Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs

This magical place was formed by tectonic movements along with the Volcanic activity of millions of years ago, place of conjunction between the Domeyko mountain range, the salt mountain range and the Andes. owes its name to the great variety of tones that can be observed in the hills of the valley, these account for the great richness and different concentrations of clays, salts and minerals. Because the different rocks are subjected to strong weathering, a product of the environment and climatic conditions. This expedition will also allow us to visit the Hierbas Buenas petroglyphs of great historical importance. based on rock art, where the Atacameño people left a vestige of their culture through these (place of great geological content).

Our tour begins at 07:00 AM picking up all our passengers at their respective hotels. After this we go to Yerbas Buenas, where we can see the Domeyko Mountain Range, the Salt Mountain Range and the Andes Mountain Range. In this first stop we visit petroglyphs, some of them up to 6000 years old. Enjoying the beautiful view of this beautiful landscape, we have breakfast and prepare to enter our main destination, the rainbow valley, located in the Domeyko mountain range and where you can see hills with colored stripes, all this due to the clay and also the minerals found in that place. Later we visit Río Grande, a small town of artisans and farmers, thus setting the end of our tour, returning to the town is around 12:30 PM.

Our journey begins in the town of San Pedro de Atacama as we head west to explore the captivating Rainbow Valley. First, we’ll visit the Cordillera de Domeyko, one of the three mountain ranges shaping northern Chile’s unique landscape. Our first stop is at Hierbas Buenas, a small agricultural village known for its significant historical petroglyphs, some of the oldest in the region. Here, you'll be immersed in the rich history of the Atacameños, with ancient carvings that reveal the layers of human history etched into the rocks. Next, we arrive at Rainbow Valley, also known as Matancilla. This area is famous for its vibrant, multicolored mountains, a result of over 250 minerals found in the soil. We’ll take a scenic and inspiring hike through this valley, where you can marvel at the diverse flora and fauna. As we walk, you'll discover traces of ancient water flows, evidence of a time when this region was covered by water. Before we start our hike, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast in the valley. The breathtaking colors and stories of this place make Rainbow Valley a truly memorable experience. After our hike, we'll begin our return to San Pedro de Atacama, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the Atacama Desert’s hidden wonders. This is a half-day adventure filled with history, natural beauty, and the enduring spirit of the region’s indigenous culture.