Rainbow Valley Tour + Petroglyphs (Yerbas Buenas)

The Rainbow Valley Tour + Petroglyphs (Yerbas Buenas) offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of northern Chile. At just $38.00 per person, this full-day excursion combines a guided hike through the iconic Rainbow Valley with a visit to the ancient Yerbas Buenas petroglyphs, providing an immersive experience that delves into the region’s captivating history and breathtaking landscapes. With hotel pickup, transfers, and a knowledgeable guide included, this tour promises to be a captivating adventure that leaves participants eager to uncover the secrets and wonder of this remarkable destination.

Key Points

• Full-day tour exploring the unique geology of Rainbow Valley and the cultural heritage of Yerbas Buenas petroglyphs in northern Chile.
• Includes hotel pickup, guided tours, hiking, breakfast, and photo stops over an approximately 6-hour duration.
• Entrance fees of 10,000 Chilean pesos per person must be paid in cash on-site.
• Tour not recommended for children under 7 or pregnant women, with a minimum group size of 6 participants.
• Tour concludes at the Whipala Expedition office, providing an opportunity to explore additional offerings.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Rainbow Valley Tour + Petroglyphs (Yerbas Buenas) offers a full-day excursion priced at $38.00 per person.

The 6-hour tour includes hotel pickup, bus/coach transfers, a guided tour and hiking in Rainbow Valley, breakfast, and a photo stop at Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve now, pay later option is also available.

The tour explores the unique geology and cultural significance of these natural wonders in northern Chile.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with pickup at your accommodation between 07:00 and 07:30 am, or you can choose to meet the group at a designated meeting point.

The first stop is the stunning Rainbow Valley, where you’ll embark on a 2-hour guided tour and hike to take in the vibrant, multicolored hills formed by tectonic movements and volcanic activity over millions of years.

After a 30-minute breakfast break, you’ll head to the Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs for a 1-hour photo stop and hiking exploration of these historical rock carvings that showcase the Atacameño culture.

The tour concludes at Whipala Expedition after approximately 6 hours.

Natural and Cultural Significance

Rainbow Valley formed by tectonic movements and volcanic activity over millions of years, resulting in a rich variety of tones in the hills due to the presence of clays, salts, and minerals.

The historical importance of the Yerbas Buenas petroglyphs can’t be overstated, as they showcase the cultural heritage of the Atacameño people.

These ancient rock carvings provide a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the region’s indigenous inhabitants, offering visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the past.

The natural and cultural significance of this tour is truly captivating, making it a must-see for those seeking to enjoy the remarkable landscapes and history of northern Chile.

Inclusions and Fees

This tour package includes the pickup from your accommodation, a knowledgeable driver/guide, and a complimentary breakfast.

The total entrance fees for both Rainbow Valley and Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs are 10,000 Chilean pesos per person, which must be paid in cash on-site. The Rainbow Valley entrance fee is 5,000 Chilean pesos, and the Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs entrance fee is also 5,000 Chilean pesos.

Please note that this tour isn’t suitable for children under 7 years old or pregnant women. Plus, the minimum group size is 6 participants, but you may join another group if the minimum isn’t met.

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Important Information and Requirements

Not recommended for children under 7 or pregnant women, this tour requires a minimum group size of 6 participants.

If the minimum isn’t met, you may be asked to join another group.

To ensure a comfortable experience, you’ll need to bring:

• A hat to protect from the sun
• Plenty of water
• Closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes

Plus, drones aren’t allowed on the tour.

Please note that the entrance fees for both Rainbow Valley and Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs must be paid in cash (Chilean pesos) upon arrival at the sites.

Pickup and Meeting Point

The tour begins with pickup at your accommodation between 07:00 and 07:30 am. Alternatively, you can set a meeting point for the group. This provides flexibility and convenience for travelers.

Option	Location	Time
Pickup	Your Accommodation	07:00 – 07:30 am
Meeting Point	To Be Determined	To Be Determined
Finish	Whipala Expedition	After Tour Completion

The tour includes bus/coach transfers to the various sites, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenic landscapes. With this information, you can plan your day and ensure a smooth start to your Rainbow Valley and Petroglyphs adventure.

Activities and Duration

During the tour, you will begin with a guided walk and hiking exploration of the stunning Rainbow Valley, also known as Matancilla, which lasts approximately 2 hours.

The tour then continues with:

• A 30-minute breakfast break
• A 1-hour photo stop and hiking at the Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs, which showcase the historical and cultural significance of the Atacameño people
• Various bus and coach transfers throughout the day, totaling approximately 2.5 hours of travel time

The tour concludes at the Whipala Expedition office, providing a comprehensive 6-hour experience exploring the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the region.

Finish at Whipala Expedition

At the conclusion of the tour, the group returns to the Whipala Expedition office. This is where the tour ends.

Guests can take some time to explore the office and its offerings. The Whipala Expedition organizes a variety of tours and outdoor activities in the region, so visitors may want to inquire about other options.

After the tour, guests will be dropped off at their original pickup location or accommodation. This marks the end of the Rainbow Valley and Petroglyphs adventure, providing a memorable experience exploring the natural and cultural highlights of the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks?

Yes, you can bring your own food and snacks. The tour does not include a full meal, only a breakfast stop, so bringing your own provisions is allowed and recommended to have on hand during the tour.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

There’s no specific mention of a private tour option. The tour is typically run as a group activity, with a minimum group size of 6 participants. However, it may be possible to arrange a private tour, but this would likely require additional fees or special arrangements.

How Accessible Is the Rainbow Valley for People With Disabilities?

The Rainbow Valley tour may not be easily accessible for people with disabilities. The guided tour and hiking through the valley could present difficulties. Visitors should check with the tour operator about any accommodations or alternative options available.

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

The tour itinerary is fixed, but travelers can extend their experience by arranging additional tours or activities through the tour provider. However, any changes would incur extra costs and need to be coordinated in advance.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Rainbow Valley?

The best time to visit the Rainbow Valley is during the dry season, typically from April to October. This ensures clearer skies and optimal visibility of the stunning, multicolored hills formed by geological processes over millions of years.

The Sum Up

The Rainbow Valley Tour + Petroglyphs (Yerbas Buenas) offers a captivating full-day experience in northern Chile’s stunning natural and cultural landscapes. Guests will explore the unique geology of Rainbow Valley, discover the ancient petroglyphs of the Atacameño people, and enjoy a guided tour with hotel pickup and transfers included. This immersive tour provides a well-rounded adventure, showcasing the region’s remarkable blend of natural wonders and rich cultural heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: