Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour

Outty Ranking 48 3.7 · 3 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $125
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

48/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.7/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour worth booking?

Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour is a 4-hour experience in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, from $125 per person. It scores 48 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
48 / 100
Rating
3.7/5 (3)
Duration
4 hours
From
$125 per person

A short but intense tour. Stopping in the Rainbow Valley is synonym of being at the feet of big rocks and multicolor hills. Red, white and green are the colors that paint these stone giants formed by erosion, giving a unique visual sensation that will make you want to see everything closer and closer. Then the course continues, with even more surprises. A tour in the simple and secret town of Río Grande (Big River), hidden in the hills’ slopes, painted of red for the color of its houses, and green on the outside for its colorful crops. To close this tour, you will visit the Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs to follow the traces that the ancient Atacama people have left over the rocks during the thousands of years they have been inhabiting this desert.

What you get

    About this experience

    A short but intense tour. Stopping in the Rainbow Valley is synonym of being at the feet of big rocks and multicolor hills. Red, white and green are the colors that paint these stone giants formed by erosion, giving a unique visual sensation that will make you want to see everything closer and closer. Then the course continues, with even more surprises. A tour in the simple and secret town of Río Grande (Big River), hidden in the hills’ slopes, painted of red for the color of its houses, and green on the outside for its colorful crops. To close this tour, you will visit the Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs to follow the traces that the ancient Atacama people have left over the rocks during the thousands of years they have been inhabiting this desert.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Bottled water
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Breakfast

    Not included

    • anding and/or facility fees
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. A wonder in the middle of the Chilean desert Close to San Pedro de Atacama it is located one of the biggest gifts from nature, among giant stony walls in the Río Grande basin. The colorful hills that paint the Chilean desert are the result of a different minerals mix that show themselves on top of one another in different layers, telling the geologic history of the Rainbow Valley. These sculptures —carved with naturals tools such as wind an oxygen during thousands of years— decorate with green and white the clayey red stones that cover most of this place. These big walls made of minerals, salt, and rock formations also have some other trails that form a magic path where the contact with years of geologic history makes you understand that there are things much bigger than us.

      90 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. The intense red color of the streets, the agriculture and the impressive sunshine are part of the landscape of Río Grande —a town with unique customs and traditions. Located at 90 km from San Pedro de Atacama, this town conserves a beautiful legacy among its hills. Its inhabitants know the importance of keeping the architecture of the region, as it is seen in their houses with walls made of cut stone and roofs made of mud with cactus and carob wood beams. This is an important part of the charm of this place that tourists admire, who, when visiting, live a unique archeological experience in contact with nature. Río Grande is described by the visitors as a close, working, and kind community that searches for preserving its history, beliefs, and customs for future generations.

      40 minutes here

    3. Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs

      The biggest rock art spot of the area, called Yerbas Buenas, was a resting place for merchant caravans, nomadic travelers, and also the Atacama people who moved during days through the desert. In this travel in time you will learn about taira, the carving technique used by this people to illustrate llamas, alpacas, and other animals directly in the reddish stone that characterizes this zone. Human figures, faces and bodies in meditation positions —representing Yatiris— complete this open-air museum charged with history that the Atacama people carry from their ancestors with pride. In this tour through the same place where the ancient inhabitants of this valley rested and left their mark, today we can share those experiences that go beyond people, travels and generations, and that keep the magic of this site in the rocks that surround your gaze.

      40 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    San Pedro de Atacama

    Near Cocineria La Huerta

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Near Cocineria La Huerta

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, en, it, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Capricornio Expediciones

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Valle del Arcoiris, Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour in San Pedro de AtacamaValle del Arcoiris, Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour in San Pedro de AtacamaRio Grande Church, Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour in San Pedro de AtacamaRio Grande Church, Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour in San Pedro de AtacamaYerbas Buenas Petroglifos, Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour in San Pedro de AtacamaYerbas Buenas Petroglifos, Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour in San Pedro de Atacama

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    2
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Sheila_H · February 2025

    trip didn’t happen

    viator did not get with the local contractor, confirmed the trip and we were waiting for pick up at 7:00am. The trip did not go because of a flooded river. we are awaiting our refund

    via Viator

    Pranko · December 2024

    Must visit

    Daniel was an excellent guide who explained the variety of colors of the rocks, and also kept the kids entertained. He also took great shots and taught us a couple of photography tricks.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Capricornio Expediciones, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.3.

    See everything Capricornio Expediciones runs

    Why this scores 48

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)69
    Review evidence (18% weight)22
    Booking momentum (14% weight)13
    Value for money (12% weight)22
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)34
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Pedro de Atacama.

    How much does Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour cost?

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    Prices start at $125 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Pedro de Atacama usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour take?

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    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Pedro de Atacama is not rushed.

    Is Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 48 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Pedro de Atacama, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour?

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    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Pedro de Atacama can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Pedro de Atacama and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Pedro de Atacama within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama?

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    On Outty we rank every San Pedro de Atacama experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Half Day Tour to Geysers del Tatio, Piedras Rojas + Altiplanic Lagoons and Salar de Atacama, Hidden lagoons of Baltinache. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit San Pedro de Atacama?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in San Pedro de Atacama?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour?

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    Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Breakfast. Not included: anding and/or facility fees; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 13 listed pickup locations in and around San Pedro de Atacama. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour offered in?

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    It is offered in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Rainbow Valley Tour, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs - Half Day Tour.

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