A walk through the Valley of the Moon

For: Daniel Landa

After breakfast, we collected our luggage and we soon leave behind the city of Calama to get into quieter roads. Only wind and bare mountains. Had long known that there is a place called the Valley of the Moon, in the Atacama Desert. I read the shock of those who passed through it, was like stepping into a legend. They say that during the full moon rocks and sand dunes take on an unreal. We would cross the valley to full sunlight, but the magic of the place was going to win anyway.

The fury of the volcanoes has shaped rocks that were once incandescent lava. Quartz crystals shining stones attached to twisted, as strange formations sculpted in an environment where there is only sand. Later closes the valley became a canyon whose walls are different shades, ocher, white or brown. Then opened and the road passes through an area that honors the name of the valley. As spacefarers on the dark side of the moon, crossed the dunes and rocks, the gradient of colors, admiring the desolation of that corner of the world.

The dead are often beautiful landscapes, perhaps because they have surrendered to their fate with serenity.

The dead are often beautiful landscapes, perhaps because they have surrendered to their fate with serenity. The resignation of a harsh climate, altitude that removes the air, volcanoes who want it all. In the distance we saw the volcano Licancabur, and in Bolivia, with the profile of a winner gallardo, haughty, superb and therefore only, in a landscape that died of shame, where there are no bushes, no flowers, or moss, or will to live. Therefore, across the Valley of the Moon, we did it with the fascination that causes fear.

We discovered the caves to hide and nothing around canyon walls carved with grooves were as, dry stone monuments and barren sand dry even still.

The Valley of the Moon has just twelve miles long. Disappointed in size, just a ride, but in that way we stopped many times, to make sure that the landscape was not painted. And soon after, ended, as just bad dreams, suddenly, with relief

one oasis. Among these green orchards has risen San Pedro de Atacama, a 2.600 meters. We had planned to spend the night before crossing the Bolivian border, but the people just a couple of rides, Like the valley, so we decided to follow the course of Licancabur. Beyond the border, southern Bolivia would make us forget the Valley of the Moon. Beyond, valleys rather seem to Jupiter, but that's another story…

  • Share

Comments (5)

  • Rosa

    |

    It really is a place that resembles a lunar landscape. Transmits pure sensations of pure desolation and beauty, peace and quiet.
    Imagine if you walking at sunset, and less heat, you can see the change of colors in their formations. If it is night and full moon would be a perfect postcard.

    Answer

  • montse

    |

    Read your chronic is the best approach to places that otherwise we would be too far away to be enjoyed.
    Thanks, so friends who share.

    Answer

  • Lydia

    |

    Who would say that today when I put in front of computer, was waiting for a little trip to the Valley of the Moon from my couch. Course, the name is well chosen.

    Answer

  • marita bouquets.

    |

    honestly,I would have loved to have been a reality all, even the valley with all the silence that now generates, has the frank hope that everything becomes a beautiful reality and no longer a dry valley. I wait forever………………..this is a new reason to go ahead,.

    Answer

  • the watermelon

    |

    hey dude, date one pass through the valley of the moon in Argentina which I'm sure will surprise you even more

    Answer

Write a comment