Ruta X-764 – Valle de la Luna to San Bartolo Circuit
Lunar landscapes and ghost towns in raw Atacama wilderness.
The X-764 cuts through some of the most desolate terrain in Chile’s northern Atacama, connecting the otherworldly Valle de la Luna with the ghost town remains of San Bartolo. This forgotten mining route threads between towering salt formations and crosses the Cordón de la Sal, where pink flamingos gather at hidden salt pans that most never see. The track passes the ruins of Oficina Salitrera Humberstone before climbing into moonscape badlands where NASA tested Mars rovers.
Moderate difficulty with sandy washes and loose volcanic scree requiring high-clearance 4WD and recovery gear. Navigation is critical – GPS waypoints essential as the route splits multiple times through unmarked mining tracks. Best tackled April through October when temperatures drop below hellish. Carry extra fuel and water for 200+ km of isolation. What you get is raw Atacama wilderness and the satisfaction of driving where few vehicles have rolled – just you, endless desert, and stars that’ll humble you.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 124 mi / 199.6 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8900 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta |
| Land manager | CONAF |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or 4Runner handle this route without a lift?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum and will get through most of this circuit. Aired-down tires matter more than a lift here — the volcanic rubble and washboard sections punish stiff sidewalls hard.
Is the trail accessible in January or February during South American summer?
Technically passable, but summer (November–March) brings the Bolivian Winter — afternoon thunderstorms that can flash-flood dry quebradas with zero warning. Stick to April–October for reliable conditions.
Do I need permits to drive this route or camp along it?
CONAF manages access to protected zones within the circuit. Valle de la Luna requires an entry fee (~5,000 CLP per person as of recent visits). Dispersed camping outside designated CONAF zones is generally permitted but check current regulations in San Pedro de Atacama before you leave — rules shift seasonally.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The roughest stretch is the unmaintained track northeast of Valle de la Luna toward the ghost town ruins — loose volcanic rock, blind crests, and no markers. It's not technical rock crawling, but a moment of inattention on a soft shoulder at elevation will cost you a recovery.
How far is the nearest fuel stop and should I carry extra?
San Pedro de Atacama is the only reliable fuel source — fill completely before departure. The 124-mile circuit plus the drive back to town means you should carry a minimum 20-liter jerry can. There is zero cell service on the entire route, no bailout towns, and no fuel anywhere on trail.
Trail track
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