Atacama to Paine Day 3

The day started with a 4 am wake up call, followed by a small breakfast snack and then a ride to the airport for our flight to Calama operated by Lan, Chile's national airline.

We took off around 6.45 hrs and had a pleasant 1 hr 20 minute flight. The last part was over the vast Atacama with its dramatic stark scenary and dry landscape. Following touch down we drove for about another hour and half to reach San Pedro de Atacama.

This is a charming place, small, dusty but full of character and charm. It is dominated by a volcano which over looks the town. This is one of many that stretch away into the desert. The town is aprroximately 2400 metres above sea level, so the air is a little thin, so it's best not to rush around too much until you have adjusted. We checked into our hotel, the Don Raul, which although basic is quite pleasant and fits in well with its surroundings.

We then took a stroll around town, which is compact but bustling with the locals and tourists. There are many restuarants and a charming church which made in the old colonial style with a marvelous roof constructed of wood and mud.



In the afternoon we headed for Valley of the Moon within the Reserve Nacional los Flamencos. This is mostly made of of rock salt some of which is exposed to the elements, other parts are covered in sand. The temperature in the sun was 50 degrees and not much less in the shade! We stopped at various points in the park to have explanations on how the rocks were formed and to take in the views.



The day was rounded off by us taking in a late sunset around 8 pm whilst enjoying a pisco sour and some nibbles. It was an excellent way of rounding off a long but enjoyable day!