Valle de la Luna (Chile)

The Valle de la Luna (Spanish for "Valley of the Moon") is a desert landscape located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. It lies in the Antofagasta Region, near San Pedro de Atacama. The valley is characterized by its surreal, lunar-like geological formations, sculpted by wind and water erosion over millions of years.

The dry climate and unique soil composition create an otherworldly environment, devoid of vegetation in many areas. Common geological features include sand dunes, canyons, dry lake beds (salares), and distinctive rock formations of various colors ranging from beige and grey to red and brown.

The Valle de la Luna is a popular tourist destination, known for its dramatic sunsets and stargazing opportunities due to the clear, unpolluted night skies. Activities include hiking, sandboarding, and guided tours to explore its geological wonders. The area is protected as part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve. The high mineral content of the soil, including gypsum and other salts, contributes to the valley's distinctive appearance and provides a unique habitat for certain extremophile microorganisms.