Elqui Valley in the mist
For four days I stayed in La Serena, a colonial city about 300 miles/470 km north of Santiago, and used it mostly as a base for day trips to nearby areas. The most popular of these is probably the Valle de Elqui, a fertile region bordering the vast Atacama Desert and known for its lush vineyards, winding mountain roads, Pisco, and the clearest night skies in the Southern hemisphere. There are several international observatories in the area, including Las Campanas, owned by the Carnegie Institution for Science. Not surprisingly, it’s an international destination for astronomy tourism. (I wish I could say that I’m interested in astronomy, what with the combination of science and starlit skies; but I’m really not, not enough anyway, and so didn’t seek out one of the night observatory tours as I probably should have).
Due to its location, the Elqui Valley is also said to have strong energy fields and magnetic vibrations. As such, it’s been drawing travelers seeking spirituality and relaxation (I confess, this also wasn’t my experience here).
And last, but not least, this region is also known for having some of the most reported UFO sightings in the world. OK, didn’t experience this either. On the other hand, maybe if I’d had more than just a sip of the 100 proof pisco (a lot more) on the distillery tour ??
Ah well, while I had no close encounters of the third kind here, I did encounter a lot of unspoiled, stark beauty. Here are some of my day’s impressions.
PS — These photos may be a bit deceptive, because the Elqui Valley is also known for having at least 300 days of sunshine a year. I must have visited on one of the remaining 65 days. Alright, not entirely fair . . . the sun eventually came out. I just like the feel of these photos.
Have a great week — see you next time.
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Filed under: Chile, Nature, Travel | 8 Comments
Tags: photography, travel
I really like these photos. The last two have such movement. In fact the bottom one almost seems like posed dancers. The first one is mystical. So glad you keep posting!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Meryl ! I hope you continue your dance classes….
This place doesn’t look like needing a UFO to get people coming because it has already got a beautiful view. By the way, I’d love to do the starwatching since I barely can see stars in the city where I live now.
Not surprised people see UFOs here, the light especially in the first shot is very ethereal. Staring at that sky with some 100 per cent pisco in the system, you’re bound to see something! I think the Atacama is a hot spot for that sort of thing too.
Lauren, caminar por tu blog es un encuentro con la belleza de la fotografía, lugares que resultan mágicos…
Lauren, walk through your blog is an encounter with the beauty of photography are magical places …
I’m glad the sun wasn’t around, as these photos are just gorgeous with the tone to them. Very mystical feeling. And the vibration/UFO connection, sounds a lot like what draws people to New Mexico. Very interesting. Love this post and the images.
Dear Laura, these are beautiful photographs, especially the photograph of the wind is amazing. You captured so nicely, Thank you, with my love, nia
Love this series. The photos really capture the weather conditions. Excellent.