San Pedro de Atacama , Chile

Rainbow Valley Tour in Atacama

Active

(1 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Through this tour we will be visiting the impressive Rainbow Valley, where the colors blend to form unique landscapes.

You will be able to know the Yerbas Buenas region, where several mountain ranges meet. Here, you can learn more about the history of the first inhabitants, while admiring petroglyphs up to 6000 years old. We will also visit a town of artisans and farmers. We will spend a pleasant day knowing the hidden wonders of the Atacama region.

Available options

Rainbow Valley Tour in Atacama

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off (centrally located hotels only)

Breakfast

Professional Guide

Detailed itinerary

We will start our day leaving from our selected hotels at 8 AM to head towards Yerbas Buenas, where we can get beautiful views of the Domeyko mountain range, the Salt Range and the Andes Mountains.

Here we can see petroglyphs up to 6000 years old. We will have breakfast enjoying the view of this beautiful landscape, and prepare to enter the Rainbow Valley, located in the Domeyko mountain range. Here hills with different colored stripes await us, thanks to the clay and minerals found in this place.

We will continue our way to Rio Grande, a small town of artisans and farmers, where we will have time to explore the area and visit its markets. After this time, we will be returning to our hotels in Atacama.

What's not included

Meals and drinks

Entrance Fee

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

We suggest you to confirm the booking details with us prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.

OFFICE NUMBER: (+54 11) 3221-8400 (Mon to Sat from 9 to 18 Hs and Sundays from 10 to 19 Hs)
EMERGENCY MOBILE: (+54 911) 4991-4035 (After office hours)

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