"RAINBOW VALLEY, YERBA BUENAS AND THE CORDILLERA DE LA SAL" Tour

"RAINBOW VALLEY, YERBA BUENAS AND THE CORDILLERA DE LA SAL" Tour

RAINBOW VALLEY, YERBA BUENAS AND THE CORDILLERA DE LA SAL. Discover one of the most visually striking and geologically fascinating landscapes of northern Chile on this immersive excursion through Rainbow Valley, Yerba Buenas, and the Cordillera de la Sal, located near San Pedro de Atacama. This experience combines natural beauty, ancient history, and extraordinary desert scenery in a single journey. The tour begins with a visit to Rainbow Valley (Valle del Arcoíris), renowned for its spectacular hills painted in vibrant shades of red, green, white, yellow, and ochre. These unique colors are the result of millions of years of mineral sedimentation, creating a natural palette unlike anywhere else on Earth. Walking through this surreal landscape feels like stepping into an open-air geological museum, offering exceptional opportunities for photography and interpretation of the region’s volcanic and tectonic past.

Continuing to Yerba Buenas, guests encounter one of the most important archaeological sites in the Atacama Desert. This area is famous for its ancient petroglyphs, rock carvings created by pre-Columbian cultures over a thousand years ago. These engravings depict animals, hunting scenes, and symbolic figures, providing valuable insight into the spiritual beliefs, daily life, and migration routes of the region’s early inhabitants. The site is set against a dramatic desert backdrop, blending cultural heritage with natural beauty. The journey then leads to the impressive Cordillera de la Sal, a vast mountain range sculpted by wind and water erosion over millions of years. Formed primarily of salt, gypsum, and clay, this rugged landscape features sharp ridges, canyons, and folded rock formations that create a truly otherworldly atmosphere. The Cordillera de la Sal offers panoramic views and a deep appreciation of the powerful geological forces that shaped the Atacama Desert.

Throughout the excursion, expert guides provide detailed explanations of the region’s geology, archaeology, and cultural significance, enriching the experience with local knowledge and scientific insight. This tour is ideal for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a deeper connection with the ancestral and natural heritage of the Atacama. Rainbow Valley, Yerba Buenas, and the Cordillera de la Sal is a perfect combination of color, history, and desert landscapes—an unforgettable journey through one of the most ancient and captivating regions on the planet.

Itinerary

• The excursion begins with hotel pickup in San Pedro de Atacama, heading northeast toward Yerbas Buenas, an area of great archaeological importance that once served as a transit and temporary settlement for ancient cultures. Along the way, visitors will discover remarkable artistic expressions left by these early inhabitants, including petroglyphs, pictographs, dry carvings, and rock paintings, created using natural earth pigments and animal-based binders. These works offer a fascinating glimpse into the symbolic world and daily life of pre-Columbian societies.
• The journey continues to the stunning Valle del Arcoíris (Rainbow Valley), one of the region’s oldest geological formations, dating back nearly 100 million years. Depending on the group’s physical condition, short guided walks are offered to explore the area, including visits to a dry waterfall and other striking rock formations. This portion of the tour lasts approximately 30 minutes, allowing ample time to appreciate the unique mineral colors and desert landscapes.
• As the day draws to a close, we travel to the Cordillera de la Sal, where guests will enjoy a carefully prepared appetizer while witnessing a breathtaking sunset. From this privileged viewpoint, the scenery unfolds with panoramic views of the San Pedro oasis, the Andes Mountains, and the Domeyko Range, creating an unforgettable end to the experience.
• After sunset, we return to the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, concluding a journey that seamlessly blends archaeology, geology, and natural beauty in the heart of the Atacama Desert.

Includes

• Guide service in Spanish and English.
• Entrance fees.
• Pick-up from your accommodation,
• Appetizer.
• Water.

Does not include

• Tips and gratuities.
• Professional guide in French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. If you would like a guide in these languages, please request one in advance and pay an extra fee, subject to availability.
• Other services not described in the program.

Notes:

• Level of difficulty: low.
• Minimum age required for the tour: 7 years old.
• The order of site visits may vary depending on weather conditions and groups.
• Timings are approximate and vary throughout the year depending on the season and sunset time.