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Valle de la Luna - Valley of the Moon
(half and/or full-day)
The Valle de la Luna, or Valley of the Moon, is one of the most famous and most visited places in the San Pedro region. It is located 17 kilometres south-west of San Pedro, in the Cordillera de la Sal, or Salt Mountain Range, and is protected as part of the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos, which has several sectors, and is administered by the local Atacameño community of San Pedro de Atacama , in association with CONAF.
Valley of the Moon is named after its fantastic moon-like landscape, created by the erosion of its different sedimentary stratifications and the salt formations.
At its heart is a depression of salt sedimentary layers, a natural coliseum of great dimensions, 500m in diameter, the result of a sequence of transformations on the earth's crust caused by the folding of the ground underneath the salt lake.
Activities
Choose either an early morning or afternoon (recommended) vehicle tour to the famous 'Valley of the Moon', visiting the 'Three Maries' rock formation, abandoned salt excavations, and climb the Great Dune for that spectacular sunset.
The Moon Valley Trail (8 to 12 kilometres), and taking around 4 hours to hike, the path runs parallel to the road that crosses the Moon Valley. This gives you a full view of the landscape's beauty and the erosion forms.
The Great Dune Climb (900 meters), about a one hour walk, it is an informal path that stretches up the sand covered slopes of La Duna, giving fantastic panoramic views. Along the way it is possible to observe geologic formations that give the valley its name.
For thousands of years strong winds have affected the relief, creating huge fields of sand dunes. The 'great sand dune' was probably formed by the accumulation of sand prompted by natural barriers which constitute the base of the dunes. From the great dune is possible to appreciate the wonderful and surprising surroundings and colours of the area, especially at sunset. At full moon, the valley also presents an indescribable aspect, of majesty and magical power.
The Amphitheatre. The actions of wind and water upon this geographical formation have created a sequence of peaks, similar in outline to the bellows of an accordion.
The Three Marias. The Las Tres Marías formations are the result of intense erosion processes. They are composed of gravel, clay, salt, gems and quartz, and are approximately one million years old.
The Salt Mines. Solid clear crystals of gem salt can be seen in the caves formed by old salt excavations, its formation the effects of high pressure and the absence of humidity.
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