Sunset Photography At Mars Valley

Mars Valley, Valle de la Muerte, also called Death Valley, is one of the most recommended places for tourists in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

The entrance of the valley was less than 15 minutes away by car, how could we not pay a visit? We stayed outside of San Pedro de Atacama in a nearby village (see our desert hut with milky way backdrop at night), and it might be even closer if you stay in town.

There are gigantic dunes and rock formation, grown over centuries. It might not be the most beautiful places on earth, but it sure is unique. (I wouldn’t compare it with the Death Valley in California, they are simply different.)

It looked unfriendly at first glance, but as soon as our little ones climbed on top of the sand dune, it became kids paradise.

They found the perfect opportunity to kick sand. I didn’t even have to worry if they ran too fast or fell.

The only thing I was concerned about was switching lenses due to the flying sand. I was determined to only use one camera and one lens, which has often been my default, and sometimes, perfect solution during the trip.

At an elevation of 8000ft (2400m) above sea level, we didn’t feel that much of altitude sickness, but the trekking wasn’t necessarily easy.

We had to hike in the flying sand for 30 minutes to the valley top to photograph landscape during sunset.

With the strong wind, Moon had to walk backward while carrying Orion in the baby carrier in his front. I had to constantly remind Apollo to walk behind me and keep his mouth shut so he wouldn’t get the sand in his mouth.

His complaints were loud and clear, but since I made the plan to photograph sunset landscape, we had to push forward. I had to confess the 30 minutes felt more like an hour or even longer. Camera activities were strictly avoided.

By the time we reached to sunset view point on the top of the valley, the sun was almost at horizon level. There were half a dozen of vans parked there. Perhaps only tour operators could drive there as we were told we must park our car at the bottom of the valley. Tourists watched sunset while drinking wines near their vans.

We didn’t have the luxury to eat or drink anything. I quickly walked around, and picked a spot for my tripod, while Moon put on more layers over our kids.

So here’s the result of the speedy work.

ISO100, 22mm, f/11, 1/4sec

It was already 7:30pm when I took the shot. By the time I finished and turned around, all the vans and tourists already disappeared. We were the last one at the lookout. We needed to run, fast!

We had to hike back to our car in the sand dune parking area, and then drive out of the valley before it closed at 8pm.

The walk back wasn’t the same. It was getting really dark. I gave Apollo my head flashlight but it wasn’t enough to cheer him up.

Finally, I handed him a lollipop, the biggest incentive. All the complaints were gone, almost instantly.

By the time we reached the gate, it was already past 8pm. Luckily, we were not locked in. What a relief!

Did I mention photographing landscape with young children wasn’t easy? (See How To Photograph Landscape While Traveling With Young Children) I’m glad we took the adventure, and it is well worth it!

See more posts about our family trip in Chile.

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