Overview:

is a unique landscape within the Atacama Desert of Chile. Its surreal rock formations and otherworldly sand dunes have become one of the most popular attractions for tourists visiting the region. The area is located about 20 kilometers southeast of San Pedro de Atacama and offers visitors a chance to explore an array of different geological formations, including large salt flats, strange rock towers, and many other formations. In the evenings the contrasting colors of the sky and the landscape create a truly magnificent sight. There are many trails to explore, allowing for an in-depth look into this stunning desert landscape. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Chile
Prominent Features:

1. Moon Valley Desert: Valle de la Luna is a unique surreal landscape of carved rock formations, dotted with rolling sand dunes in the Atacama Desert of Chile. It's most famous for its haunting moon-like landscapes, which have been sculpted by wind and rain from the Chaxa and Grande lagoons. 2. Prehistoric Drawings: The Valle de la Luna is home to one of the oldest collections of rock art in the world, with thousands of etchings and geometric designs carved into the sandstone monuments by prehistoric civilizations. 3. Flora and Fauna: Both unique and endemic species of plants, animals, and insects abound in the desert. Many of these species have adapted to the harsh environment and can now be found only in the Atacama Desert. 4. Breathtaking Views: The spectacular desert landscape of Valle de la Luna provides a stunning panoramic view of the arid environment and unending skies. It's also great for stargazing, as some of the world’s clearest skies are found in the Atacama Desert. 5. Adventure Activities: From white-water rafting and quad biking through the dunes, to hiking the steep trail to the Valley of the Moon's highest peak, there are plenty of exciting activities to be had in this fantastic Chilean desert. This national monument of Chile portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The spectacular Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) located in the Atacama Desert of Chile has been inhabited by various indigenous cultures for centuries. The Atacama, the world's driest desert, is also one of the oldest regions on Earth, with the oldest regions dating back millions of years. The Incan culture inhabited the area around Valle de la Luna for centuries and are credited with creating several ancient pathways and settlements in the region. Between 1540 and 1580, the region was invaded by the Spanish who took control and re-named it San Pedro de Atacama. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the area of Valle de la Luna experienced significant growth as gold was discovered in the area, attracting miners from abroad. In the late 19th century, Valle de la Luna became a naturalist attraction as explorers and scientists gathered to observe the regions various alien-like landscapes, giving it the nickname “Valley of the Moon.” Valle de la Luna continued to be a popular tourist destination in the 20th century, and continues to attract tens of thousands of visitors each year to observe its harsh and unusual landscapes. It became a national monument in 1982 and today, the Valle de la Luna is a protected area and owned by the Chilean government. You must visit one of these historical places in Chile on your Chile tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Atacama Desert is known as the world’s driest desert, with virtually no rainfall for many centuries. 2. Valle de la Luna, or "Valley of the Moon," is a bizarre landscape situated within the Atacama Desert. Its majestic otherworldly sand and rock formations are believed to have been created millions of years ago by water erosion and intense winds. 3. Valle de la Luna is located close to the city of San Pedro de Atacama. It has become a popular destination for visitors due to its stunning scenery and vast open landscapes, making it one of the most iconic and recognizable places in the region. 4. Visitors to Valle de la Luna can enjoy some of the most amazing views of the Milky Way and other celestial bodies, and observe some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets in the world. 5. The Atacama Desert can be incredibly hot during the summer, with temperatures reaching up to 48 degrees Celsius. During the winter, temperatures drop significantly, making it a great destination for stargazers and nature lovers. 6. Valle de la Luna is located right next to the Cordillera de la Sal mountain range, which is home to numerous salt deposits. This makes it the perfect place for photographers to capture stunning photographs of the surreal landscape. 7. Valle de la Luna is home to a wide variety of wildlife, featuring species such as guanacos, foxes, and vicuñas. It’s also home to some of the world’s most iconic birds, such as flamingos and red-fronted parakeets. 8. Valle de la Luna is of great religious, archaeological, and historical importance for Chile. It is the birthplace of the Atacameño culture, which dates back to about 8000 BC. 9. Valle de la Luna has over 2800 kilometers of unique terrain, making it the largest desert in Chile. 10. Valle de la Luna is a World Heritage Site, classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. Visit one of the famous monuments of Chile with your friends and family.