23rd November 2015. Atacama Desert, Northern Chile.

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This and following posts are from excursions with Cosmo Andino Tours, who offer a great service.  This excursion was to Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley).

 

Coyote Leap.

I saw the cracks before I ventured there.  I assume from the fact that I’m writing this that I survived the experience.

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Valle de la Luna is about thirteen kilometres west of San Pedro de Atacama.

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It is a part of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range).

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It is also inside Los Flamencos National Reserve and part of the Atacama Desert.

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Some magnificent viewpoints are available.

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Licancabur volcano, creating the moon in a virtual eruption.

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… and the moon flies away like a balloon.

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Valle de la Luna is comprised of sand, stone and salt. It is a totally arid area without any precipitation.

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The dramatic shapes were created by geological folding under a dry salt lake.

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Colours are heightened by the sunset.

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