Valle Arcoiris
Expedition Overview
Explore the stunning geological wonders of the Domeyko mountain range. Valle Arcoiris, or Rainbow Valley, earns its name from the brilliant spectrum of colors painted across its rock formations—deep reds, greens, whites, and yellows created by varying concentrations of clay, salts, and copper. This morning expedition also takes you back in time to the Yerbas Buenas sector, home to thousands of ancient petroglyphs carved by early Atacameño caravans.
The Route
7:30 AM Departure
Early morning pickup from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. We drive westward toward the Domeyko mountain range.
8:30 AM Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs
Walk among massive geological formations showcasing thousands of rock carvings that depict llamas, foxes, and human figures left by ancient caravans.
9:30 AM Breakfast in the Valley
Enjoy a scenic outdoor breakfast surrounded by the quiet beauty of the high desert landscape before continuing our journey.
10:30 AM Valle Arcoiris Exploration
Arrive at the Rainbow Valley. Take a leisurely guided hike through the spectacular multi-colored hills, learning about the geological forces that created them.
12:30 PM Return to San Pedro
Board the transport for the return trip, arriving back in San Pedro de Atacama just in time for lunch.
What's Included
Included
- Hotel pickup in San Pedro
- Bilingual Guide (Eng/Spa)
- Morning Breakfast
- Shared transport
Not Included
- Yerbas Buenas Entrance Fee
- Hotel drop-off (ends downtown)
- Gratuities
Frequent Questions
Is the walking difficult?
No, this is a very relaxed tour. The walks at both Yerbas Buenas and Rainbow Valley are relatively flat and slow-paced, making it suitable for almost all ages and fitness levels.
What makes the rocks colorful?
The vibrant colors are a result of various mineral deposits exposed over millions of years. Red indicates iron oxidation, green comes from copper oxide, and white signifies calcium and salt.
How much is the entrance fee?
The entrance fee to the Yerbas Buenas petroglyphs is roughly 5,000 CLP per person. Make sure to bring cash in Chilean Pesos, as card payments are generally not accepted at the site.
Excellent
Based on 142 reviews
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Just arrived in Aguas Calientes and booked a massage right away. It was the most relaxing and revitalizing experience after visiting Machu Picchu. Highly recommended!
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Incredible deep tissue massage after walking all day exploring the ruins. Hands down the best way to unwind and recover after exploring Machu Picchu!
Wonderful post-trek massage right in Aguas Calientes! Super professional, calming atmosphere, and extremely relieving after hours of intense mountain climbing.
Came straight from the train station into Aguas Calientes and booked a massage. Total lifesaver that completely saved my legs after the grueling trek!
The ultimate relaxation spot after visiting Machu Picchu. The massage therapist knew exactly how to treat tired hiker muscles and ease every tension away.