SanPedroAtacama.com


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Discover one of the most colourful and surprising landscapes of the Atacama Desert, among multicoloured mountains, rock formations and ancient traces of the Atacameño culture.

Set in the Cordillera de Domeyko, the Valle del Arcoíris (Rainbow Valley) stands out for the intense tones of its hills and ravines. Minerals present in the area create an extraordinary combination of reds, greens, whites and ochres that contrast with the desert landscape.

The route also takes in sectors of the Río Salado, where the scenery shifts between ravines, rock formations and vegetation adapted to the extreme conditions of the desert.

During the excursion you will also get to see ancient petroglyphs, a way to come closer to the history and culture of the peoples who inhabited and travelled through this area over centuries.

An excellent alternative for those looking to combine landscapes, geology, photography and local culture, on a calm excursion that differs from the more traditional circuits of San Pedro de Atacama.

Duration: approximately 5 hours.

Schedule

Departure from San Pedro de Atacama at 07:00 hrs.

Estimated return at 13:00 hrs.

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 hrs 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

Valle del Arcoíris and Río Salado
Visit to Valle del Arcoíris (Rainbow Valley)

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

Valle del Arcoíris and Río Salado
Río Salado con orillas cubiertas de sal blanca, vegetación desértica y montañas al fondo bajo un cielo azul despejado.
Visit to the Río Salado

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

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

Rainbow Valley is a mountainous area in the Domeyko Range, known for its multicoloured hills shaped by different minerals and geological processes.

No. The tour involves low physical effort and is suitable for most travellers.

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

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

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

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 US$ 11,00 Payable at the destination.
    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$ 11,00

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 the state of the route (roads) not offering the minimum guarantees for a safe operation, our provider reserves the right to cancel the service

Acceptance of the Risks of the Activity

  • 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 to the service provider are met, standards 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 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 meet before undertaking 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 3 days or more before the service date: 90% refund.
  • Cancellations with 2 days or less before the service date are not eligible for a refund.

Other Conditions

  • Prices in United States 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 National Parks or Reserves are not included in the value of the Tour
  • Rates valid for services at the times indicated
  • 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, pick-up is at the hotel indicated.
  • For transfer services, it applies from all hotels in San Pedro de Atacama (does not include Ayllus on the outskirts)
  • Excursions with a bilingual Spanish and English guide

Our apply on everything not mentioned before.

Request with GreatChile

Valle del Arcoíris and Río Salado
5/5 (2 reviews)
per person, from
US$ 36


      Per Person Price

    Prices available for travel between Sep 15, 2026 and Mar 8, 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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