Overview:

Valle de la Luna, or Valley of the Moon, is an area of outstanding natural beauty located in the Santa Cruz department of Bolivia. This area of unique and bizarre geological formations was created by wind erosion of soft sandstone and is a popular destination for tourists, hikers, and rock climbers. The view from the valley overlooks both the Amazon and Chaco ecosystems, and it is home to an abundance of unique flora and fauna. Valle de la Luna is also home to La Cueva de Manos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an array of ancient cave paintings. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bolivia
Prominent Features:

Valle de la Luna, or Valley of the Moon, is a geologic area located within the Santa Cruz department of Bolivia, lying about 30 kilometers east from the city of San Juan. It is an area of bare rocky hills and gulches that has been formed through erosion, high temperatures, and the winds of the region. The sight of the valley is quite remarkable, with huge rock formations, mesas, and strangely shaped ridges, it is often compared to that of the surface of the moon. It is a very popular site for sightseeing, hiking, and biking, as well as a great spot for camping out under the stars. The valley is also home to several species of wildlife and plants, including foxes, cactus, and vicuñas, making it a great site for wildlife watching. This national monument of Bolivia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) is located in the southeastern region of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. It is a geological formation composed of sandstone and conglomerate with unique erosive formations, believed to have formed around 12 million years ago. The valley is said to have been created by a combination of water and strong wind erosion. The valley is famous for its spectacular sandstone formations, which have become popular with climbers, photographers and nature lovers. The valley is also home to several myths and legends. The first inhabitants of the area, known as the Tawilsas, are believed to have sought spiritual guidance in the Chullpa Stones, the large rock formations found in the valley. The area is thought to have been discovered in the early 17th century, during the ascent from Paraguay toward Santa Cruz del la Sierra by the Missionaries Father Barcenas and Antonio Ruiz. The valley remains an important geological and cultural area for Bolivia, with many religious festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Although it is visited mostly by locals, there are guided tours and treks of the valley from the nearby town of Santa Cruz. The valley was declared a National Natural Monument by the Bolivian government in 1999, in order to protect its unique geographical features. In 2003, Valle de la Luna became part of the Mancomunidad de Areas Naturales Protegidas de Bolivia (MANP), an organization dedicated to the protection of Bolivia’s natural resources. Valle de la Luna is a key tourist attraction in the Santa Cruz region, and continues to be explored and admired for its natural beauty and spiritual significance. Sources: 1. https://twitter.com/mudosbolivia/status/1048521809149714433 2. http://www.pri.org/stories/2015-04-20/valle-de-la-luna-called-priests-it-now-attracts-tourists 3. https://www.britannica.com/place/Santa-Cruz-Bolivia#ref210321 4. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/valle-de-la-luna-bolivia You must visit one of these historical places in Bolivia on your Bolivia tour

Interesting facts:

1. Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) is located in the Santa Cruz Department of Bolivia and is part of the Basin of the Rio Grande. 2. The Valley stretches about 8 kilometers and is divided into three distinct sections, including the Valley of the Moon, the Valley of the High Moon, and the Valley of the Short Moon. 3. Its high sand dunes, some reaching up to 100 meters, make it an amazing place to explore and photograph. 4. Valle de la Luna is home to an ancient fortress that belonged to the Mayan civilization and a series of petroglyphs. 5. The Valley is an important biodiversity center and is home to a number of endangered species, such as the giant armadillo, the green iguana, and the giant anteater. 6. The Valley is popular with campers and hikers due to its stunning natural landscape and interesting flora and fauna. 7. Valle de la Luna is thought to be a source of energy, as it is believed to contain a large concentration of quartz. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bolivia with your friends and family.