Ruta X-764 – Valle de la Luna to San Bartolo Circuit

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.