Rock formations of different colors in the Rainbow Valley of Atacama
A group of hikers walking through the mountains of the Rainbow Valley
Reddish and greenish rock formations in the Rainbow Valley in Atacama
Petroglyphs carved into the rocks at Yerbas Buenas in the Atacama Desert
Travelers on a tour of the Rainbow Valley in San Pedro de Atacama
Panoramic view of the mountains and rock formations of Rainbow Valley
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Rainbow Valley Tour and Petroglyphs - San Pedro de Atacama

Rainbow Valley and Petroglyphs Tour from San Pedro de Atacama with guide and breakfast included.

Location
San Pedro de Atacama
Duration
1 day
Language
Spanish and English
This page has been automatically translated.

Tour highlights

Rainbow Valley Tour and Petroglyphs - San Pedro de Atacama

On the Rainbow Valley and Petroglyphs Tour from San Pedro de Atacama, you’ll discover one of the most unique and colorful landscapes in the Atacama Desert.

In the morning, you’ll visit Yerbas Buenas, where you can see ancient petroglyphs carved into the rock, and explore the Rainbow Valley with your guide. The various minerals found in its mountains create a combination of reddish, green, white, and ochre colors.

A half-day excursion that combines desert landscapes, geology, and history to reveal a different side of the area surrounding San Pedro de Atacama.

Tour details

Rainbow Valley Tour and Petroglyphs - San Pedro de Atacama

Starts
From your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama
Ends
At the municipal parking lot in San Pedro de Atacama

Included

  • Round-trip transportation
  • Bilingual guide
  • Breakfast

Not included

  • Lunch
  • Entrance to Rainbow Valley and the Petroglyphs

Important information

RESTRICTIONS: This tour is not suitable for pregnant women or children under 6 years of age.

WEATHER: Temperatures can be very low in the early morning hours. We recommend bringing plenty of warm clothing, even if more pleasant temperatures are expected for the rest of the morning.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour starts, you’ll receive a 100% refund. After that time, or if you don’t show up, no refunds will be issued.

Tour itinerary

Rainbow Valley Tour and Petroglyphs - San Pedro de Atacama

Rainbow Valley and Petroglyphs Tour

Maximum altitude: 3,500 meters

Maximum group size: 15 people

Pickup at your accommodation

Maximum altitude: 3,500 meters

Maximum group size: 15 people

The Rainbow Valley and Petroglyphs Tour begins with pickup at your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama between 7:00 and 7:40 AM. Once the group has gathered, you’ll head to the Río Grande basin.

Desert landscape on the way to the Rainbow Valley from San Pedro de Atacama

Yerbas Buenas

You’ll arrive at the Yerbas Buenas area, a site of great historical significance, as it is home to one of the region’s most important petroglyph sites. Here you’ll find carvings and drawings on the rocks depicting llamas, camelids, monkeys, and dogs.

Petroglyphs carved into the rocks at Yerbas Buenas in the Atacama Desert

Rainbow Valley

Next, you’ll arrive at Rainbow Valley, where you’ll take a guided hike to learn about the area’s geological features. During the hike, you’ll observe the variety of rock colors and the formations created by the different minerals found in the valley.

💙 HOWLANDERS TIP: Bring warm clothes even if it’s a sunny day. Early in the morning, temperatures in the desert can be low and may vary throughout the excursion

Return to San Pedro de Atacama

After visiting the Rainbow Valley, you’ll begin your return to San Pedro de Atacama. The tour will end at the municipal parking lot around 12:30 p.m.

Rock formations of different colors in the Rainbow Valley of Atacama

What to bring

Rainbow Valley Tour and Petroglyphs - San Pedro de Atacama

During the Rainbow Valley and Petroglyphs Tour, you’ll travel through desert areas where temperatures can vary throughout the morning. We recommend that you bring:

  • Hiking shoes
  • Comfortable clothing
  • Warm clothing
  • Sunglasses
  • SPF 50 sunscreen
  • 1 liter of water
  • Cash in Chilean pesos to pay for admission to the Rainbow Valley and the Petroglyphs

Where does the tour start

Rainbow Valley Tour and Petroglyphs - San Pedro de Atacama

The Rainbow Valley and Petroglyphs Tour begins with pickup at your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama between 7:00 and 7:40 AM.

At the end of the excursion, you’ll return to San Pedro de Atacama, where the tour ends at the municipal parking lot around 12:30 PM.

Questions & Answers

Rainbow Valley Tour and Petroglyphs - San Pedro de Atacama

  • What is the highest elevation reached during the tour?

    The highest elevation reached during the tour is 3,500 meters. We recommend eating light, drinking plenty of water, and saving this activity for the last few days of your stay in San Pedro de Atacama to help you acclimate.

  • In what currency is the admission fee paid?

    The admission fee is paid directly during the tour, in cash and in Chilean pesos.

  • How many people are in the group?

    The group consists of a maximum of 15 travelers.

  • Can I take the tour if I'm pregnant or traveling with children?

    This tour is not suitable for pregnant women or children under 6 years of age.

Rainbow Valley and Petroglyphs - San Pedro de Atacama tour reviews with Howlanders

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