Exploring the Mystical Landscapes of Valle de la Luna with Friends

Echoes of the Past in the Atacama Desert

Today was a day dedicated to soaking in the local culture and history of the Atacama Desert. Leaving the otherworldly landscapes of Valle de la Luna behind for a moment, Hans and I, along with our friends, ventured into the charming villages of Coyo and Toconao. It was a day filled with artisanal discoveries, delightful meals, and a deeper connection to the heart of Chile.


Explore the captivating charm of Coyo in San Pedro de Atacama, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural heritage in the heart of the desert.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Baltinache Restaurant in San Pedro de Atacama. The restaurant is known for highlighting local ingredients, so I was excited to try some traditional Andean grains. I opted for a quinoa dish that gave me the energy I needed for the day, while Hans chose something a bit more adventurous - guanaco, a relative of the camel. The cozy atmosphere made it the perfect start to our cultural exploration.


Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Baltinache Restaurant in San Pedro de Atacama - where flavors meet stunning desert views.

After breakfast, we set off for Coyo, a traditional Atacameño community. It's one of the 14 indigenous communities in the Salar de Atacama basin, and it’s known for its deep connection to the land, maintaining ancestral traditions in agriculture, livestock, and crafts. The village exudes a sense of tranquility that's immediately calming. As we wandered through the streets, we admired the traditional houses and the way of life that seemed untouched by time.

I was particularly interested in learning about their farming techniques, which have been passed down through generations. The Atacameño people have ingeniously adapted to the harsh desert environment, cultivating crops using ancient methods of irrigation and water conservation. They grow various fruits and vegetables, some native and others introduced by the Spanish.

The soul of a culture is found not only in its grand monuments, but in the simple, everyday lives of its people.

Next on our itinerary was Toconao, a village known for its unique architecture crafted from volcanic rock. As we approached, the striking white bell tower of the San Lucas Church stood out against the clear blue sky. The church and bell tower, dating back to the 18th century, have been rebuilt several times due to earthquakes and fires, but they still retain their original charm.


Explore the enchanting village of Toconao in the Atacama Desert, where stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage await travelers.

We spent some time exploring the main square, admiring the artisanal crafts made from volcanic rock. I picked up a small model of the bell tower as a souvenir, a tangible reminder of this unique village. Toconao felt like stepping back in time, a place where traditions are cherished and the pace of life is slow and deliberate.

For lunch, we stopped at Rincón de Sal, drawn in by the promise of delicious pizzas and a cozy atmosphere. The restaurant lived up to its reputation, serving up artisanal pizzas with fresh, local ingredients. Hans and I shared a pizza with goat cheese and caramelized onions, a perfect blend of sweet and savory.


Experience exquisite pizza and local brews at Rincón de Sal in San Pedro de Atacama – your go-to dining destination for flavor and fun.

After lunch, we dedicated some time to shopping at Kunza, a local shop known for its textiles and artisan-crafted clothing. The store was a kaleidoscope of colors, with garments and accessories reflecting the beauty of the Atacama Desert. I found a beautiful handwoven scarf, a perfect blend of modern and traditional styles, and a wonderful reminder of my time here.


Discover the vibrant essence of Atacama through unique clothing and local crafts at Kunza, San Pedro de Atacama's premier fashion destination.

As the day drew to a close, we headed back to our campsite near Valle de la Luna, reflecting on the rich cultural experiences we had encountered. The stark beauty of the desert landscapes is undeniably captivating, but it's the warmth and resilience of the local people that truly touched my heart. It was a day of connection, discovery, and a deeper appreciation for the Atacama Desert and its unique way of life. What I found particularly interesting was that Covirán, a supermarket chain I know from both Spain and Portugal, seems to have close ties to the local communities.

Tomorrow, we're planning to visit Mirador de Kari - Piedra del Coyote and Mars Valley/Death Valley. I'm especially excited about Piedra del Coyote, as I've heard the views are absolutely breathtaking. I'm also looking forward to dinner at Ckunza Tilar, as I'm always eager to try new restaurants and experience the local cuisine. I'm sure it will be another day filled with unforgettable moments in this magical corner of the world.

The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple. As I sat there, wrapped in my new scarf from Kunza, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the experiences of the day. The Atacama Desert is more than just a landscape; it's a living, breathing tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. I am so happy I get to share it with Hans and our friends. It is experiences like this that make me appreciate my job as a freelance translator, as it allows me the flexibility to explore the world and share my stories with all of you. I think I will try to knit a traditional Danish pattern into my new scarf when I get home, a little piece of Denmark in the Atacama Desert. I really miss knitting!

I am also very excited about our exploration tomorrow. I heard the sunset from the Mirador de Kari - Piedra del Coyote is breathtaking, so I am making sure my camera is fully charged. I also packed some extra sunscreen, as I completely forgot it today. Hopefully, I will not need it, but better safe than sorry!

The stars began to twinkle in the night sky, a reminder of the vastness and beauty of the universe. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but wonder what adventures tomorrow would bring. One thing is for sure: the Atacama Desert has captured my heart, and I can't wait to see what other wonders it holds in store.

I am also very grateful to Hans, who always supports my passion for travel and adventure. Without him, I wouldn't be able to experience all these amazing places and share my stories with you. He also reminds me to pack all the essentials, even though I sometimes forget them. He is truly the best travel partner I could ask for.