In September 2015, I found myself in one of the most visually arresting places I’ve ever encountered: Valle de la Luna, or the Valley of the Moon, located just outside San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile. This surreal landscape, part of the Cordillera de la Sal in the Atacama Desert, is a testament to nature’s artistry—wind and water have sculpted salt-encrusted dunes, jagged rock formations, and vast salt flats that mirror the lunar surface.
During my visit, I was struck by the valley’s otherworldly beauty. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky transitioned from pink to purple to black, casting a magical glow over the terrain. The wind whispered through the rocks, and the air was filled with a profound stillness. It’s no wonder that scientists have tested Mars rover prototypes here, given the valley’s stark, alien-like environment.
However, what truly captivated me was the human element. At one of the designated selfie spots, I observed a queue of visitors eager to capture the perfect photo. Many snapped their pictures and immediately returned to their buses, seemingly more focused on the image than the experience. This juxtaposition—the timeless beauty of the valley against the transient nature of modern tourism—left a lasting impression on me.
While my photographs attempt to encapsulate the essence of Valle de la Luna, they can only capture a fraction of its grandeur. The true magic of this place is felt in person, in the quiet moments between the clicks of a camera.
If you ever find yourself in northern Chile, I highly recommend a visit to Valle de la Luna. It’s a place that invites reflection and awe, a reminder of the planet’s raw beauty and the fleeting nature of our own experiences within it.
