San Pedro de Atacama- Valle de la Luna

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Valle de la Luna, otherwise known as Moon Valley, is located about 13km west of San Pedro. It is part of the Reserva Nacional los Flamencos which is divided into a number of areas. More about that in the next blog. One of the driest places on earth, it is claimed that some areas of the valley haven't seen a drop of rain in hundreds of years.

I was lucky enough to join Miri, Sergi and their new friend Sergio in a private "tour" on two consecutive afternoons. What an amazing landscape and a feast for the eyes!! It's not difficult to see how it got it's name. The myriad of colours & textures, especially with the changing light was truly magnificent. The folded ridges of the Cordillera de la Sal, spectacular formations such as El Anfiteatro, Licancabur Volcano to the east, gigantic dunes of volcanic sand, caverns to explore, dry,white, salt encrusted lake beds and saline outcrops carved out by nature. Such diversity in one area, so very special.

So enough of the chat.... let's have a look.....

Remember to double click on individual photos to get a full appreciation of them.

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Photos

Salt anyone?
The white is crystallized salt.

Climbing in Valle de Luna
Exploring the small canyon & caverns in the first part of the Valle de Luna.

Sue & Miri
My Swiss friend Miri & I just love this place!

Outlook from the salt
Miri scans the horizon- fantastic 360 degree views!

and again!
Other worldly rock formations are everywhere.

Escaping the heat
Trying to use the self timer... not so successful

Another attempt...
With a little help from someone else..

Lunar surface
Definitely living up to it's name!

Sergi's Spaghetti
Sometimes cold, left over pasta is the best!! Yum!

Sendero a Duna
Trail to the dunes. Sergio, our 'chaffeur', combats the heat with the flag of his beloved football club Cordoba!

Miri's Tough Feet!
Miri prefers to walk up barefoot, but soon finds it a bit uncomfortable. I don't think Sergi is having a much better time- he was wearing Crocs! Like walking in quick sand, me thinks!

King of the Castle
Before his "downfall". Apparently he wasn't supposed to be up there as it was off trail and they're trying to protect the area from the burgeoning tourist traffic.

Sue & Miri with flag
A change of faces for Sergio's photo collection!!!

Views from the Top
Climbing to the top of the trail affords you fantastic views in all directions.

Clambering the rocks
Fantastic wandering around with the place mostly to ourselves!! Most people do tours in the late afternoon for sunset, not in the hot desert sun in the middle of the day!!

The Car in Valle de la Luna
Our chariot for a few days. Such a luxury- hate group tours!!!

View towards Valle del Muerte
In the distance.......

Unusual Rock Formations
Thousands of years of wind and sand have carved out some intriguing shapes. The one on the right is El Anfiteatro.

Sergio takes a rest
Look at that backdrop!

Comments

[Lesley Ritchie]

Love all your photos. Brings back many good memories of our trip. Sounds like you're following a similar route to the one we took. How are you getting around? Driving? The Pan American h’way stretches for as far as the eye can see with 'lunar landscape' either side

[Sue Treadie]

Bussing it!!
Hi Lesley! Having a ball and the buses are so convenient & affordable. In the south of Argentina and heading back to Chile tomorrow and the Navimag ferry Friday to Puerto Natales. Torres del Paine here I come.

[Spas]

WOW
Have they got a salt mine!!! It looks fabulous and so do you love! XXXXXXX Spas

[Sue Treadie]

Hi Spas
Actually they do harvest the salt, but not from there. On the Salar proper.

[Anne Wasley (Wally)]

Happy New Year Treadie!
Hi Treadie, Hope you had a great Xmas. Thanks for the photos & blog. Fantastic scenery! On On Wally