Túnel de Catarpe
A mystical desert landscape near San Pedro de Atacama, known for its unique tunnel and surrounding canyons. Explore Altos de Catarpe for adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Túnel de Catarpe
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mystical desert landscape near San Pedro de Atacama, known for its unique tunnel and surrounding canyons. Explore Altos de Catarpe for adventure.
"The views before getting into the tunnel of deaaatthhh... much nicer were the other parts of the "Altos de Catarpe" trek."
Confirm Tunnel Status
The tunnel can be closed. Always check locally before heading out!
Bike Rental Recommended
Rent a bike in San Pedro for the 3km ride. Consider riding the whole way if possible.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 82 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Altos de Catarpe Trek
Surrounding valleys and ridges
Explore mystical valleys and ridges beyond the tunnel. Hike up to the ridge and slide down a sand dune!
The Tunnel of Death
Túnel de Catarpe
A unique, albeit potentially closed, tunnel offering a mystical experience. Check access before you go.
Devil's Throat & Church
Near Túnel de Catarpe
Accessible parts of the site, including the Devil's Throat and historic church, offer a glimpse into the area's charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tunnel Status & Access
Getting There & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Spent an unreal week in Atacama
I filmed most of it, but apparently was able to snap some photos as well. Sharing a few here, hopefully at least some of you will enjoy! Photos: 1 - Road to San Pedro de Atacama 2, 3, 4 - Lagunas Altiplanicas 5 - Piedras Rojas 6 - Volcanoes Licancabur and Juriques taken at the…
Confirm Tunnel Status
The tunnel can be closed. Always check locally before heading out!
Bike Rental Recommended
Rent a bike in San Pedro for the 3km ride. Consider riding the whole way if possible.
10 days in Chile (Atacama Desert) with trip to the Uyuni Salt Flats (Bolivia)
Hello all! I'm planning on visiting the Atacama Desert later this year in the beginning of September. For reference, any chance I have to explore on my own instead of with a guided tour, I'll take it. My plan at the moment is as follows (questions are at the end): - Fly into…
I recently visited the Atacama Desert (Chile and Bolivia)
During my three months of solo travel in South America, the Atacama Desert stands out as one of the most beautiful places I visited, with such diversity in colour in the mountains. From San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, I did day tours to Piedras Rojas and Valle de la Luna. Both…
Explore Beyond the Tunnel
The surrounding Altos de Catarpe offers incredible views and hiking opportunities.
Small Entrance Fee
Expect to pay a small fee (around CLP 3000) per person for access.
Planning a once in a life time trip to Atacama desert in northern Chile and Elqui Valley in January 2025. The main focus is stargazing and I’m a total novice. The new moon is on the 29th and we are planning our trip from Jan 18 to Feb 1. Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you so
I looked up moonrise and moon set times. Since it's closer to fourth quarter onto the new moon it gives us good window of opportunity. This is my first trip to the southern hemisphere. ​
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Tunnel Status
The tunnel can be closed. Always check locally before heading out!
Bike Rental Recommended
Rent a bike in San Pedro for the 3km ride. Consider riding the whole way if possible.
Explore Beyond the Tunnel
The surrounding Altos de Catarpe offers incredible views and hiking opportunities.
Small Entrance Fee
Expect to pay a small fee (around CLP 3000) per person for access.
Learn Basic Spanish
English isn't widely spoken, so knowing some Spanish is helpful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the mystical atmosphere and the stunning landscapes of Altos de Catarpe, even when the tunnel itself is closed. The bike ride from San Pedro is a highlight, offering a fun way to explore. However, the frequent closure of the tunnel can be a significant disappointment for those expecting to enter it.
"The views before getting into the tunnel of deaaatthhh"
Argéniz Macuahuitl
"Great place to go by bicycle. We rent at downtown's San Pedro de Atacama and ride for 3km then payed a small fee (CLP 3000) per pax. The guide explains the attractions in the site and of we go, riding trough valleys and rivers. Easy and plain ride until get to the tunnel trail, that is recommended to do on foot. But we believe that would be much better to ride all the way."
Andre Ricoy
"CLOSED!
You can only visit the devils throat and the church for $5.000. The tunel is closed due to bad condition."
Lisa Moreels
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is to rent a bicycle in San Pedro de Atacama and cycle approximately 3km. Taxis or private tours are also options, but cycling offers a more immersive experience of the landscape.
While some reviews mention driving, the terrain might be better suited for bicycles or walking, especially for exploring the full Altos de Catarpe area. Confirm road conditions if you plan to drive.
Túnel de Catarpe is located about 3 kilometers from the center of San Pedro de Atacama, making it an accessible day trip.
Public transport is limited. Renting a bike is the most common and recommended method. Some tour operators may include it in their itineraries.
For the main path to the tunnel, a bicycle is ideal. For exploring further into Altos de Catarpe, an SUV might be beneficial, but many visitors enjoy it on foot or by bike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is typically a small entrance fee, around CLP 3000 per person, to access the site and its attractions.
The tunnel itself can be closed due to its condition. It's crucial to check locally for current access status before your visit.
Operating hours can vary, and it's best to confirm locally. The surrounding areas might be accessible even if the tunnel is closed.
Yes, these attractions are often accessible even if the main tunnel is closed, usually for a fee of around $5,000 CLP.
Advance booking is generally not required for Túnel de Catarpe. Tickets are usually purchased upon arrival at the site.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
While the tunnel might be closed, the surrounding Altos de Catarpe offers beautiful valleys, ridges, and the chance to hike and slide down sand dunes. You can also visit the Devil's Throat and church.
Yes, the area is great for walking. The trail to the tunnel is relatively easy, and exploring the ridges of Altos de Catarpe is highly recommended on foot.
The name suggests an adventurous or perhaps slightly eerie experience. However, its accessibility is often limited, so focus on the broader Altos de Catarpe trek.
Some local guides offer tours that can explain the attractions and history of the site. Renting a bike and exploring independently is also popular.
Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, light clothing suitable for the desert climate, and sun protection (hat, sunscreen).
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic landscapes of the valleys and ridges in Altos de Catarpe. The entrance to the tunnel, even if closed, can make for an atmospheric shot. Golden hour light enhances the desert scenery.
Drone photography can offer stunning aerial views of the vast desert landscapes and canyons. Always check local regulations regarding drone usage.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and warm tones across the landscape.
Hike up to the ridges in Altos de Catarpe for panoramic views. The entrance of the tunnel itself, with its unique architecture, is also a popular spot.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the canyons. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit