Rainbow Valley and Yerbas Buenas

"Rainbow Valley and Yerbas Buenas: Colors and History in the Heart of the Atacama Desert"

Rainbow Valley and Yerbas Buenas, located near San Pedro de Atacama, are tourist destinations known for their stunning natural beauty and geological richness.

Rainbow Valley is known for its impressive rock formations, which display a variety of colors, including reds, yellows, greens, and purples. These colors are due to the mineral composition of the rocks and erosion over millions of years, creating a surreal landscape reminiscent of a rainbow on Earth.

The valley offers panoramic views of mountains and hills with vibrant hues that change throughout the day depending on the light. The intensely colored rock formations, such as the "multicolored hills," are a unique natural spectacle.

Although the valley is somewhat remote from San Pedro de Atacama, it is accessible via gravel roads. The journey itself is an experience, as visitors pass through desert landscapes and small Andean villages.

Yerbas Buenas is famous for housing a series of pre-Columbian petroglyphs, ancient rock carvings made by Andean cultures. These petroglyphs depict geometric figures, animals, and humans, and bear witness to the region's rich cultural history.
In addition to the petroglyphs, Yerbas Buenas is an archaeological site that offers a fascinating insight into the civilizations that inhabited the Atacama Desert. Visitors can learn about the history and customs of the region's indigenous peoples.

Yerbas Buenas is located in a desert environment similar to other sites in the Atacama region. The landscape is arid yet impressive, with rock formations and valleys that create a unique contrast with the petroglyphs.

In addition to its natural beauty, Yerbas Buenas offers a rich cultural experience, where visitors can learn about the ancestral history of the people who inhabited the area. Some tours include local guides who explain the meaning of the petroglyphs and the traditions of the ancient inhabitants.

Yerbas Buenas is located near San Pedro de Atacama and is accessible via gravel roads. Like Rainbow Valley, the drive to Yerbas Buenas offers panoramic views of the desert and the Andean landscape.

In short, Rainbow Valley is famous for its vibrant and geologically fascinating landscape, with multi-colored rock formations that resemble a natural rainbow.
Yerbas Buenas offers a more cultural focus, with its pre-Hispanic petroglyphs that reveal the region's ancestral history.
Both locations are perfect for nature lovers, photographers, hikers, and cultural tourism enthusiasts, offering a unique combination of natural beauty and historical heritage.

Schedule:

• Departure 7:00 a.m. / Return 1:00 p.m.

What's Included:

• Pick up at accommodation
• Shared transport
• Guide
• Breakfast

What to bring:

• Comfortable trekking shoes
• Sun block
• Hat and sunglasses
• Water

What's Not Included:

• Park entrances, it is advisable to bring cash.
• General public admission price $10,000, children from 12 to 17 years old $4,000.