Every year thousands of tourists flock to a place with no buildings, no restaurants, and no clubs. Instead, it is a vast wasteland created by nature that draws these interested onlookers. The Valley of the Moon is Chile's answer to our Grand Canyon. Located in the Atacama Desert, this area should be on your list of places to visit. Not many travelers have experienced this place, which has been described by various travelers with glowing reviews. The Valley of the Moon, or Valle de la Luna, is found 13 kilometers west of Sand Pedro in the Atacama Desert in Chile. This area is characterized by natural sand and stone formations. These natural wonders have been created by floods and winds, which have contributed to its color and texture. Its name is derived from its resemblance to the surface of the moon. Even NASA has taken note of this unique place on Earth, testing vehicles that would later be used on Mars in this rocky, barren landscape.
Also found here are dry lakes which appear to be different colors throughout the day. Depending on how the sun is positioned in the sky and the time of day, one can see green, yellow, red, and blue colors which give colour to your surroundings. Stand on top of a sand dune and take a few moments to take in all of the natural beauty that surrounds you.
This is also one of the driest spots on the planet. Some parts of the valley have not received a single drop of rain in hundreds of years. The unique weather conditions, combined with hundreds of years of floods and winds, have created stone and sand formations which resemble sculptures, some of which have names like "Las Tres Marias." These conditions have also yielded an incredible color pallet. It is hard to believe that these colors can be found naturally on the surface you walk on. There are salt caverns and volcanoes. The Licancabur volcano is so spectacular that it can be contemplated for long periods of time. Due to the dryness, as well as the saltiness, of the land, this is considered one of the most uninhabitable places on earth. While this may sound like a bad thing, it actually envelops the area with a sense of majesty. At night, under the moon, there exists a silence which is both unnerving and magical at the same time.
A quick internet search reveals a number of ways to travel to this area. There are hotels and tours that can be booked in the surrounding region. All you have to do is make the arrangements to get there.
Nowhere else on this planet can you experience anything like the Valle de La Luna. This area's beauty cannot adequately be described in words. Do yourself a favor and perform a quick internet search of this fine area. Better yet, visit the Valley of the Moon yourself and experience this amazing part of the world. I can guarantee this is a trip you will never regret taking.
San Pedro de Atacama tours is your one stop shop for setting up a trip to the Valley of the Moon. Before you book check out some of the San Pedro de Atacama hotels.
