The Hypnotic Atacama Skies

Atacama has one of the most beautiful skies I have ever seen. Like it’s trying to compensate for the lack of colors on the ground. The colors that the sky is painted with ones the sun starts to set are just mesmerizing- Pink, blue, red, orange, it is no less beautiful than an artist’s color palette.

The Atacama is one of those places where there are tons of things to do if you have tons of money. Exactly the kind of place I don’t like staying longer in. Except walking around in a small place, nothing seemed to be free of cost.

Valle de la Luna (The Valley of Moon):

The very first day I arrived, I rented a bike from my hostel and went on a bike tour to Valle de la Luna. I did miss all the interesting things I might have learned had I taken a guided tour but lack of money helps you take some decisions that you might find difficult to take otherwise.

The place is beautiful nevertheless. It’s named so as it’s kind of a reflection of Moon. There’s a little hill one can climb to get a beautiful view of the sunset. We did that, but once the sun had set, we turned around and saw a prettier view, Moon on a beautifully painted sky.

We started our return journey as soon as we could as no one fancies riding there in the dark. I had already had some issue with my bike on my way and had to be helped by some fellow travelers.

Valle de la Muerte (The Valley of Death):

I wanted to use the extra day that I had to stay here doing something so I decided to go to Valle de la Muerte by walk which meant I was only spending on the entrance fee if I decided to go inside that is. Another reason I chose to walk was, My body was sore from last day’s biking. I started walking pretty late but I was not determined to go inside the park anyway. Initially, it seemed a little creepy walking there all alone and the name of this place doesn’t help. I kept telling myself, a couple of more kilometers and ended up doing the entire walk that ends in a plateau to watch the sunset. Once I reached there, I almost ran through my return and fortunately was offered a ride by two women on a desert bike.

Tip to do the touristy things in the Atacama:

If you club multiple things in one booking, it usually costs way lesser here. I didn’t want to spend on my hostel for another night so I decided not to take any tours.

Tour Options in Atacama:

Tour	Hours	Description	Entry fee (CLP)	Price (CLP)
Valle de la Luna	1600 to 2030 hrs	Max Alt: 2450 m		$12000
Laguna Cejar	1600 to 2100 hrs	Max Alt: 2450 m		$18000
Geiser del tatio	0430 to 1200 hrs	Max Alt: 4200 m		$23000
Peidras Rojas + Lagunas altiplanicas	0700 to 1800 hrs	Max Alt: 4000 m	$5500	$50000
Valle del Arcoiris	0800 to 1300 hrs	Max Alt. 2450 m	$3000	$40000
Salar de tara	0800 to 1800 hrs	Max Alt: 4800 m		$60000
Termas de Puritama	1400 to 1800 hrs	Max Alt: 2480 m		$15000
Laguna Escondida	1500 to 2020 hrs	Max Alt: 2450 m	$5000	$23000
Salar de Uyuni 3 or 4 days	0730 to 1600 hrs	Max Alt: 4800 m	210 bolivianos	$115000/ $135000

** Prices as quoted in Feb 2016

Booking the tour for Salar de Uyuni:

After asking almost everyone I could get hold of regarding booking this tour, I decided to book it from here instead of going to Uyuni to do that. I would strongly recommend anyone who has the same confusion.

You would end up spending more money if you go to Uyuni from the Atacama to do that.