|
|||
|
|
Cordellera de la Sal - Salt Mountain Range
(half and/or full-day)
The Cordillera de la Sal, or Salt Mountain Range, has its origin some 23 million years ago. Originally part of a much larger depression basin and salar, it is formed from the horizontal accumulation of sedimentary deposits of the salts, creating varying thin layers of materials (sand, clay and salt), which were then raised, folded and faulted by tectonic pressures in the earths crust.
The name Cordillera de la Sal derives from the fact that its rocks possess a great quantity mineral deposits. These minerals include large amounts of crystal de sal, or crystal salt (sodium chloride - NaCl), and crystal de yeso, or gypsum (calcium sulphate - CaSO4), also known as alabaster and used to form medical bone casts.
The incredible landscape with rock and sand formations that have been eroded over the millennia by the effects of water, wind and the heat of the sun, during a period with a more humid climate than at present. Its unusual form and varied colorations create a landscape of strange forms and sculptural shapes, a result of the different stratifications and mineral deposits. This has created a unique topography with amazing vistas, especially during the sunset when the changing light casts hues of pink, red and purple, and the increasing shadows adding an eerie quality.
The Cordillera de la Sal is located 70 kilometres east from Calama - and is traversed just before arrival at the town of San Pedro de Atacama. A particular section is known for its peculiar repeating forms, where the road cuts across a highly eroded area giving the impression (according to some!) of a giant dinosaur skeleton. Various dirt tracks, cycling and walking path explore the area and spectacular viewpoints, including the Valle de la Muerte, or Valley of Death, which is a popular location for sand-boarding, and Kari gorge, a walk following the eroded path of a small dry stream through the cordillera.
Recommended morning bike or walking tour in partnership with a late afternoon visit to the Valle de la Luna.
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
| Homepage |
About Us | Contact Us | Booking Enquiry |
 Website designed by EcoElements Digital Solutions |
|||
|
| |||
