VALLEY OF THE MOON OR VALE DE LUA - BRAZIL

The Valley of the Moon or locally known as Vale de Lua in the Brazilian Highlands is part of the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, which is located in the Brazilian state of Goias. It is located a few kms from the town of Sao Jorge. Today the park occupies only 1/10th of the actual area and is spread over an area of 65,515 ha (655 sq km).  This ancient plateau is believed to be a whopping 1.8 billion years old.

 Vale Da Lua is a stone basin that has been carved by the San Miguel River. This name translates to moon valley and named it the erosion of rocks by the river has left them smooth and gray in color similar to the month view. Valley has some of the oldest rock formations in the world, with about 1.8 billion years old. The river has created grottoes, caves, waterfalls and bizarre rock formations, to form a labyrinth in the narrow canyon walls. 

  National Park Vale Da Lua declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001. Vale Da Lua is well known throughout the world for flora and fauna and breathtaking scenery. Visitors were surprised by the smooth gray rocks, which are believed to have been washed over the centuries by the magical waters of the majestic San Miguel River.

Climate The average annual temperature is between 24-26 degrees Celsius. It ranges from a minimum of 4-8 degrees Celsius and highs of 40-42 degrees Celsius. With a height of between 600 and 1650 meters, the area ranks as the highest plateau in Central Brazil.

Viewed from space, the brightest region on earth. Quartz and smooth stone causes light. Surrounding forest is abundant with wildlife and lays claim to many types of orchids. The river has made the area a work in progress, constantly eroding and changing the landscape.

  
The highlight of the park and the state is the Serra da Santana Goias, at 1691 meters above sea level. Vale Da Lua area has the greatest biodiversity and rich fauna consisting of various endangered species such as the maned wolf, anteater, pampas deer, and many others.