Atlas Mountains: The Ultimate Day Trip from Marrakech

Last Updated on January 17, 2026 by Lauren Allen

Visiting the Atlas Mountains – the highest mountains in Morocco is a must-do. The breathtaking scenery and beautiful views will blow you away. If you have a day spare to get away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, head to the Atlas Mountains on this fantastically put together day trip. By the end of the day, you will have seen so much that you will have a great insight into what life is truly like in Morocco.

Read more: Staying safe in Morocco: A guide for solo female travellers

How to make the most of a day trip to the Atlas Mountains:

Visit an argan oil cooperative

Firstly, you will stop off at an argan oil cooperative. Made all over Morocco by local women, argan oil is incredibly popular for cosmetic purposes all over the world. Your day trip into the Atlas Mountains will include a tour of a cooperative. Your guide will explain how the kernels from the argan trees are used to create several products for nutritional and cosmetic purposes. You will also be treated to some delicious mint tea. Next, it’s time to head to your next stop…

Tip: If argan oil is on your list of things to buy in Morocco, buy it here!

Read more: Shopping in Morocco: 5 things that I regret not buying

Explore Ourika Valley and hike a waterfall

Next, you will head to Ourika Valley, a place that is popular alone on a day trip from Marrakech. Limited on time and want a busier itinerary? The Morocco Inspiring Tours Atlas Mountains day trip includes a visit to the valley.

Here you will hike a waterfall. The hike is very slippery and at the height of summer, will be very hot! Wear comfy shoes and take a big bottle of water. Great views will greet you at the top, making the hike in the heat completely worth it. Grab fresh orange juice, take in the views and appreciate the atmosphere of the locals having a day out.

Tip: Ourika Valley is popular with both tourists and Moroccans, so be prepared for crowds! Are you looking for a more relaxed visit to give you more chance to explore? Many hotels, hostels and riads in Marrakech will be happy to book you on a full-day trip. This way you can spend a whole day in the valley.

Check out the Berber villages

Thirdly, stop off on the side of the road to admire the Berber villages from afar. Designed to keep cool in the summer and warm in colder months, the houses are eco-friendly and built using clay bricks and rocks. The unique appearance of these villages makes them a delight to photograph (or paint). It truly is a great addition to the tour to build up excitement for the next stop…

Have an authentic dinner experience

Next, you will eat at a local Berber villager’s house. This will give you a true feel of what it’s like to live high in the Atlas Mountains. Enjoy a super delicious salad, soup, couscous, tagine, fruit and mint tea! Not only that, but you will be eating with your new-found friends and surrounded by incredible views. It may even become a highlight of your trip as it did for me!

Shop at the markets

Lastly, on certain days, your guide will stop off and take you on a tour of the markets. On Mondays, you will visit Ourika markets, on Tuesdays, you will head to the markets in Tahanaout, on Saturdays, the Asni markets.

Tip: If you want to tour the markets, ensure you book for the right day. The markets will sometimes close due to religious celebrations. Please be aware of this. For example, around the time of Eid or Ramadan, the store holders will still be celebrating with their families. My tour group were not able to check out the markets for this reason. 

Inclusions

The tour into the Atlas Mountains comes with everything you will need for a great day trip. Firstly, a pickup and drop off from your hotel, riad, or the nearest pickup point if you are staying in the medina. Transportation via a comfortable air-conditioned van with fuel and a driver that speaks great English also comes included.

Also included are all tours and the professional mountain trekking guide that will guide you on your hike up the waterfall. Likewise, the amazing dining experience at the house of a local is also included.

Not included are any personal expenses and tips for your guides.

Overall tour experience

From start to finish, my tour guide Abdul couldn’t do more to ensure I had a fantastic day. He was incredibly nice, cheerful and helpful. As a solo traveller, he was more than happy to snap some photos for me! He also was happy to answer any questions and stop off at any time my tour group wished to take photos.

Above all, it was a great day trip that was very well organised for a unique experience. If you want to experience what life in Morocco is like outside of the big cities, I recommend this excursion! As day trips come, it’s been my favourite so far!

How to book this unique tour and explore the Atlas Mountains in Morocco

Book direct through Morocco Inspiring tours online or contact them by phone at 00 (212) 673 104 888. Alternatively, email them at moroccoinspiringtours@gmail.com or book through Viator.

Read more: Solo female travel in Morocco: What it’s REALLY like

Have you been to the Atlas Mountains? I would love to hear about your experience! Have you got any questions about solo female travel in Morocco? Feel free to contact me, I would love to help! 

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