San Pedro

San Pedro

We decided to do a short trip through San Pedro. We are really just using it as a way into Argentina. But hey, while we are here, we might as well stay a few nights and have some fun.

How do you have fun in the desert? Well try sandboarding on for size! It's not as easy as you might think. Well actually if you're a beginner it might be real easy. The thing is getting speed is almost impossible. That's what makes it easy for a beginner, but tricky for those who want to go fast! There is so much friction! But I did manage to find the steepest part of the hill, and did get some speed there. That's when the real issues started. I wanted to go fast because I wanted to hit the jump at the bottom. And hit the jump I did! Remember how I was talking about all that friction? Man when I hit that jump my board just stuck! I came to a complete stop in an instant. My body? It did not. As I soared through the air I couldn't help but think: “I hope the sand is as soft of a landing as they said iti was”. And then... Well not sure what happened next, but when I came too I sure as heck felt it.

Sandboarding, the long walk up

What else...How 'bout a sunset. Classic. And what better place then moon valley. It's like watching the sun set over the moon. Why is it called moon valley?

Hmm. Stargazing! So cool. No light in the desert other than natural light. This French astronomer has a heck of a setup. Those telescopes were huge! At 60 centimetres in diameter you won't find bigger around San Pedro. Man, I just loved seeing the tarantula nebula inside another galaxy! Saturn's rings, Betelgeuse – wow it's so big and orange looking through the telescope!

The Southern Cross can be seen just above the horizon

And of course, San Pedro is so relaxed and laid back, that heck, take a stroll through the town. Talk to some jewellers. Have a custom designed ring made. Kick back! Relax! You're in San Pedro!

Travelers notes: We stayed at Mama Tierra. Very close to the bus station, about a 10 minute walk to the centre of town. $25 per person. Nice, free breakfast. I was happy with it. We booked the sandboarding and moon valley with Inca tours. They are right on the square. We had no issues here. 15000 pesos. The star gazing was done with “SPACE”. I highly recommend this tour. Others have little telescopes on the roof of their home, or try to say they have the only astronomer. Don't bite. Go to Caracoles street, towards the end of the street #166, you will find “Space”. Book there. They have Spanish, English or French options. Right beside the stargazing place is Rodrigo. He made a custom ring for Andrea for no extra charge. If you see a silver ring, kind of a little saddle shaped, with two strips of silver filled in with polished stone running down the middle – that's Andrea's design!

Sandboarding

Rock formations at "Valley of the Moon"