Atacama desert
Sun and shadow create amazing color patterns.
Deep craters are formed by the open air mines.
Chuquicamata, the biggest open air mine in the world can be destinguished from the moon (and the other way round). At present the crater is some 15 km long by 5 km wide and 1 km deep. It is expected to exploit the mine for another 50 years but now underground.
The earth is flat, at least in the region of Calama. There is no vegetation what so ever, just sand, rubble and waste from the mines.
The reflection of the sunlight on the vulcano ashes is totally unreal.
After floating on the surface of this warm lagoon you need a good rince to wash of the thick salt crust.
Looking towards the Altiplano from the Salar de Atacama.
Amazing meanders of erosion .
The permanent wind sculptures the brittle rock.
The permanent wind sculptures the brittle rock.
Rocks and sand dunes leave no space for vegetation.
Different shades of red.
A petrified dragon.
One of the biggest geyser fields at 4300 m altitude.
The activity is strrongest early in the morning and ceases around mid day.
The ground is very fragile, the crust extremely thin and walking outside the trails is risky.
The smart fox knows exactly where to hang around to get his share of the box lunches from the tourists.
A real field of vapor vanes.
View on the volcano chain at the boarder between Atacama desert and Bolivia.
The Andeen cattle.
At over 4000 m altitude the vegetation and the air start to get already thinner.
Impressive erosion sculptures on the Altiplano near to the salar de Aguas Calientes.
Probably the most photographed.
The Licancabur with nearly 6000 m is the landmark close to San Pedro de Atacama. The volcano is located on the border with Bolivia. The ascension is possible from both sides but easier on the bolivian side with a 1st camp at the Laguna verde at 4600 m. The ascension on the chilian side is more difficult with the additional danger of mines which were laid by the chilian army at the time of the conflict between both countries.
The festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria, in many images, is celebrated on February 2.
There are parades, colorful costumes, music and a lot of drinking and celebrating at the festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria.
The street is the attraction of San Pedro with the adobe houses restored but all transformed into souvenir shops, travel agencies or restaurants.
The main street of San Pedro after the rain. Luckily this was only witnessed through the newspaper.
Valle de la Muerte.
Valle de la Muerte.
Valle de la Muerte.
Valle de la Muerte.
Valle de la Muerte.
The sun paints geometric patterns on the adobe walls.
The cactus star.
Puritima is one of the many hot springs in the area. Owned by the Exploradora group, entry is quite expensive and only during daytime. No services are available except for changing rooms and lavatories.