Valle de La Luna
NileGuide Expert Says:
Best sunset in San Pedro, with an expansive view over a dune desert.Address:
San Pedro de Atacama,
NileGuide Expert tip:
Avoiding the crowds at sunset is impossible here, but if you go at any other time of the day, you'll have the moon valley mostly to yourself.Description:
In the Atacama, not far from the outpost of San Pedro are the Cordillera de La Sal (salt moutnains) and the Valle de La Luna, which are commonly visited in the late afternoon to be able to sit up on an expansive dune to watch the sunset.The area is widely visited, with sanddunes that bring to mind what is commonly accepted as being the desert. As the sun sets, the whole area goes a burnt orange, and many people take pictures while facing the setting sun with the expansive views behind them. On the way down, many people take giant, running steps to great photographic effect and that feels a little bit like flying.
The Valle de la Luna is quite close to San Pedro, and even sometimes-cylists often rent bikes to ride out there, with or without a sandboard strapped to their backs. You can also take sandboarding tours from the youth hostel and other outfitters. You must bring lights if you're going to watch the sunset on your own on the bikes, and the roads are pitch dark on the way back to San Pedro
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