Atlas Mountains: Day Trips and Tours from Marrakesh
Separating the Atlantic coast from the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains run through the heart of Morocco. A day trip to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh is a great way to explore and get a taste of this mighty upland kingdom. Hiking trails and traditional villages are all part of the adventure here. You’ll discover hidden valleys too, where locals may invite you in for some mint tea.
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Separating the Atlantic coast from the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains run through the heart of Morocco. A day trip to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh is a great way to explore and get a taste of this mighty upland kingdom.
Hiking trails and traditional villages are all part of the adventure here. You’ll discover hidden valleys too, where locals may invite you in for some mint tea.
This is your ultimate guide to the Atlas Mountains, one of the most dazzling day trips from Marrakesh.
How do you get to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh?
You’ll find the High Atlas Mountains about 60 kilometers south of Marrakesh. This is a vast region, so travel times depend on your final destination.
From Marrakesh to the Atlas Mountains by car
The journey to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh takes around 1.5 hours. Of course, if you’re visiting some of the more remote valleys, it will take a little longer.
To reach the foothills, you’ll need to head south out of the city on the R203. This will take you to Asni, one of the first villages in the mountains. Stay on the R203 if you wish to continue to Ouirgane or turn left onto the R2005 for a scenic drive up to Imlil.
Guided tour to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh
The easiest way to visit this stunning region is to take a guided day tour to the Atlas Mountains – that way you don’t need to worry about arranging transport. You’ll be collected from your hotel or riad and accompanied by a local guide who knows the area well.
Trips generally last a full day – sometimes up to 12 hours. Many itineraries include several different destinations to give you a comprehensive day out.
What is the typical itinerary of a tour to the Atlas Mountains?
Your day trip to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh begins with a convenient pickup from your city accommodation. After meeting your guide, you’ll be driven by minivan into the heart of the mountains for the adventure of a lifetime.
Different tours visit different places, but each takes in some of the most scenic spots in the region. Many excursions begin with a photo stop and mint tea in the Ourika Valley. Here, you’ll visit an Amazigh community to learn about olive oil production and the local way of life.
Admire the spectacular landscapes as you drive deeper into the mountains through the Oukaimeden Valley. You’ll pass charming villages, where houses are built from abode and stones. Lunch is enjoyed in a Berber house with stunning views over the Sidi Fares Valley.
Next up is the Asni Valley, which is known for its groves of fruit trees and traditional settlements. From here, you’ll have close-up views of the rocky peaks – some of which may be snow-capped. On a clear day, you can see Mount Toubkal, which is the highest peak in northern Africa.
Your driver will take you back to Marrakesh on a picturesque route through the Tahanaout Valley. The villages here have some of the best backdrops in the Atlas Mountains so keep your camera handy.
What are the options for day trips to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh?
When it comes to booking an Atlas Mountains day trip from Marrakesh you have a few choices. Both group and private trips are available, according to your travel preference and budget.
Guided tour to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh
On this popular excursion to the Atlas Mountains, you’ll take in some of the most scenic valleys in the region. The tour runs on a small group basis with like-minded travelers and an English-speaking guide. All transportation is included for seamless round-trip transfers.
Highlights include the Asni Valley, Sidi Fares and Oukaimeden. You’ll also get to see Mount Toubkal if the weather allows. Lunch is provided in a local village for an authentic mountain experience.
Day tour to the Atlas Mountains plus Agafay Desert and camel ride from Marrakesh
This is a popular option if you want to see as much of the region as possible. Tours operate in a small group setting, with an experienced guide to show you around.
You’ll explore local villages, visit markets and enjoy spectacular photo opportunities in the mountains. Finish the day in style with a camel ride in the Agafay Desert outside Marrakesh.
Private Atlas Mountains day tour from Marrakesh
This day tour to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh offers the ultimate VIP experience. You’ll have your own air-conditioned vehicle and guide who will accompany you throughout the trip.
These excursions are all-inclusive and include guided hikes at some of the stops. Tours visit many of the major sites in the Atlas Mountains for a fun-packed day out. You can have a say in the itinerary if there’s somewhere in particular that you’d like to visit.
Atlas Mountains day trip from Marrakesh plus hot air balloon ride
Enjoy an aerial adventure on this Atlas Mountains day excursion. Hotel transfers by 4X4 are provided to the launch site. Prepare for an early start – the hot air balloon ride takes off in the sunrise.
After admiring views of the High Atlas Mountains from the air, you’ll descend for a Berber breakfast and a camel ride. These are group experiences, and you’ll receive a certificate to commemorate your flight.
Private 4-day tour to the Atlas Mountains plus Sahara Desert from Marrakesh
For the ultimate adventure, book a 4-day trip that takes in Morocco’s Sahara Desert as well as the Atlas Mountains. Roundtrip transport and accommodation are provided, as well as a professional guide.
