Gray, red and ochre formations give Valle de la Luna its moon-like character. Water and wind have shaped the mineral landscape in the Cordillera de la Sal. The depression lies on the edge of the Salar de Atacama, surrounded by the Sierra de Orbate, and covers about 13,200 hectares. Since January 7, 1982, the area has been designated a natural monument under Decree D.S. 0037; it is part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve.
A Landscape of Mineral Formations and Highland Nature
At Valle de la Luna, you can get a particularly close look at the formations created by erosion and their varied colors. The larger Los Flamencos National Reserve also shows just how diverse the region’s landscapes are: it protects more than 73,000 hectares of high-Andean ecosystems, whose flora and fauna are adapted to extreme aridity. The reserve is home to the three flamingo species found in Chile, as well as vicuñas and foxes.
A different landscape awaits you at Salar de Tara. The Ramsar site lies within Los Flamencos National Reserve and brings together lagoons, rivers and wetlands with rolling terrain and volcanoes. Native plants and animals, including flamingos, vicuñas and foxes, live in the area. It is designated as a Ramsar site and covers 5,443 hectares.
The Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons lie at an altitude of more than 4,100 meters. Their turquoise waters contrast sharply with the dry surroundings and snow-capped peaks. Both lagoons offer opportunities for birdwatching; the species mentioned include flamingos and Andean coots. The views of the highland landscape go hand in hand with an interest in its birdlife.
From Sand Valleys to Archaeological Traces
Valle de la Muerte is a mountainous, sandy valley with large dunes and narrow sand ridges. Trekking and sandboarding are possible activities there. Those interested in the contours of the terrain will find a different expression of the Cordillera de la Sal here than at Valle de la Luna: in one, mineral formations shaped by erosion define the landscape; in the other, sand and dunes take center stage.
Archaeological traces are the focus at Aldea de Tulor. Paths, reconstructed dwellings and adobe remains offer insight into the site’s remnants. The experience differs from observing a landscape: here, visitors encounter both the visible remains and reconstructed forms of dwellings.
Thermal Waters and Highland Ecosystems
The Puritama Hot Springs lie in a mountain gorge. A continuous flow of thermal water at about 33 °C fills eight natural pools, surrounded by native vegetation and connected by wooden walkways. From San Pedro de Atacama, Ruta B-245 leads there toward Tatio: the route is 30 kilometers long and takes about 40 minutes. Road conditions and reservation arrangements may change; check the latest information before planning your drive.
The Tatio Geysers also bring together landscape and nature observation. The geothermal field lies at an altitude of more than 4,300 meters and is considered the third largest in the world. This high-altitude ecosystem is home to wild vicuñas, birds and endemic vegetation. So at Tatio, the focus is not only on geothermal features, but also on the plant and animal life found at this altitude.
Travel Information
Valle de la Luna is 15 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama, along Ruta 23. You can get there by private vehicle, bicycle or on a guided tour. The route from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama is listed as 100 kilometers via Ruta 23; the drive takes about one hour and 30 minutes and can be made by bus, transfer or private vehicle. San Pedro de Atacama is considered the gateway to the world’s driest desert, the Atacama Desert. Together, these details offer practical guidance, while the places themselves appeal to different interests: erosion-shaped landscapes, highland lagoons, thermal pools, wildlife observation or archaeological traces.
Discover more destinations: San Pedro De Atacama, Calama, Tocopilla Province, Antofagasta Province.
Go to the main travel overview: Antofagasta.
