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Rainbow Valley Tour

Rainbow Valley, located in the Domeyko mountain range, is one of the most fascinating geological treasures of the Atacama Desert. Just a few kilometers from San Pedro, this area dazzles with mountains displaying shades of green, red, yellow, and white, the result of minerals that emerge from the surface. A tour of Rainbow Valley immerses you in a palette of natural colors and discovers ancient remains among ancient formations and unusual landscapes.

💰 General Information

Price per person: $320,000 for 2 people, + additional person $20,000
Schedules: AM or PM
Includes: Transportation from accommodation, certified guide, and breakfast or snacks.
Booking: It is done 2 or 3 days in advance.
Entrance: $10,000 CLP

🗺️ Tour Itinerary (order subject to change)

1. Departure from San Pedro de Atacama
The tour begins with departure from your accommodation in San Pedro, crossing the dry desert valleys into the Domeyko Mountain Range. The journey allows you to appreciate the gradual change in the landscape: from absolute aridity to the first streaks of color. You'll often see guanacos and llamas along the way.
2. Archaeological site of Yerbas Buenas
This is a key place to understand the history of the region. Yerbas Buenas preserves an extensive collection of petroglyphs engraved by pre-Columbian peoples, featuring human figures, camelids, and symbols. It is an opportunity to connect the present with the past of northern Chile.
3. Entrance to Rainbow Valley
Here we'll enter the heart of Rainbow Valley, where the hills acquire unusual colors thanks to the oxidation of various minerals: iron oxides, salts, and copper. The greens, ochres, lilacs, and whites blend in layers as if hand-painted.
4. Walk and contemplation
Free time to explore the trails among the multicolored hills. This is a leisurely stroll, with opportunities to take photos, observe geological details, and soak up the natural beauty of the area.
5. Return to San Pedro
The return is made by the same route, generally after noon we are already in San Pedro.

📝 Considerations

  • The tour can be done all year round, either in the morning or in the afternoon.
  • Approximately 4 to 5 hours, including travel, walking, and stops.
  • Comfortable clothing, closed-toe walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket for the morning. The weather can change quickly.
  • Water, sunscreen, and a camera. There are no restrooms in Rainbow Valley, but there are in Yerbas Buenas.

📘 Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Where is Rainbow Valley?

It is located in the Domeyko Mountain Range, about 90 km from San Pedro de Atacama, in northern Chile. It is an area of unique geological formations due to their colors.

🌈 What causes the colors of Rainbow Valley?

The combination of minerals such as copper, iron oxides, and salts produces a natural color palette ranging from green to red, including ochre, lilac, and white.

🗿 Does the tour include a visit to petroglyphs?

Yes, we visited Yerbas Buenas, an archaeological site with more than 100 petroglyphs carved thousands of years ago.

🚶‍♂️ Is it a physically demanding tour?

No. It's a low-difficulty hike, ideal for all ages. The route is short and includes breaks to appreciate the scenery.

🎟️ Do I need a ticket to enter Rainbow Valley?

Entrance to Rainbow Valley is free, however, to enter Yerbas Buenas you must pay an entrance fee of 10,000 CLP.

🧳 What should I bring to Rainbow Valley?

Water, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, camera, sunglasses, and something warm in case you go in the morning.

🚻 Are there restrooms available during the tour?

Only at the entrance to Yerbas Buenas, basic. There are no facilities during the valley tour.

🕘 What is the best time to take this tour?

This tour can be done in the AM or PM, depending on your interests and time.

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

Yes. Rainbow Valley offers a different, more intimate experience focused on geology and ancient history, away from the crowds.

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