. Red Rock Volcano Sunset
Ask any bike shop in town where to watch sunset and they’ll point you in the right direction.
Head out of San Pedro (carefully) along the highway towards Calama (the same route as Mars Valley). You can plan to stop here on your way back from the Mars Valley and enjoy both views in one day!
Up the hill you’ll find some nice spots to have a picnic and watch a sunset overlooking the town and volcanoes beyond.
The pink sky against the red rocks creates colours you’ve never seen before.
There are also a few miradors (view points) farther along the highway. However, please be careful. Cars love to fly down these highways and aren’t cyclist savvy.
6. San Isidor Church
The white adobe church is blinding in the high altitude sun and contrasts against the blue sky and red earth. It’s a peaceful place away from the crowds and ideal for meditation.
Around it are some gorges to explore (although one had a “private property” sign).
This church is near the Devil’s Throat route as well as the Pukara de Quitor Inca ruins.
If you’re going to combine any of these into a day trip, I recommend selecting two. You don’t want to rush through any of these sights, much less in the desert dry heat.
7. Pukara de Quitor Inca Ruins (Atacama, Chile)
These Inca ruins you’ll first see as a brick wall on your route through the valley to San Isidor and the Devil’s Throat.
We didn’t stop and pay to go inside (it was at the end of a long hot day), but locals describe the circular storage houses and impressive archways as a “must-see.” It’s an extensive site and a great introduction into Inca architecture if you’re heading to Peru.
From San Pedro town, all you need is two wheels, moderate fitness, and a casual pace to see these nearby wonders.
If biking the Atacama sounds a bit overwhelming, you can find tours, buses, ATVs, and even horse riding to see the sights.
Whatever form of transit you chose, be prepared to marvel at this other world within our own.
