Atlas Mountains Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Atlas Mountains. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Atlas Mountains and 5 Valleys Tour from Marrakech - All Inclusive

• Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Marrakech with Traditional Breakfast

• Marrakech: 1 Day Tour-Best of Atlas Mountains and Three Valleys

• Atlas Mountains Hot Air Balloon Ride from Marrakech with Berber Breakfast and Desert Camel Experience

• All Inclusive Atlas Mountains & 5 Valleys Day Tour from Marrakech

While it’s free to visit the Atlas Mountains, tours provide an easy way to navigate the rugged terrain and save you from driving on winding mountain roads. Day trips from Marrakech cost as little as US$23, while hot-air balloon rides with breakfast start from US$144.

Yes, the Atlas Mountains, home to North Africa's highest peak, are worth visiting. The mountainous landscapes juxtapose snow-capped peaks and arid gorges with fertile valleys and traditional Berber villages. The region is also the perfect place to escape the frenetic pace of busy cities such as Marrakech.

Per one customer who booked the All Inclusive Atlas Mountains and 5 Valleys Day Tour from Marrakech, "Abdul was a great guide and driver. He knew the best places to stop for photos, and what I learned about Morocco, its history, people, and politics was an education. The lunch was delicious, and the setting was so peaceful and beautiful looking out on the snow-capped mountains."

October is the best month to plan your trip to Morocco for hiking, as temperatures are mild and comfortable in the mountains and avoid the extremes of summer and winter. After all, the Atlas Mountains border the Sahara Desert. More generally, March–November is a good time to hike the challenging routes that attract climbers from all over the world.

The time needed to hike the Atlas Mountains depends on your experience level, physical stamina, and the specific route you take. It could take as little as two days to complete Mount Toubkal. Of course, some people take longer depending on their course and pace.

Yes, you can choose to not have a guide in the Atlas Mountains. But, if you go without one, make sure you're fully equipped and have plenty of trekking experience. These mountains are not entry-level, and every year at least one tourist has to be rescued due to poor planning.

Hiring a local guide or going with a group tour is the best way to make the trek safer. Guides can also provide valuable insight into local Berber culture. If you do opt for a guided tour, keep in mind that tips are greatly appreciated. If you feel like you got exceptional service, tip US$10-$15 per person per day.

Yes, wear hiking boots when climbing the Atlas Mountains. A good pair of boots will provide much-needed support for your ankles on the rough terrain and help make rocky inclines and uneven surfaces more comfortable as you trek through Morocco. While there are sporting goods stores in major cities, don’t expect to find hiking gear for sale in the small towns near the mountains.

Also, try to wear waterproof hiking boots if you plan on doing waterfall hikes or climbing any of the snow-capped peaks. Some of the peaks are covered in snow for up to nine months of the year. Finally, the Atlas Mountains are not the place to break in a new pair of hiking boots. It’s best if you can break them in before your trip.

For a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, opt for comfortable clothing and layers. A pair of sturdy boots is a must, as are a few warm and waterproof layers to guard against the mountain winds (which get cold at higher elevations) and unpredictable weather. If your day trip is in the summer months of July or August, you’ll want to wear lightweight clothing that is both breathable and moisture-wicking. Temperatures in the valleys can get up to 100°F.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Atlas Mountains. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in and around Marrakech:

• Majorelle Garden

• Jemaa el-Fna

• Bahia Palace

• Koutoubia Mosque

• Marrakech Medina

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Marrakech.