Vallecito is a quiet corner of the Cordillera de la Sal, a short drive from San Pedro de Atacama, where low red ridges, dunes and dry riverbeds make a gentle setting for a sunset walk. It is less visited than the Valle de la Luna, and it offers many of the same landscapes with fewer people and fewer rules. Tours with Vallecito in their title are built around a late-afternoon walk along a ridge or dune, with a stop to watch the sun set over the Licancabur volcano, the cone that dominates the skyline to the east. The sky turns pink and orange, the salt-streaked hills glow, and a cool breeze starts to pick up as the light fades. The outing is sometimes sold together with a photo stop at a roadside bus, nicknamed the Magic Bus, which has become a popular backdrop for pictures in the desert. This is a light-hearted addition to a serious landscape, and guides are happy to take a few photographs. Tours of this type usually emphasise the experience rather than geology, so they work well for travellers who want to relax and see the colours rather than learn the details of how the ridges formed.
How it works
Tours leave in the afternoon, collecting visitors from their hotels and driving a short distance to the trailhead. The walk is easy and takes an hour or so, after which the group stays in place for sunset. Some tours offer a snack and a drink at the viewpoint. Because details vary, check with your operator what is included, how long the walk is and whether the photo stop is part of the plan.
What to expect
The ground is a mix of sand and loose stone, so wear closed shoes. The sun is strong in the afternoon, then the temperature falls rapidly after sunset, so bring layers and a hat. Take plenty of water, because the dry air dehydrates quickly. The scene is peaceful, with long shadows and few people, and the evening light is particularly good for photographs. Keep to marked paths and take any litter with you, since desert ground recovers slowly.
Making the most of it
Choose Vallecito if you want a gentle, low-key sunset rather than the busy Valle de la Luna viewpoint, or do both on different days to compare them. Late afternoon is the best time, and clear weather is common. If you are staying in a lodge with an included excursion programme, ask whether a Vallecito sunset is on offer. A sunset walk fits neatly before dinner, leaving the night free for a stargazing session if the sky is dark and the moon is low.
What to expect
The experience
A short late-afternoon outing with an easy ridge walk and a sunset viewpoint in the Cordillera de la Sal.
Best time
Late afternoon, finishing at sunset.
How long
About three hours including transfers.
Tips
Wear closed shoes, bring layers and water, and check what the tour includes.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want an easy, scenic sunset with fewer people.
- Families
- The short walk suits families, with plenty of space for children to explore.
- Couples
- A quiet sunset with a drink is a lovely moment for couples.
- Pair with
- Pair it with a dinner in the village or a stargazing tour later.
- Time needed
- Allow half an afternoon.
Good questions
What is Vallecito?+
It is a quiet area of the Cordillera de la Sal near San Pedro de Atacama, with ridges, dunes and dry riverbeds used for sunset walks.
What is the Magic Bus?+
Some tours include a photo stop at a roadside bus that has become a popular backdrop in the desert.
Is it difficult?+
No, the walk is short and easy, but the ground is sandy and uneven.
How is it different from Valle de la Luna?+
It is smaller and quieter, with fewer visitors and a more relaxed pace.
What should I bring?+
Water, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a warm layer for after sunset.