Exploring the Mystical Landscapes of Valle de la Luna with Friends

Chasing Rainbows and Ancient Echoes

Today was a day of vibrant colors and deep history, a true feast for the senses and the soul. The Atacama Desert continues to surprise me with its hidden gems, and I'm so excited to share the day's adventures with you. Get ready to explore with me as we uncover the magic of northern Chile!

The day began with the promise of exploration, and a hearty breakfast at Sol Inti in San Pedro de Atacama set the perfect tone. The aroma of freshly baked bread and strong coffee filled the air, a comforting ritual before venturing into the vast desert landscape. Hans would have loved this place; he always appreciates a good, strong cup of coffee to start the day. I savored every bite, knowing that a day of adventure lay ahead, and made a mental note to try and recreate the delicious Chilean pastries back in Berlin.

With renewed energy, our group – myself and my friends – set out to explore the heart of San Pedro de Atacama, starting with the Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama. The plaza was alive with activity, locals going about their daily routines, and tourists like us eager to soak in the atmosphere. The adobe buildings surrounding the square exuded a sense of history, their walls whispering tales of generations past. I watched children chase pigeons, their laughter echoing through the air, and felt a sense of connection to this vibrant community. I couldn’t help but think of my little town of Svendborg back in Denmark, and how different yet similar life can be in different corners of the world. The Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama is more than just a meeting point; it's a living testament to the resilience and spirit of the Atacameño people.


Experience the vibrant heart of San Pedro de Atacama at Plaza de San Pedro, where local culture, food, and stunning landscapes converge.

The desert reveals its secrets slowly, rewarding those who seek them with patience and wonder.

After immersing ourselves in the local culture, we embarked on a journey to Valle del Arcoiris, or Rainbow Valley. The drive itself was an adventure, the landscape transforming from sandy plains to rugged mountains. As we approached the valley, the reason for its name became apparent. The hillsides were streaked with vibrant colors – reds, greens, yellows, and whites – a breathtaking display of nature's artistry. These colors are the result of different mineral deposits, each layer telling a story of geological processes spanning millions of years. I felt like an explorer discovering a hidden world, my camera working overtime to capture the surreal beauty. I tried to imagine what Hans would say if he were here; he’d probably start explaining the geological formations in detail, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. I miss his scientific perspective sometimes, but I love that I can experience these things with my friends, too.


Explore the breathtaking Valle del Arcoiris, a stunning park in San Pedro de Atacama known for its vibrant rock formations and picturesque landscapes.

We spent hours hiking through the valley, marveling at the unique rock formations and the kaleidoscope of colors. The silence was broken only by the sound of our footsteps and the occasional gust of wind, creating a sense of solitude and peace. I found myself reflecting on the vastness of time and the power of nature, feeling humbled by the sheer scale of the landscape. I collected a few small stones, each one a tiny piece of this incredible place, to bring back as souvenirs for my family. I know my mom will especially appreciate them; she loves collecting rocks and minerals from around the world.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the valley, we reluctantly made our way back to San Pedro de Atacama. The light transformed the landscape once again, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple. It was a magical moment, one that I will cherish forever. I thought of a quote I once read about the desert: The desert tells a different story every time one ventures into it. And today, the desert had told me a story of color, history, and wonder.

Back in town, we stopped by Atacamena, a local shop, hoping to find some authentic souvenirs. The shop was filled with handcrafted goods, from textiles to pottery, each piece reflecting the unique culture of the Atacama. I picked up a beautiful hand-woven scarf, its colors mirroring the landscape we had explored earlier in the day. I also found a small ceramic llama, a perfect memento of our time in Chile. Supporting local artisans is important to me, and I always try to find unique, handmade items when I travel.


Discover unique souvenirs and local crafts at Atacamena, the perfect place to capture the spirit of San Pedro de Atacama.

Dinner at Ckunna was the perfect end to a perfect day. The restaurant offered a modern take on traditional Atacameño cuisine, using local ingredients to create innovative and flavorful dishes. We shared stories and laughter over plates of delicious food, reminiscing about the day's adventures. I tried a local wine, its rich and earthy flavor complementing the meal perfectly. It was a wonderful evening, filled with good company and great food. I made a mental note to research some Chilean recipes when I get back to Berlin; I'd love to try and recreate some of these dishes for Hans.


Discover authentic Chilean flavors at Ckunna in San Pedro de Atacama – where local ingredients meet traditional recipes.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences of today. The Atacama Desert has a way of captivating the soul, of making you feel small yet connected to something much larger than yourself. It's a place of stark beauty and ancient history, a place that challenges and inspires. And I'm so glad that I had the chance to experience it with my friends.

Tomorrow promises more adventure, with plans to visit Mirador San Pedro for panoramic views and to experience Llama Stargazing. I'm particularly excited about the stargazing; the Atacama Desert is known for having some of the clearest skies in the world, and I can't wait to see the stars come alive. We'll also be trying out La Casona for breakfast, Jardin Meraki for lunch, and LA PICÁ DEL PERRÓN for dinner, and perhaps even stopping by Volkanico SmokeHouse for a drink. I'm looking forward to another day of exploration and discovery in this magical place.

Until then, goodnight from the Atacama Desert!