Why is Valle de la Luna special?
Why is Valle de la Luna special?
It has an impressive range of color and texture, looking somewhat similar to the surface of the moon. Valle de la Luna is a part of the Reserva Nacional los Flamencos and was declared a Nature Sanctuary in 1982 for its natural environment and strange lunar landscape, from which its name is derived.
When should I go to Atacama?
Best time to visit the Atacama Desert The Atacama is generally warm and dry all year round, with a wetter season in January and February. It’s ideal to visit in Chile’s winter, from May to July, when travel to places like Patagonia is not recommended.
Where did the Moon valley get its name from?
The area is also known for its sand dunes and distinctive rock formations that have been shaped by thousands of years of wind and salt erosion. This caused the terrain to become similar to the lunar surface, which is how the “Valley of the Moon” got its name.
Where is the valley of the Moon in Chile?
Atacama
Valle de la Luna (which translates to “valley of the moon”) is situated in the Atacama, one of the world’s driest deserts, which stretches for 600 miles from northern Chile into southern Peru.
How big is Valle de la Luna?
1,650 feet
Valle de la Luna is a fantastic moon landscape that is a part of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range) belonging to the Los Flamencos National Reserve. It is a small depression of salt ground, 1,650 feet (500 m) in diameter, that exhibits odd sculptural shapes.
How old is Valle de la Luna?
22 million years old
The valley itself is 22 million years old, and scientists believe the salt was left behind from when an ocean covered this part of Chile. Located just a few miles outside of San Pedro de Atacama, the Valle de la Luna is an incredible place to hike, bike, and take in a spectacular sunset.
How many days do you need in Atacama?
Tripper Tips: I believe five days is ideal to properly explore the Atacama and experience different types of excursions, allowing for time to properly acclimate to the environment. To adjust to the altitude it’s best to eat light and go easy on the alcohol on your first day or two.
How was Valle de la Luna formed?
The rolling slopes of this incredible valley were formed by the meeting of the Atacama Desert and the Andes Mountain Range. A series of buckling shifts in the Earth’s crust came about with the folding of the watery ground beneath the salt lakes that were once here.
How did Valle de la Luna form?
The formation of the “Painted Valley” was due to torrential rains that flooded the plains creating a great amount of mud. The mudslide buried in its path animals and plants and protected them from the decomposing process caused by the air in the atmosphere.
How do you explore the Atacama Desert?
Best Places To Visit In The Atacama Desert
- Wake Up Early For Sunrise At El Tatio Geysers.
- Explore The Valley Of The Moon – El Valle De La Luna.
- Take A Tour Of Atacama Salt Flats and Chaxa Lagoon.
- Visit Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons.
- Spend Time In San Pedro De Atacama.
What is Moon Valley tour San Pedro de Atacama?
Moon Valley Tour from San Pedro de Atacama. Discover the otherworldly landscape of the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) on an exciting excursion from San Pedro de Atacama. Marvel at sharp peaks, undulating sand dunes and rugged caverns as you journey through one of the driest and most diverse deserts on earth.
How to get to Moon Valley Chile?
How to Get There. Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) lies at the heart of the Atacama Desert in northeastern Chile, around 11 miles (17 kilometers) west of the town of San Pedro de Atacama. There’s no public transport to the valley itself, although regular taxis, shared taxis, and tours run from San Pedro de Atacama.
How do you get to Moonmoon Valley?
Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) lies at the heart of the Atacama Desert in northeastern Chile, around 11 miles (17 kilometers) west of the town of San Pedro de Atacama. There’s no public transport to the valley itself, although regular taxis, shared taxis, and tours run from San Pedro de Atacama.
Which Atacama desert excursion is right for You?
The Valley of the Moon in the Atacama Desert is a popular excursion from San Pedro de Atacama, but you can avoid the crowds on this small-group tour, limited to 15 people. Leaving in the afternoon, you will arrive in time to experience the sunset, which casts a warm glow over the valley and makes for excellent photo opportunities.