Into Chile and Valle de la Luna

We exited Bolivia after only ten days (our shortest stay in a country so far) and drove across the border into Chile. From the moment our wheels touched Chilean ground, it was made evident that we were not in Bolivia anymore. Newly paved roads took us to the customs office and Chilean flags flew everywhere. Since the Chilean flag bears resemblance to the Texas flag, Shanta almost felt that she was back home.

Just like Texas, except for the volcano

Once we finished the border process, we walked into town and took in the scene. San Pedro de Atacama has a sleepy, old-town feel with adobe-style buildings and dirt roads. The sun was beating down strong as we walked through the town so we decided to cool off at a restaurant and see what Chilean food had to offer. First, we noticed that the prices matched with the US which is a shock coming from Bolivia. Secondly, seeing a Corona beer on a menu definitely made us feel back home. The food was great and we were in high spirits. We spent the next few days planning out our trip to Torres del Paine and lounging around the town. The highlight was renting bikes and exploring the nearby Valle de la Luna. The landscape is an endless sea of sand and rocks. It is so similar to the moon that NASA chose to test lunar vehicles there. We walked around the massive rock formations and took in the sights. 

Renting the bikes

Had to get a pic of this bus stop

Volcano leading the way

Entering Valle de la Luna

Walking through the rock formations

Surreal landscape

Biking to the sunset lookout

Like South American architecture, the rocks didn't account for tall people

Sunset over the valle

Looking back from the way we came

Volcano turning red

Getting cold as the sun goes down

Moon landscape

The long walk back to our bikes