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Discover one of the most striking geological landscapes in northern Chile with the Rainbow Valley and Río Salado Tour in San Pedro de Atacama. Set within the Domeyko Range, this area stands out for its multicolored mountains, rock formations and scenery shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion.

Rainbow Valley owes its name to the wide range of tones present in its hills and ravines, where minerals such as iron, clay and salts create reddish, green, white and ochre colors that contrast with the blue sky of the Atacama Desert.

During the excursion you also visit areas near the Río Salado, a natural setting surrounded by altiplano vegetation, cacti and rock formations that offer a different experience within the driest desert in the world.

Beyond the landscapes, the route lets you observe ancient petroglyphs and learn part of the geological and cultural history of the area, making it an excellent choice for those seeking nature, photography and calm away from the busiest routes of Atacama.

Ideal for travelers looking for unique landscapes, geology, Atacameño culture and excursions with low physical demand.

 

Reference schedule

Departure: 07:00 am hrs.
Return: 13:00 hrs.
Duration: approx. 5 hours.

Physical Demand
Low
Suitable for all visitors. Mostly panoramic or vehicle-based tours with minimal walking.
Experience
For Everyone
No previous experience needed.

Itinerary

07:00 hours approx. - Departure from your hotel

About 100 kilometres from Calama, the world's driest desert hides a small oasis called San Pedro de Atacama. It's an adobe town and dirt roads that have stolen the hearts of thousands of tourists for the charms of Atacameña and Spanish culture contained in each of its buildings. What do you say you come with me and we go around

Rainbow Valley
Visit to the Rainbow Valley

We'll travel through a valley of rock formations in intense and varied colors, ranging from red and orange to green and blue. The name "Rainbow Valley" comes from the wide range of colors found in the rocks and sediment layers in the area. Erosion and the minerals present in the soil have given rise to these vibrant tones, creating a surreal and fascinating landscape.

Rainbow Valley
Río Salado con orillas cubiertas de sal blanca, vegetación desértica y montañas al fondo bajo un cielo azul despejado.
Visit to the Salado River

The Salado River is a fascinating example of how life can adapt and thrive even in extreme environments like the Atacama Desert, and it offers visitors the chance to experience this natural wonder on their trip to San Pedro de Atacama. We'll have the opportunity to explore its surroundings and enjoy activities such as hiking and bird watching.

Río Salado con orillas cubiertas de sal blanca, vegetación desértica y montañas al fondo bajo un cielo azul despejado.
13:00 hrs. - Return to San Pedro de Atacama

Frequently Asked Questions

The Rainbow Valley is a mountainous area located in the Domeyko Range, famous for its multicolored hills created by different minerals and geological processes.

No. This tour has low physical demand and is suitable for most travelers.

  • Bring sunscreen
  • Wear sunglasses and a hat
  • Bring water
  • Wear comfortable footwear
  • Bring comfortable clothing and a light jacket
  • Bring a camera for landscapes and petroglyphs

Yes. Some areas include pre-Hispanic petroglyphs made by ancient Atacameño cultures.

Yes. Due to its low physical demand and moderate altitude, it is an excellent option to begin acclimatization.

Included

  • Transport Service
  • Bilingual Guide spanish/english
    During excursions and departures mentioned in the itinerary
  • Passenger Transportation Insurance
  • Expert advice and coordination
    Personalized guidance and coordination of your experience via phone, email, webchat, WhatsApp, and scheduled video calls.
  • Booking Fee – Reservation Management
    Included in the final price. This fee covers the administrative expenses associated with managing and confirming the reservation, processing payments, and coordinating the service with local operators.

Not Included

  • Entrance to Rainbow Valley
    General public entry value: CL$ 10 000 per person. Only in cash.
  • Medical, accident or travel insurance
Additional fees to be paid locally
per person, from
US$ 11

Tickets and entrance fees payable at the destination are a direct contribution to the conservation of ecosystems and infrastructure, and support culture and the local community.

General Conditions

Conditions for Minors

  • Minimum age to take part in the excursion: 9 years

Safety Conditions During the Service

  • Whether due to weather conditions or route conditions (roads) that do not offer the minimum safety guarantees for a safe operation, our provider reserves the right to cancel the service

Acceptance of the Activity's Risks

  • The passenger declares that they know and understand the risks involved in taking part in adventure tourism activities, which cannot be completely eliminated even when the safety standards accredited by the service provider are met, whose purpose is to reduce the risks that carrying out this activity involves.
  • It shall be the duty of the adventure tourism service provider to inform about the conditions and requirements for carrying out the activity, and likewise it is the duty of the participants taking an adventure tourism service to properly inform themselves about the conditions under which the service is provided, about the minimum conditions the participant must have before carrying out the activity, and to follow the instructions given by the company and the guide in charge of the activity.

Commercial Conditions

Cancellation Policies

  • Cancellations with 5 days or more before arrival: 90% refund.
  • Cancellations with 4 days or less before arrival are not eligible for a refund.

Other Conditions

  • Prices in US Dollars (USD) are calculated using the day's exchange rate from their value in Chilean Pesos (CLP) and may vary depending on the day the payment is made.
  • Entrance tickets to the National Parks or Reserves are not included in the tour price
  • Rates valid for services at the indicated times
  • Services apply with a minimum number of passengers at the time of booking
  • Rates per person subject to change.
  • For safety and operational reasons, schedules may be modified without prior notice
  • On excursions, pickup is at the indicated hotel.
  • For transfer service, it applies from all hotels in San Pedro de Atacama (does not include Ayllus on the outskirts)
  • Excursions with a bilingual guide in Spanish and English

Our apply on everything not mentioned before.

Request with GreatChile

Rainbow Valley
5/5 (2 reviews)
per person, from
US$ 36


      Per Person Price

    Prices available for travel between Aug 1, 2026 and Jan 22, 2028.

    Urban area, within 1 km from downtown; if you’re unsure about coverage, select "Assisted booking"

    During the booking process we will request the following data per traveler: Full Name, Birth Date, Nationality, Passport Number, Mail, Phone Number, Allergies.

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