Garganta del Diablo San Pedro de Atacama
Explore a surreal, narrow canyon with vibrant mineral walls, best reached by a scenic bike ride through the Atacama Desert.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Garganta del Diablo San Pedro de Atacama
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a surreal, narrow canyon with vibrant mineral walls, best reached by a scenic bike ride through the Atacama Desert.
"An epic place, so different to anywhere I’ve been before. Very much other worldly."
🚲 Rent a Bike for the Best Experience
Cycling through Valle de Catarpe to Garganta del Diablo is highly recommended for an immersive adventure.
👟 Prepare for Dusty Trails
Your clothes and shoes will get dirty. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking and biking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Narrow Canyon
Valle de Catarpe
Wander through a stunning, narrow canyon with vibrant, mineral-rich walls that create an otherworldly atmosphere.
Scenic Bike Ride
Valle de Catarpe
Cycle through the breathtaking Valle de Catarpe, with its unique rock formations and desert vistas.
Mirador Views
Peak of the canyon
Reach the viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert landscape and the winding canyon below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bike or Hike? Decide Your Adventure
Beat the Crowds and Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Rent a Bike for the Best Experience
Cycling through Valle de Catarpe to Garganta del Diablo is highly recommended for an immersive adventure.
👟 Prepare for Dusty Trails
Your clothes and shoes will get dirty. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking and biking.
💧 Stay Hydrated in the Desert
The Atacama Desert is extremely dry. Carry plenty of water, especially if biking or hiking.
💰 Entry Fee
Expect to pay around 5,000 CLP per person for entry to the Garganta del Diablo site.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Rent a Bike for the Best Experience
Cycling through Valle de Catarpe to Garganta del Diablo is highly recommended for an immersive adventure.
👟 Prepare for Dusty Trails
Your clothes and shoes will get dirty. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking and biking.
💧 Stay Hydrated in the Desert
The Atacama Desert is extremely dry. Carry plenty of water, especially if biking or hiking.
💰 Entry Fee
Expect to pay around 5,000 CLP per person for entry to the Garganta del Diablo site.
📸 Go Early for Photos
Visiting early in the morning offers fewer crowds and better light for capturing the canyon's beauty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Garganta del Diablo for its unique, otherworldly landscapes and the enjoyable experience of reaching it by bike. The scenic ride through Valle de Catarpe and the dramatic canyon itself are highlights. Some note the dust and heat, advising preparation.
"We rode our bikes and paid 5000 for entry. A lot of fun and the scenery is wild. Recommend riding a bike, a couple that drove never made it to the peak because it’s too long to walk. Oh and your clothes and shoes will be all dirty so be prepared."
Katie Tong
"Very nice bike ride and hike at the end. A bit challenging due to the altitude and dryness, but definitely worth it. We went in the afternoon, total time was about 3h roundtrip from San Pedro. We left at 4pm due to the sun, and got back at 7:05pm to return the bikes. Prices to enter was 5K CLP per person."
Ricardo Albuquerque
"What an epic place! So different to anywhere I’ve been before. Very much other worldly. The ride through the trail and to the mirador was spectacular, a must do if you’re in San Pedro de Atacama!"
Heath Milne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way to reach Garganta del Diablo is by renting a bicycle in San Pedro de Atacama and cycling through Valle de Catarpe. The ride is approximately 7 km from the town center and takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace. 
Yes, you can drive to a parking area near Garganta del Diablo. However, many reviewers suggest that biking offers a more complete and enjoyable experience of the surrounding landscape.
From San Pedro de Atacama, the bike ride to Garganta del Diablo typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your cycling speed and any stops you make along the scenic route.
The route to Garganta del Diablo involves cycling through Valle de Catarpe, which is generally flat with some sandy or gravel sections. The final approach to the canyon itself can involve some walking or light hiking.
While many visitors opt for self-guided tours by bike, some tour operators in San Pedro de Atacama may offer excursions that include Garganta del Diablo as part of a larger itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Garganta del Diablo is typically around 5,000 Chilean Pesos (CLP) per person. Some sources mention a reduced fee for seniors.
The park generally opens around 8:30 AM, and it's advisable to check locally for the most up-to-date hours, especially during different seasons.
Tickets are usually purchased on-site upon arrival. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays, to avoid potential queues.
The entrance fee is per person. If you are driving, you will pay the individual entry fee.
A discounted entry fee is sometimes available for seniors. It's always a good idea to inquire about any potential discounts upon arrival.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main activities include exploring the narrow, colorful canyon, hiking to a viewpoint for panoramic desert views, and enjoying the scenic bike ride to get there.
A visit to Garganta del Diablo, including the bike ride from San Pedro and exploration, can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours roundtrip.
The hike within the canyon is generally considered easy and flat, with a moderate climb at the end to reach the viewpoint. It's manageable for most fitness levels.
Expect a surreal landscape with vibrant, mineral-rich rock formations, narrow passages, and expansive desert vistas. It's often described as 'otherworldly.'
Drone footage of Garganta del Diablo has been captured, showcasing its dramatic landscape from above. However, always check local regulations regarding drone usage in protected natural areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the vibrant colors of the canyon walls.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the canyon. Consider a camera that handles dust well, or bring protective gear.
Absolutely! The entire bike ride through Valle de Catarpe offers stunning photo opportunities with unique desert landscapes and rock formations.
The vibrant colors are due to the high mineral content in the rock formations, which react with sunlight to create a spectrum of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Yes, the narrowness of the canyon creates dramatic perspectives. Be mindful of other visitors and use a wider lens to capture the enclosed beauty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider renting a tandem bike or ensuring children are comfortable cycling for a portion of the journey. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for dusty conditions. Pro-tip: Make it an educational outing by discussing the geology and the effects of erosion. The 'otherworldly' feel of the place can spark a child's imagination.
💰 Budget Travelers
Key savings: Pack your own water and snacks from a local market in San Pedro to avoid higher prices near the attraction.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon will provide the most dramatic lighting. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the scale of the canyon and its intricate details. Must-capture shots: The narrow passages, the textured rock walls, panoramic views from the mirador, and the journey through Valle de Catarpe.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Biking to Garganta del Diablo
+1 Many recommend this mode of transport for its immersive quality and the freedom it offers to stop and admire the scenery. The ride is generally considered accessible, though the dry, high-altitude desert environment requires adequate hydration and preparation. Some rental shops offer bikes specifically suited for the terrain.
The path to the canyon is often described as relatively flat with some sandy or gravel sections, making it manageable for most cyclists. Key takeaway: For a truly memorable visit, embrace the bike ride. It's not just about reaching the destination, but enjoying the journey through the stunning Atacama landscape.
+1Understanding the Canyon's Formation and Geology
This geological marvel creates a dramatic contrast between the rugged, sculpted rock formations and the vast, clear blue skies of the Atacama Desert. The narrowness of the canyon, combined with the textures and colors of the rock, gives it a surreal, almost alien landscape.
Visitors often remark on how the place feels like stepping onto another planet. Key takeaway: The vibrant colors and unique shapes are a testament to the powerful forces of nature and the rich mineral deposits of the Atacama region.
Navigating Crowds and Timing Your Visit
Late afternoon visits are also recommended, not only for cooler temperatures but also for the beautiful golden hour light that bathes the canyon, creating dramatic shadows and enhancing the colors.
This timing allows visitors to complete their exploration and bike ride back before dark. Key takeaway: Plan your visit for off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon on weekdays) to maximize your enjoyment and photographic opportunities.
Social
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