Exploring the Mystical Landscapes of Valle de la Luna with Friends

Celestial Monday in Valle de la Luna

Today was a day of breathtaking vistas and cosmic wonder, a true immersion into the heart of the Atacama Desert. From panoramic viewpoints to a sky full of stars, every moment felt like a dream. I'm so grateful to be sharing this adventure with my friends, and I can't wait to share all the details with you!

Our morning started with a hearty breakfast at La Casona. The traditional Chilean flavors were the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploration. I opted for a Pastel de Choclo, while Hans enjoyed some scrambled eggs. It's always a pleasure to start the day with a good meal, especially when you know you'll be burning a lot of energy. After breakfast, we set off towards our first destination: Mirador San Pedro.

The drive to Mirador San Pedro was scenic in itself, with the vast desert landscape unfolding before our eyes. Arriving at the mirador, we were greeted with an awe-inspiring panoramic view. The Valle de la Luna stretched out beneath us, a surreal tapestry of rock formations and sand dunes sculpted by centuries of wind and erosion. The early morning light cast long shadows, accentuating the contours of the landscape. I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the sheer scale and beauty of nature. I snapped dozens of photos, trying to capture the essence of this otherworldly place, but no image could truly do it justice.


Discover the stunning vistas of Mirador San Pedro, an iconic viewpoint in the Atacama Desert, perfect for breathtaking photography and tranquil moments.
We spent a good hour at the mirador, simply soaking in the view and taking in the crisp desert air. It's moments like these that make traveling so rewarding – when you can disconnect from the everyday and connect with something larger than yourself. As we prepared to leave, I couldn't resist one last look back at the valley, etching the image into my memory.

For lunch, we headed to Jardin Meraki, a charming restaurant known for its organic and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant itself was an oasis of green, with a beautiful garden terrace that provided a welcome respite from the desert sun. I opted for a fresh salad with quinoa and avocado, while Hans chose a hearty burger made with local beef. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was so relaxing that we lingered over our meal, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.


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

Sometimes, the most profound experiences come from simply being present in a place, open to whatever it may offer.

As the afternoon wore on, excitement began to build for our evening adventure: Llama Stargazing. This was an experience I had been particularly looking forward to, as the Atacama Desert is renowned for having some of the clearest night skies in the world. After a quick stop at our accommodation to freshen up, we met our guide and set off into the desert.


Discover the beauty of the universe at Llama Stargazing, where the night sky comes alive with countless stars and cosmic wonders.
As darkness fell, the sky began to reveal its secrets. Far from the light pollution of the city, the stars shone with an intensity I had never witnessed before. The Milky Way stretched across the heavens like a river of light, and countless constellations twinkled in the inky blackness. Our guide, an astronomer, pointed out various celestial objects, sharing stories and insights about the cosmos. We gazed through high-powered telescopes, marveling at the rings of Saturn and the craters of the Moon. It was an awe-inspiring experience, one that left me feeling both humbled and connected to the universe.

The evening concluded with a delightful spread of snacks and drinks under the stars. Sipping on Chilean wine and sharing stories with my friends, I felt an immense sense of gratitude for this incredible journey. The crisp desert air, the stunning night sky, and the warmth of good company created a magical atmosphere that I will never forget.

For dinner, we decided to try LA PICÁ DEL PERRÓN, a local favorite known for its authentic Chilean cuisine. The restaurant was bustling with activity, filled with locals and tourists alike. The aroma of traditional dishes filled the air, making my stomach rumble with anticipation. I ordered a hearty plate of ribs, while Hans opted for the salmon ceviche. The food was delicious and comforting, the perfect way to end a day of exploration and wonder.


Discover authentic Chilean flavors at La Picá del Perrón in San Pedro de Atacama - where every dish tells a story.
Before heading back to our accommodation, we made a quick stop at Volkanico SmokeHouse for a nightcap. This bar is known for its smoky flavors and unique drinks, and I was eager to experience it for myself. The bar had a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, with chill music and a beautiful garden setting. I ordered a smoked whiskey cocktail, while Hans chose a local beer. Sipping our drinks under the desert sky, we reflected on the incredible day we had experienced.


Discover the flavors of Chilean cuisine at Volkanico SmokeHouse in San Pedro de Atacama, where smoky delights meet local traditions.
Tomorrow, we plan to explore Cordillera traveller and El Tunel. I'm excited to see what new adventures await us in this extraordinary landscape. But for now, I'm content to drift off to sleep under the stars, dreaming of celestial wonders and desert dreams.

I'm so glad I remembered to bring my camera, even though I forgot the binoculars and portable phone charger. It will be great to look back at the photos from today. Also, I'm happy to report that I haven't had any issues with altitude sickness. I was a bit worried about that, but it seems like I'm adjusting well. I think it's because I've been drinking a lot of water and taking it easy.

As I close out this blog post, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude and excitement for the days ahead. The Atacama Desert has already exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to see what other wonders it holds. Stay tuned for more adventures from Valle de la Luna!

I feel so lucky to be sharing this experience with my friends, their laughter and companionship make every moment even more special. Traveling with friends always reminds me of the importance of human connection and shared experiences. I'm so grateful for their presence in my life.

And as I think of my husband, Hans, who is always so supportive of my travel dreams, I feel grateful for his love and encouragement. His presence makes every journey more meaningful, and I cherish the memories we create together. I am also grateful for my job as a freelance translator, which allows me the flexibility to pursue my passion for travel while maintaining a stable income. I love the freedom and independence that comes with being my own boss, and I'm grateful for the opportunities it provides me to explore the world.

I am also looking forward to visiting Artesanías Santa Ana tomorrow. I am always on the lookout for unique souvenirs and gifts to bring back home, and I am sure that I will find something special there. I love supporting local artisans and bringing a piece of their culture back with me to Berlin. I always find it important to support the local economy when traveling. I am also excited to try the local cuisine at Mal de Puna, Rincón de Sal, and Barros Restaurante tomorrow. I am always eager to try new flavors and experience the culinary traditions of different cultures. Food is such an important part of travel, and I love discovering new dishes and ingredients. I am also looking forward to a good night's rest, as I know that I will need my energy for another day of exploration.

I am so grateful for this opportunity to travel and experience new things, and I am excited to see what the future holds. I am also grateful for my readers, who allow me to share my experiences and connect with others who share my passion for travel. Thank you for following along on my journey!