Atacama Chile Tours Vallecito & Magic Bus Adventure
our Tour to Magic Bus in Atacama desert

Vallecito & Magic Bus Adventure

Sunset Cordillera de la Sal tour from San Pedro de Atacama: lunar dunes, photo stop at the iconic Magic Bus, sunset pisco sour + wine and appetizers, hotel pickup and small group max 18 included.

4.9
$ 43 per person
4 hours
1.121 + bookings
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Overview

Pedal into the golden hour of the Atacama Desert on a relaxed afternoon bike ride through the Cordillera de la Sal, where wind-carved dunes and salt-crusted ridges glow under the shifting light.

Your guide leads at your own pace, stopping often to explain how erosion sculpted this lunar-like landscape over millennia. The route winds to the iconic Valley of the Abandoned Bus—better known as the "Magic Bus"—a rusted, isolated wreck perfectly framed against the desert for that postcard shot. End the ride at a quiet viewpoint as the sun dips, toasting the day with cookies, juice, appetizers, potatoes, sauces, wine, and a Pisco sour.

This 4-hour easy-paced adventure includes bike rental, safety gear, a bilingual guide, and the sunset snack.

Real talk: the desert sun stays strong even late afternoon—bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.

Small groups max 18 for a laid-back feel; book early for clear skies.

What's Included

  • Bike rental and safety equipment (helmet, gloves).
  • Bilingual guide (English/Spanish).
  • Snack and drinks at sunset: cookies, juice, appetizers, potatoes, sauces, wine, Pisco sour.
  • Entrance fee to the park/valley (CLP 5,000 per person, payable on site in cash).
  • Gratuities for your guide.
  • Additional personal items or souvenirs.

Itinerary

  1. Meet at Pukarumi Travel (Tocopilla 428, San Pedro de Atacama) or arrange hotel pickup if within radius.
  2. Pick up bikes and gear, receive quick safety and riding tips.
  3. Cycle into the Cordillera de la Sal, exploring dunes and salt formations at your pace with guide commentary on geology.
  4. Continue to the Valley of the Abandoned Bus ("Magic Bus"): stop for photos of the iconic rusted wreck against the desert backdrop.
  5. Ride to the sunset viewpoint.
  6. Settle in for the included snack and drinks as the sun sets over the valley.
  7. Return ride to the meeting point in San Pedro de Atacama.

What to Expect from the Tour

Here's practical advice to help your bike afternoon go well, based on common experiences with terrain, sun, and the sunset stop. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.

  • Gear essentials. Comfortable clothes, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and water aren't optional. Several guests said the desert sun reflects off salt—light layers that breathe work best. One packed a small backpack for water and camera.
  • Bike and terrain. Mountain bikes handle sandy/rocky sections easily. Pace is flexible—guides match beginners to advanced. Guests loved the relaxed speed and frequent photo stops.
  • Sunset magic. Colors shift from gold to deep purple—guests called the Magic Bus viewpoint one of the trip's highlights. Sunset timing perfect for photos.
  • Snack and drinks. Cookies, appetizers, wine, and Pisco sour hit perfectly as the sun drops. People loved the relaxing toast to end the day.
  • Group setup. Max 18 spreads out naturally. Past riders said the size allowed personal pace without feeling rushed.
  • Best time to visit. Year-round, but May to October (dry season) for cooler afternoons and clearer skies. Guests early 2026 noted June-July sunsets stayed golden with vivid shadows.
Month/Season Upsides Downsides Recommended Start Time
May-Oct (Dry) Cooler, dramatic light Windier 3 PM afternoon
Dec-Apr (Wet) Warmer, greener tones Hotter sun 3 PM afternoon

Common issues. Not for back problems, pregnancy, or heart conditions—terrain bumpy. Guests found moderate fitness sufficient; no major climbs. Weather rarely cancels; dress in layers.

FAQ

Do I need biking experience?

Basic comfort on a bike is enough. Guides adjust pace for beginners. Past riders with little experience handled the route comfortably.

How difficult is the ride?

Easy to moderate: flat/sandy trails with gentle slopes. Guests with average fitness enjoyed it; no steep climbs.

Suitable for kids?

Yes for confident teens who handle moderate trails. Families said older kids loved the scenery and sunset, but check comfort.

Photos and scenery?

Stunning—salt dunes, rock formations, Magic Bus at sunset. Guides point out best angles; bring a phone mount for handlebar shots.

What if I get tired?

Pace is yours—guides stop often. Guests took breaks at viewpoints; no rush to finish.

Why this bike tour?

Relaxed self-paced ride through hidden valleys, iconic Magic Bus stop, and sunset toast. Past guests said the freedom and personal rhythm beat bus tours or guided group rides.

Book it today with Atacama Chile Tours or simply following this link.

Reviews

4.9 Read more reviews