You’ll journey from Marrakesh over the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying the spectacular views from the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Watch as the landscape changes color the further south you go. Palm groves and dramatic gorges feature heavily on this itinerary, and you’ll get the chance to go horse riding too.
You’ll spend the nights in local hotels, with the icing on the cake being a stay in a desert camp. Enjoy a camel ride before sleeping under the stars.
How much does a day tour to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh cost?
A group day tour to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh ranges from US$30 - US$90 per person, depending on participant numbers and itinerary stops. Pickups and lunch are usually included.
An Atlas Mountains excursion with a camel ride in the Agafay Desert costs around US$30. There will be a maximum of 15 participants, and you’ll have to pay for your lunch. Transport and the camel experience are covered in the price.
Private Atlas Mountains day tours from Marrakesh start at US$50 per person, rising to US$170 for the more luxurious trips. You’ll have your own vehicle and driver for the duration. A three-course lunch and a camel ride are often included.
The Atlas Mountains hot air balloon ride costs US$190 per passenger. For this, you get the flight, round-trip transfers, breakfast, a camel ride and a commemorative certificate.
The private 4-day jaunt to the Atlas Mountains and desert from Marrakesh costs $650 per person. Transport, accommodation in local hotels, meals and a camel ride are included. One of the nights will be spent in a traditional desert camp.
Which places are visited on an Atlas Mountains day trip?
On your Atlas Mountains day trip, you’ll see some of Morocco’s most dramatic scenery. Here’s a taster of the places you’ll be visiting on your adventure:
Asni Valley
The Asni Valley is one of the most famous areas in the High Atlas Mountains. It’s easily accessible from Marrakesh, which makes it popular with day-trippers. However, the main draw is the scenery, with rocky peaks towering on all sides.
At the head of the valley is the village of Imlil. This is the jumping-off point for many of the best hikes in the Atlas Mountains. The jewel in the crown is Mount Toubkal which is the highest peak in Morocco.
The mountains here are often snow-capped so this is the ultimate valley for taking pictures. Equally photogenic is the weekly market in Asni, which you’ll see if you’re visiting on a Saturday.
Ourika Valley
The Ourika Valley is home to several Amazigh villages, with traditional adobe dwellings dotted around the hillsides. Here, you’ll be invited into a house to enjoy mint tea with a local family. It’s a great way to learn about the distinct culture and way of life in this mountain region.
Stop for a look at the argan trees that grow here. This iconic tree is what produces much of the country’s olive oil, and you’ll come across several cooperatives across the Atlas Mountains and further afield.
The Valley centers on the Ourika River, which brings life to this remote land. You’re in the heart of the Atlas Mountains foothills here – this is the real Morocco. Don’t miss the Ourika Valley waterfalls, which are accessed from the sleepy hamlet of Setti-Fatma.
Oukaimeden Valley
The Oukaimeden Valley is often included on a day trip to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh. Known as one of the best places to visit in winter, this ski resort has year-round appeal. The main village sits at 2,650 meters, which is why it’s a favorite destination for snowboarders and skiers.
In spring and summer, wildflowers carpet the hills. This is the perfect spot for hiking tours, with trails suitable for all ability levels. Climbers come here too, for uncrowded cliffs and to escape the heat of Marrakesh.
Sidi Fares Valley
The Sidi Fares Valley is just 70 kilometers from Marrakesh but feels a world away from the city bustle. The landscape here is a little different from the other valleys, with wide vistas and off-the-beaten-track trails.
This is where you’ll enjoy a tasty home-cooked lunch in a Berber house, giving an authentic flavor of the area. Enjoy the sweeping views as you tuck into tagine and pastries. The valley here is lush and green, with rolling hills punctuated by quaint settlements.
There’s a Berber market in Sidi Fares on most days of the week. Strolling around the stalls is a fun way to learn about local life. Do ask before taking any photos – this is a very rural area with far fewer tourists than in many other parts of the country.
When is the best time to visit the Atlas Mountains?
The best time to visit the Atlas Mountains depends on what type of an excursion you're hoping to have.
If you're looking to be outdoors and go hiking or camel riding, the ideal times are in the spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) when temperatures are cooler.
However, if you want to hit the slopes for some skiing, plan your visit for the winter months (December to March).
Know before you go
- Pack layers, including a waterproof and windproof jacket. Temperatures can vary greatly in the mountains.
- If you're planning on going hiking, invest in a sturdy pair of hiking boots that have been broken in.
- The Atlas Mountains are home to various Amazigh communities. Respect their customs and traditions.
- Learn basic Amazigh or Arabic phrases. Knowing greetings can go a long way in showing respect and making connections with local people.
Are there any tours to the Atlas Mountains from other cities in Morocco?
Yes, there are tours to the Atlas Mountains from two other cities in Morocco: