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We will confirm the exact departure time 24 hours before the tour, based on the parks' opening hours.

More than 12 people? Message us on WhatsApp

We will confirm the exact departure time 24 hours before the tour, based on the parks' opening hours.

More than 12 people? Message us on WhatsApp

Rainbow Valley Tour

Rainbow Valley, located in the Cordillera de Domeyko, is one of the most fascinating geological treasures of the Atacama Desert. Located 90 km from San Pedro, this site dazzles with mountains displaying shades of green, red, yellow, ochre and white, the result of the natural oxidation of minerals such as iron, copper and sulfur that rise to the surface.

Taking a tour to Rainbow Valley means immersing yourself in a palette of natural colors and discovering, on the same route, the Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs: ancient rock art carved by the first inhabitants of the Andean highlands.

💰 General Information

Base price for 2 people:$500,000 CLP.
Additional person:$40,000 CLP.
Schedules:AM or PM.
Approximate duration:4 to 5 hours.
Includes:Private transportation from your accommodation, a certified guide, park entrance fees, and breakfast (AM) or snacks (PM).

🗺️ Tour Itinerary (order subject to change)

1. Departure from San Pedro de Atacama
The tour begins with pickup at your accommodation. We cross the dry valleys of the desert and head into the Cordillera de Domeyko. Along the way, you can appreciate the gradual change in the landscape: from absolute aridity to the first veins of color. It's common to spot vicuñas and guanacos in their natural habitat along the route.
2. Arrival at Rainbow Valley
We enter the heart of the valley, where the hills take on unusual hues due to mineral oxidation: iron (reds and ochres), copper (greens), sulfur (yellows) and clays (whites and lilacs). The colors blend in layers, as if nature had painted them by hand.
3. Hike and breakfast (AM tour) Free time to explore the trails among the multicolored hills. It's a relaxed walk, with the chance to take photos, observe geological details and let yourself be enveloped by the natural beauty of the place. On the AM tour, we enjoy breakfast surrounded by the landscape.
4. Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs
We visit this archaeological site, key to understanding the history of the region. Yerbas Buenas preserves approximately 300 petroglyphs carved between 2,000 and 5,000 years ago by the pre-Columbian peoples of the highlands: human figures, camelids, hunting scenes and ritual symbols. A direct connection to the past of northern Chile.
5. Return to San Pedro
The return usually takes place around midday (AM) or at sunset (PM), ending at your accommodation.

📝 Considerations

  • The tour can be taken year-round, in the AM or PM, depending on availability and your interests.
  • Estimated duration: 4 to 5 hours, including travel, walks and stops at the main sites.
  • Altitude: Rainbow Valley sits between 3,200 and 3,500 m.a.s.l. It's a good option for intermediate acclimatization, ideal after the Valley of the Moon and before the Tatio Geyser.
  • What to bring: comfortable clothing, closed-toe walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and a camera. We also recommend a light jacket the weather can change quickly, especially on the AM tour.
  • Facilities: there are basic restrooms only at the entrance to YerbasBuenas. There are no facilities inside Rainbow Valley.

📘 Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Where is Rainbow Valley?

It is located in the Cordillera de Domeyko, 90 km from San Pedro de Atacama, in northern Chile. It is an area of unique geological formations thanks to the diversity of colors displayed by its hills.

🌈 What causes the colors of Rainbow Valley?

The natural oxidation of minerals present in the rock: iron (producing reds, ochres and oranges), copper (greens and turquoises), sulfur (yellows) and clays (whites, grays and lilacs). This combination creates a natural palette that blends in visible layers across the hills.

🗿 Does the tour include a visit to petroglyphs?

Yes. We visit the Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs, an archaeological site with approximately 300 petroglyphs carved between 2,000 and 5,000 years ago by the pre-Columbian peoples of the Andean highlands.

🚶‍♂️ Is it a physically demanding tour?

No. It's a low-difficulty walk, ideal for all ages. The route is short and includes frequent breaks to take in the landscape and the geological details.

🎟️ Do I need a ticket to enter Rainbow Valley?

No. Entrance fees are included in the price of the tour.

🧳 What should I bring to Rainbow Valley?

Water, comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a camera. For the AM tour, we also recommend a light jacket, as mornings can be cold.

🚻 Are there restrooms available during the tour?

Yes, there are restrooms at the entrance to Yerbas Buenas.

🕘 What is the best time to take this tour?

Both times are recommended. In the morning (AM), the colors are sharper thanks to the direct light and clean air. In the afternoon (PM), the reddish tones intensify with the sunset. The choice depends on your overall itinerary and preferences.

📷 Is it worth it if I've already visited other valleys?

Yes. Rainbow Valley offers a different experience from other valleys in the area: more intimate, focused on geology and ancestral history, away from the crowds that gather at the Valley of the Moon. The combination with Yerbas Buenas gives it a unique cultural dimension.

 

Recognition and reputation

+1400 reviews from travelers worldwide

650
★★★★★
560
★★★★★
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★★★★★

An incredible experience, the guide was fantastic and the sky simply unforgettable. The best part of our trip to Chile!

— Traveler from the United States
Atacama Tours traveler on top of the Vallecito bus in San Pedro de Atacama

Contact form

Rainbow Valley Tour Form