Hot Moon Valley & Cool Stargazing in the Atacama Desert, Chile

“Death Valley, Moon Valley” … ? It might not sound very enticing. Or does it? For me, a hike through Death Valley and the “canyon of salt” as well as the sunset over Moon Valley is one of the best recommendations of things to do while exploring the Atcama Desert. From my personal experience, the heat isn’t so bad after all (50°C in the sun, 30°C in the shade are “carried away” by strong winds), just make sure you carry enough water, wear the right clothing and have at least some level of fitness so as to enjoy the walk. I recommend you go with a (small) group such as those offered by Cosmo Andino, who make a point of staying away from the crowds and giving great commentary as well.

Here, I share with you my photo essay of walking the Death, Salt & Moon Valleys in the Atacama Desert of Chile:

Let’s go: Facing Death Valley …

David, our guide, explains to us the value of this “Rica-Rica” plant making great Mate, too.

“Desert Girl”: Wearing a good head cover and no contact lenses, is absolutely vital when willing to enjoy a walk in the desert … !

We get to watch cool sand boarders.

The view of the mighty Cordillera de los Andes is just so fascinating, with all the volcanoes “lined up” in view. Spectacular!

The desert has a unique sense of beauty …

In the “Salt Canyon”, we marvel at these “salt stalagmites” who have formed after scarce water drags the minerals to the surface.

Sun-kissed in the light of the evening sun … 🙂

Our experienced guide David shares many a story with us, including his “first spiritual experience” when walking the Moon Valley at night-time.

During the evening, the setting sun makes for a spectacular color display …

.. such as bathing these volcanoes in tender shades of pink and red …

… right before the sun god “Inti” bids us farewell, allowing Jupiter and the stars to greet us.

Stargazing in the Atacama Desert with local guide Jorge Corante: An absolute Must-Do!

After some initial stargazing experience at Gingin Observatory in Western Australia as well as my star gazing tour in Fiordland, New Zealand, I thought watching the stars in the Atacama desert might just be “the place to be” for its absolutely clear skies and next to no light pollution. Well, not only I thought so: Right next to San Pedro de Atacama, the “Large Satellite Array” has been inaugurated only this way, providing for the largest star observation facility in the entire world. However, as mentioned in my article about the “Altiplano” Lagoons, it is sometimes hard deciding which operator to go with. So I googled. And found Jorge Corante thanks to great Tripadvisor reviews, being no more than four days old. After writing to him and introducing my work as a travel blogger, he spontaneously offered to host me on a single tour including sending me these pictures of our experience. How cool! Very lucky I was to have found him.

So why Jorge? Besides being a true “Atacameno” and of direct descent of the local native tribes, he has an enormous knowledge about all things scientific & mystic about the stars and planets , explaining context and making me understand the night-time sky. His tours are offered in both Spanish and English, and he comes to take me out straight from my accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama. The tour lasts from about 21.00 – 24.00 h. Wonderful , Jorge: Well done!

I love the night-time sky: These stars, Magellanic clouds, Southern Cross & others are just mesmerizing. Thank you for a wonderful experience! Photo: (c) Jorge Corante.

The tour comes complete with (Mate) tea or coffee: Nice because it does get cold in the desert at night-time. Photo: (c) Jorge Corante.

This picture is a cute little souvenir from Jorge: Thank you once again for the amazing stargazing tour. Definitely recommend you try it on your visit to San Pedro de Atacama! Photo: (c) Jorge Corante.

Fancy more amazing impressions of the Atacama Desert? Check out my Flickr photo page and enjoy daydreaming over some of these images … !