
Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 140 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus worth booking?
Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus is a 4-hour experience in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, from $69 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 140 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (140)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $69 per person
We will explore the dunes in the salt mountain range, where you will learn about the lunar desert landscape and how it got its unique aesthetic. Next, we will travel to the Valley of the Abandoned Bus, also known as the 'Magic Bus'. Iconic for its rustic look and perfect setting, you can take advantage of this time to capture the perfect photo. We will end the trip with an incredible sunset, celebrating this moment with delicious drinks and snacks for us to enjoy.
What you get
About this experience
We will explore the dunes in the salt mountain range, where you will learn about the lunar desert landscape and how it got its unique aesthetic. Next, we will travel to the Valley of the Abandoned Bus, also known as the 'Magic Bus'. Iconic for its rustic look and perfect setting, you can take advantage of this time to capture the perfect photo. We will end the trip with an incredible sunset, celebrating this moment with delicious drinks and snacks for us to enjoy.
What's included
Included
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Cordillera de la Sal
We will explore the dunes in the salt mountain range, where you will learn about the lunar desert landscape and how it got its unique aesthetic.
180 minutes here
We will travel to the valley of the abandoned bus, also known as the 'Magic Bus'. Iconic for its rustic look and perfect setting, you can take advantage of this time to capture the perfect photo.
40 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Pedro de Atacama
If your hotel is outside the Pick-up area, the meeting point is at the office.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
All tours end at Plaza Touristur.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 18 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Puka Rumi Travel Agency
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 140 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
140 verified traveler reviews for Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Really enjoyable trip!
Well paced trip with an excellent guide who had good knowledge and expressed it well. Lovely snack in the desert. Really enjoyable trip.
via Viator
This is the perfect tour...
This is the perfect tour if you want to leave with wonderful pictures. The stunning valley, the photogenic bus, the stop at the salt mine and the delicious dinner against the backdrop of the setting sun all contributed to an unforgettable experience. Javier was a very passionate, sympathetic and committed guide. Would definitely recommend!
via Viator
Highly recommend with tourguide George
We did a tour with Pukarumi and had an absolutely fantastic experience. George was an excellent tour guide — we couldn’t have asked for better. He was incredibly knowledgeable and professional. He shared so many interesting insights and made the whole experience both engaging and enjoyable. We were extremely satisfied and felt very well taken care of throughout the entire tour. We can highly recommend this tour — especially because of George. He truly made the difference. Muchas gracias
via Tripadvisor
Really was hoping we'd...
Really was hoping we'd enjoy this tour. Unfortunately we were cut short by bad weather and no refund or partial refund was offered.
via Viator
Nice tour with great guide
Well organized tour where you visit a lot of nice places. The best part was our guide Andres who told us a lot of exciting information about the stops. Andres and the driver Enzo then set up a fantastic table with snacks and Pisco Sour/juice. The sunset was a great ending to a fantastic day!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 49
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Puka Rumi Travel Agency, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 82.6 and 3 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Puka Rumi Travel Agency runsWhy this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Pedro de Atacama.
How much does Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus cost?
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Prices start at $69 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Pedro de Atacama usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Pedro de Atacama is not rushed.
Is Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 140 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in San Pedro de Atacama, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus?
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Around 49 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Pedro de Atacama can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Pedro de Atacama and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Pedro de Atacama within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama?
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On Outty we rank every San Pedro de Atacama experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Half Day Tour to Geysers del Tatio, Piedras Rojas + Altiplanic Lagoons and Salar de Atacama, Hidden lagoons of Baltinache. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit San Pedro de Atacama?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in San Pedro de Atacama?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus?
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Included: Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 30 listed pickup locations in and around San Pedro de Atacama. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus?
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Across 140 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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