Exploring the Mystical Landscapes of Valle de la Luna with Friends

Arrival in Another World: Valle de la Luna

After what felt like an eternity in transit, touching down in Calama and then driving into San Pedro de Atacama with my friends felt surreal. The landscape shifted dramatically from the familiar greens of Berlin to the stark, arid beauty of the Atacama Desert. I’m here with Hans (virtually, of course!), and my girlfriends, ready to immerse ourselves in this otherworldly environment. As a translator, I'm always fascinated by new cultures and landscapes, and I have a feeling this trip will be full of unique experiences to share.

Our first day was dedicated to exploring Valley of the Moon, or Moon Valley, and it certainly lived up to its name. The drive from San Pedro was short, but the scenery transformed rapidly, making us feel like we were driving on another planet. The landscape is a mix of sand dunes, jagged peaks, and salt formations, all sculpted by wind and time.

Our first stop was at the Centro de Información Valle de la Luna. It was a good starting point to get oriented and learn a bit about the geology and history of the area. We grabbed a map and some tips from the staff, who were very helpful in pointing out the must-see spots and the trails that were open. It’s amazing to think that this landscape began forming approximately 33 million years ago.


Explore the stunning landscapes and unique geological formations at Centro de Información Valle de la Luna in the Atacama Desert, Chile.

For breakfast, we decided to try Centro de Eventos Valle de la Luna. It was a convenient spot to grab a quick bite before heading into the valley. Fueled up, we were ready to explore!


Savor exquisite Chilean cuisine in an enchanting setting at Centro de Eventos Valle de la Luna in Cabrero, Bio Bio.

The Valley of the Moon itself is breathtaking. We spent hours wandering through the bizarre formations, taking countless photos. The textures and colors of the rocks are incredible, ranging from pale beige to deep red and brown. It’s easy to see why it’s called Moon Valley; the landscape is eerily similar to what I imagine the moon to be like.

We hiked to several viewpoints, including the Duna Mayor, where we got a panoramic view of the entire valley. The climb was a bit challenging due to the altitude, but the view was more than worth it. From there, we could see the Amphitheater, a natural depression surrounded by towering rock formations.

The beauty of Valle de la Luna lies not just in its stark landscapes, but in the profound sense of peace and wonder it inspires.

One of the highlights was exploring the salt caves. The guide advised us to bring our cell phones as flashlights, which turned out to be essential. Crawling through the narrow tunnels, surrounded by glittering salt crystals, was an unforgettable experience. It felt like entering another world, a subterranean kingdom of minerals.

As the afternoon wore on, we made our way to the Tres Marías, unique rock formations sculpted by erosion. Sadly, one of the Marias collapsed some years ago, but the remaining formations are still impressive. It’s a stark reminder of the power of nature and the constant change that shapes our world.

Before heading to our dinner spot, we made a quick stop at Atacama Store. I was hoping to find a unique souvenir, maybe a piece of local jewelry or a handicraft. While the name might suggest surf gear, I was curious to see what treasures it held. I ended up buying a small, hand-painted ceramic llama, a perfect reminder of our time in the Atacama.


Explore Atacama Store in San Pedro de Atacama: Your one-stop shop for local goods and essential supplies in the heart of the desert.

For lunch, we headed to Jardin Meraki, enticed by its description as a beautiful outdoor garden. And it did not disappoint! The restaurant was an oasis of green, with lush trees and colorful flowers creating a tranquil atmosphere. We enjoyed a delicious meal of local specialties, savoring the fresh flavors and the peaceful setting. I opted for a vegetarian dish made with organic vegetables grown in the Atacama Desert. It was delightful to taste the local produce and feel connected to the land.


Discover Jardin Meraki: A culinary gem in San Pedro de Atacama offering exquisite local flavors amidst breathtaking desert landscapes.

As the sun began to set, we found a quiet spot to watch the spectacle. The sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors, from fiery oranges and reds to soft pinks and purples. The landscape was bathed in a warm, golden light, creating a magical atmosphere. It was a moment of pure serenity, a perfect end to our first day in the Atacama.

For dinner, we chose La Casona, a restaurant in San Pedro known for its traditional Chilean cuisine. The restaurant had a cozy, rustic ambiance, with a warm fireplace and friendly staff. We feasted on hearty dishes like pastel de choclo (corn pie) and carne al jugo (beef in gravy). It was a delicious way to experience the local flavors and warm up after a day in the desert.


Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at La Casona in San Pedro de Atacama – where tradition meets flavor in an inviting atmosphere.

As I sit here writing this, I’m already looking forward to tomorrow’s adventures. We plan to visit Mars Valley (also known as Death Valley) and the Mirador de Kari - Piedra del Coyote. I’ve heard that Mars Valley offers incredible sandboarding opportunities, and I’m eager to give it a try. And the Mirador de Kari is supposed to have stunning views, especially at sunset. We also plan to check out ChelaCabur, a local bar, for a nightcap.

I’m also making a mental note to buy a portable phone charger; my phone barely made it through the day with all the photos I took! And perhaps a pair of binoculars would enhance our stargazing experience.

But for now, it’s time to rest and recharge for another day of exploring this incredible corner of the world. The Atacama has already captured my heart, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.