Cycling through Valle de Catarpe to Garganta del Diablo
The bike tour through Valle de Catarpe to Garganta del Diablo takes you along dirt roads and through natural formations near San Pedro de Atacama, combining movement, scenery and an understanding of the land.
The main destination is Garganta del Diablo, also known as Quebrada de Chulacao. It is an impressive natural formation sculpted by the action of water over thousands of years.
Here, the rock walls narrow and offer a direct view of the geological forces that shaped the desert.
The route follows trails and dirt roads across predominantly flat terrain, with some gentle downhill sections.
Along the way, the guide leads the group at a comfortable pace, plans strategic stops and provides context about the landscape, explaining how the valley was formed and its historical importance to the San Pedro de Atacama region.
The journey itself is an essential part of the experience.
You can take the tour in the morning or the afternoon. Each option reveals a different atmosphere in the desert.
In the morning, the cooler weather makes cycling more comfortable, while the light highlights the textures and contours of the rock formations.
In the afternoon, the Atacama takes on warmer hues and the silence deepens, creating an ideal setting for cycling at a more relaxed and contemplative pace.
As the tour remains at almost the same altitude as San Pedro de Atacama—around 2,500 meters—it is particularly recommended from your second day in the region onward.
It allows you to actively explore the surroundings of the village without requiring further acclimatization to higher elevations. In other words, it is an excellent way to settle into the rhythm of the desert.
The experience is led by experienced, certified guides and includes suitable bicycles, helmets and safety instructions.
The focus is not on speed, but on maintaining a smooth, controlled ride and enjoying the route.
Cycling to Garganta del Diablo is a direct and enjoyable way to understand the desert by feeling the wind, the open landscape and the unique rhythm of the Atacama.
TOUR PRICE: CLP 50,000 per person
MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 3
SCHEDULE: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 2,500 meters
ENTRANCE FEE: CLP 5,000 per person
WHAT’S INCLUDED: Transportation, certified guide, bicycle, helmet and a snack
RECOMMENDED FOR: From your second day in the Atacama onward