Small-Group Tour to Rainbow Valley
Active
6h - 7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
With this tour, starting on San Pedro de Atacama, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the highlights in a more intimate way, sharing your day with other travelers but avoiding big groups:
Venture into The Rainbow Valley: Find yourself astonished as you take in the views of the variety of shades on the surrounding hills: earth, red, brown, green, white and yellow colours, which combined with the white salts and the blue sky, make up a unique place.
Add historical and cultural value to the experience by visiting the Yerbas Buenas petroglyphs: A point of great historical importance based on rock art, and where the Atacamenian people left an important vestige of their culture. This Chilean wonder is not to be missed!
Available options
Small-Group tour
Small-Group share service tour: This tour includes a professional guide for a group of maximum 15 people. <br/>Duration: 7 hours<br/>Breakfast<br/>Mini Van<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Breakfast
Air-conditioned vehicle
Professional Bilingual Driver-Guide
Hotel Pick-Up (Drop-off will be at downtown area)
Detailed itinerary
1
After pick-up at your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, you will take a 1-hour journey to the west observing the overwhelming hues of the desert, to meet the Domeyko Mountain Range, a spectacular formation that coexists in parallel with Los Andes.
2
Get ready to visit the sector of Yerbas Buenas, attraction of great historical relevance for its rock art since it has one of the most important groups of petroglyphs in the region. The tour will transport you to the time of the indigenous caravans, adding historical and cultural value to the experience.
3
Stop 3
After crossing Matancilla, a sector rich in flora and fauna, You will come across an image that will be hard to believe: The Rainbow Valley. This magical place was formed by the tectonic movements millions of years ago, and it is the place where the Domeyko Mountain Range, the Salt Mountain Range and the Andes meet. It owes its name to the great variety of shades that can be observed in the hills of the valley: earthy, green, white and yellow colours, etc. Combined with the white salts and the blue sky, make up a unique site!
4
At the end of an exciting journey full of thrills and enjoying breathtaking views, the driver will take you back to San Pedro de Atacama.
**Schedules and the order of the visited attractions may change due to climate conditions, the decision of the guide or according to the interest of the passengers, etc.
What's not included
Gratuities
Snacks
Rainbow Valley
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
2 reviews
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Tripadvisor
2.0
1 reviews
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Important information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
IMPORTANT: Passport name, number, nationality and date of birth are required at time of booking for all participants
Please bring: Closed or trekking shoes, jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and water. You can also bring snacks
You may need to sign a Risk Acceptance Form
IMPORTANT: this excursion is not allowed for pregnant women
Please keep in mind that we will reach a height of approximetly 3.500 m.a.s.l. Some people may suffer from altitude sickness.
NO travelers with hypertension problems; cardiac patients; those who have suffered embolism or edema
Important notes
For customers, please contact us in this number: +54 9 11 5720 9905
Please inform your accommodation and contact information at least 1 or 2 days before the tour date, so the local can contact you to reconfirm the booking.
About San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama is a charming town in northern Chile, known as the gateway to the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world. This unique destination offers stunning landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, and a rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for adventure and nature enthusiasts.
Top Attractions
Valle de la Luna
Valle de la Luna is a surreal lunar-like landscape with sand dunes, rock formations, and salt formations. It's a must-visit for its stunning views and unique geological features.
Nature
Half-day tour
Moderate (approximately $20-$30 for a guided tour)
Laguna Cejar
Laguna Cejar is a unique saltwater lagoon where you can float effortlessly due to its high salt content. It's a great spot for swimming and relaxing.
Nature
Half-day tour
Moderate (approximately $20-$30 for a guided tour)
Geysers del Tatio
Geysers del Tatio is a geothermal field with boiling hot springs and geysers. It's one of the highest geyser fields in the world and offers a unique experience.
Nature
Full-day tour
Moderate (approximately $50-$70 for a guided tour)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cazuela
A traditional Chilean stew made with meat, potatoes, corn, and pumpkin. It's a hearty and comforting dish perfect for the cool evenings in the desert.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian versions are available
Empanadas de Pino
A popular Chilean snack, these empanadas are filled with a mixture of ground beef, onions, raisins, olives, and a hard-boiled egg.
Snack/Appetizer
Vegetarian and vegan options are available
Popular Activities
Sandboarding
Dune buggy rides
Hiking
Mountain biking
Hot springs
Yoga retreats
Meditation
Visit to the Atacama Museum
Best Time to Visit
April to October (dry season)
The dry season offers the best weather for exploring the desert, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures during the day. Nights can be quite cold.
10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F)
50°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English, Quechua (indigenous language)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Chilean Peso (CLP)
Time Zone
CLT (UTC-4)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
San Pedro de Atacama is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
- • Use reputable tour operators and guides
Getting there
By air
- El Loa Airport • 200 km (124 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama
By bus
San Pedro de Atacama Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Local buses connect San Pedro de Atacama to nearby attractions like the Valle de la Luna and Laguna Cejar. They are affordable but not very frequent.
Taxis
Available • Apps:
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Town Center
Cascadas
Day trips
Puritama Hot Springs
20 km (12 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama • Half-day to full-day
Puritama Hot Springs offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience in a stunning desert setting. The natural hot springs are surrounded by beautiful rock formations and lush vegetation.
Rainbow Valley (Valle del Arcoiris)
100 km (62 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama • Full-day
Rainbow Valley is known for its colorful rock formations and stunning landscapes. It's a popular spot for hiking, photography, and exploring the unique geological features of the Atacama Desert.
Festivals
Atacama Desert Festival • February
Pro tips
- Visit the Valle de la Luna at sunset for the best views and photography opportunities
- Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season
- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong desert sun
- Dress in layers to accommodate the significant temperature variations between day and night
- Respect the environment and follow the principles of responsible tourism
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
