San Pedro de Atacama or The Desert Lives!

After Pucón, it's now time to head to the north of Chile, to San Pedro de Atacama. After a long day of travel through Santiago de Chile, I finally arrive in the small desert town in the Andes in the evening. The Atacama Desert is the driest desert on Earth outside of the polar regions. I have two days here, but without a car, the time is barely enough. The surroundings have a lot to offer and I rely on agencies and their day tours, as the time is (too) short to be able to do everything that interests me. I decide to take two tours: the tour to the altiplanica lagoons, combined with a detour to see flamingos (they are pink - I must see them!) and for the following day, the tour to the Valley of the Moon - a must-see here.

Altiplanic Lagoons

After a few hours of sleep, I am picked up at the hostel the next morning and we set off, first to the small village of Toconao, where we learn a lot about the locals and their cultivation of the desert.

We then continue to the Salar de Atacama (Salt Flat) and the Chaxa Lagoon in the 'Los Flamencos' National Park. Up to three species of flamingos settle in the lagoon, today I see one of them, the Andean flamingos (distinguishing feature: black wingtips).

After a good breakfast with a view of the flamingos, we drive up to 4,140 m in altitude - we are going to the Altiplanic Lagoons. These consist of the Miscanti Lagoon and the Miñiques Lagoon. Originally a single lagoon, it was separated by a lava flow. The lagoons are nourished by groundwater flowing from the surrounding mountains of the Andes. This creates a habitat for numerous bird species, and with a little luck, you can see a flamingo here as well :)

Miscanti Lagoon

Back at the hostel, I treat myself to a 'free' afternoon in the sun - vacation :)

Valley of the Moon

The next day, we head to the famous Valley of the Moon. Our first stop is the salt caves, and a bit of courage is needed as we enter the dark caves (requirement: flashlight or alternatively, a cell phone) and have to climb over the rocks. The impressions of the salt walls and salt crystals are worth it!

We then continue through the national park to the well-known rock formation 'Tres Marías' - the three Maries. It can be guessed which stones represent the Maries, but unfortunately, the guide didn't give a more detailed explanation of the figures :)

The Mirador de Kari, a viewpoint with an impressive panoramic view of the valley, is our next destination. A few meters up through the sand (why did I wear white shoes???), and I can't stop marveling. So many different shapes and figures lie at our feet, it's no wonder that this valley in the desert resembles a lunar landscape.

After this incredible setting, we trudge back to the bus and head to the penultimate stop of the tour: the Valle de la Muerte, also known as the Valley of Death - as the Chileans say. Others call it Valle de Marte, Mars Valley. Either way, when we stand in a small hollow, this landscape also offers grandiose impressions of the diversity here.

We quickly move on to arrive at the viewpoint on time for sunset. All the tours gather here, yet it is surprisingly quiet as the sun disappears behind the barren rocks, enveloping everything in warm light.