Rainbow Valley tour: San Pedro de Atacama geology petroglyphs
Walk through layered mineral deposits while a geologist explains how they formed
A morning tour from San Pedro de Atacama combines a guided hike through Rainbow Valley's multicolored geological formations in the Domeyko mountain range with breakfast overlooking the valley and a visit to ancient petroglyphs carved by Atacama's ancestral cultures. The guide interprets the mineral composition of the rocks and the region's sacred history, and you'll spot local flora and fauna along the way.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Rainbow Valley and Petroglyphs
- Enjoy breakfast in Rainbow Valley
- Hike through Domeyko mountain range
- Observe local flora and fauna
- Explore ancient petroglyphs of Atacama
- Learn about ancestral cultures and rituals
What’s included
- Breakfast with coffee, tea, coca infusion and fresh juices.
- binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- air-conditioned vehicle transport.
- a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
- hotel pickup from San Pedro de Atacama.
Times
- Every day 07:00
Before you book
Operated by HORIZONTE ATACAMA
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
The tour starts with breakfast in the valley itself (homemade bread, scrambled eggs, cheese, ham, fresh fruit, and coffee or coca infusion), while you take in the landscape. Then you walk into the formations. The guide explains how the Domeyko range's rocks formed and what minerals give each layer its color, turning the hike into a geology lesson rather than just a walk. Binoculars come with you so you can watch birds and other wildlife as you move through the terrain.
After the hike, you visit the petroglyphs of Yerbas Buenas (Good Grass), ancient carvings that document Atacama's ancestral rituals and beliefs. The guide connects what you see carved into the rock to the region's cultural history. The whole experience runs about five and a half hours, and you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle between San Pedro and the sites.
Is this one for you?The hike through Rainbow Valley's geological formations is moderate and suited to all fitness levels, so you can move at a pace that lets you absorb the guide's explanation of how the rocks formed and what minerals color each layer.
Compare the 12 alternatives
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (2 to 5 years).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What exactly is Rainbow Valley and why does it have so many colors?
Rainbow Valley is a geological formation in the Domeyko mountain range where layers of rock contain different minerals (iron oxides, copper compounds and other elements) that create bands of red, green, purple and yellow. The guide explains the formation process and mineral composition as you walk through.
How much walking is involved in this tour?
The hike through Rainbow Valley's geological formations is the main physical part of the tour, which lasts about five and a half hours total including breakfast, the walk and the petroglyphs site. The terrain is suitable for all fitness levels.
What do the petroglyphs at Yerbas Buenas show?
The petroglyphs are ancient carvings made by Atacama's ancestral peoples and depict sacred rituals and beliefs of the region. The guide interprets their meaning and connects them to the cultural history of the area.
What's included in the breakfast?
Breakfast includes homemade bread, scrambled eggs, cheese, ham, fresh fruit, palta (avocado), homemade Nutella queques (small cakes), and jams. You can choose from Brazilian coffee in a French press, natural juices, tea or coca infusion.
Rainbow Valley tour: San Pedro de Atacama geology petroglyphs
5h 30m · EN · ES · PT · at your hotel
from US$ 44.99 per person
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.