How to Plan Your Tour to Rainbow Valley and Hierbas Buenas in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Are you planning to explore the natural beauty of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile? Consider booking a tour to Rainbow Valley and Hierbas Buenas. This tour is the perfect way to experience gorgeous landscapes and unique geological formations accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. Here’s how to plan your tour.

Book Your Tour

The first step to planning your tour is to book it. You can book this tour through GetYourGuide by visiting this link: book the tour here. The booking process is straightforward and secure, and you can pay with a credit card or PayPal.

Tour Description

The Rainbow Valley and Hierbas Buenas tour in San Pedro de Atacama takes you to the colorful Rainbow Valley, located about 90 minutes away from downtown San Pedro. The valley is characterized by its vibrant red, green, and yellow rocks, the result of ancient volcanic activity. On this tour, you’ll also visit Hierbas Buenas, an archaeological site where you can see petroglyphs made over 10,000 years ago by the region’s indigenous people.

Your tour guide will pick you up directly from your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama at a dependable time, and you’ll travel in comfort in a modern, air-conditioned minivan. Your guide will provide essential information and interesting facts about the area throughout the tour.

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photographs and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery. You’ll also be provided with snacks and water during the tour.

What’s Included in the Tour

The Rainbow Valley and Hierbas Buenas tour includes the following:

– Round-trip transportation from your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama
– Snacks and water
– Knowledgeable and personable bilingual guide
– Admission to Rainbow Valley and Hierbas Buenas
– Small group tour size with a maximum of 10 participants

What to Bring with You

When taking a tour to Rainbow Valley and Hierbas Buenas, it’s essential to bring the following items:

– Comfortable and sturdy footwear
– Sunscreen
– Hat or cap
– Jacket or sweater (it can be chilly in the morning)
– Camera

Tips for the Tour

To make the most of your tour to Rainbow Valley and Hierbas Buenas, consider the following tips:

– Wear comfortable clothing and footwear. The tour involves a moderate amount of walking on uneven terrain.
– Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
– Bring a camera to take stunning photographs of Rainbow Valley and Hierbas Buenas.
– Be respectful of the environment and do not damage any natural or historical elements.
– Listen attentively to your guide and ask questions if you need clarification.

Conclusion

A tour to Rainbow Valley and Hierbas Buenas is a must-do when visiting San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. With breathtaking natural beauty and unique historical and geological elements, this tour offers an unforgettable experience. To plan your tour easily and conveniently, book it through GetYourGuide and enjoy a comfortable and informative excursion with a knowledgeable guide.

Insider’s Guide to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

San Pedro de Atacama is a beautiful, rugged town located in northern Chile. The town is surrounded by the stunning Atacama Desert and is home to breathtaking natural wonders, cultural experiences, and endless adventure opportunities. In this insider’s guide, we will explore some of the must-see attractions, top dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to make the most out of your trip to San Pedro de Atacama.

Attractions

San Pedro de Atacama is a hotspot for outdoor adventurers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. Some of the top attractions include:

1. Rainbow Valley and Hierbas Buenas: Visit one of the most picturesque landscapes in South America. This area is famous for its magnificent geology, with hills painted in shades of red, green, and yellow. While you’re there, don’t miss Hierbas Buenas, an impressive petroglyph site that contains over 4000 ancient carvings.

2. Valle de la Luna: Translated as the Valley of the Moon, this lunar-like landscape offers a mesmerizing view of sand dunes, salt pans, and rock formations. Sunset at Valle de la Luna is a must-see.

3. Salar de Atacama: This is the world’s third-largest salt flat, offering a surreal view of the boundless white expanse, pink flamingos, and desert oasis.

Dining Spots

San Pedro de Atacama’s cuisine is an eclectic mix of Chilean and international flavors. Here are few of our top picks:

1. Adobe: Housed in a charming colonial building, Adobe serves traditional cuisine using locally grown and sourced ingredients. Don’t miss the mouth-watering lamb asado.

2. Cafe Adobe: A laid-back cafe that offers a fusion of international and Chilean cuisine. Their desserts are a must-try.

3. Las Delicias de Carmen: This is the best place in town to indulge in some empanadas. Their handmade empanadas, stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables, are a perfect snack or meal.

Cultural Experiences

San Pedro de Atacama’s unique cultural experiences are not to be missed. Here are some top picks:

1. Atacama Desert Stargazing: The Atacama Desert is renowned for its incredibly clear, star-filled night skies. Go on a stargazing tour with professional astronomers and see the universe from a different lens.

2. Pukará de Quitor: This is a pre-Columbian stone fortress dating back to the 12th century. The fortress was built by the Atacama people who fought against the invading Incas and Spaniards.

3. Traditional Weaving Workshop: Visit one of the local women’s co-ops and learn how the indigenous communities of the Atacama Desert have been spinning and weaving textiles from the llama and alpaca wool for centuries.

Local History

San Pedro de Atacama has a rich and fascinating history. Here are some of the must-visit historical sites:

1. Museo del Meteorito: This museum is dedicated to meteorites and the history of the universe. Here, you can see an impressive collection of space rocks that have fallen to earth, including a piece of the famous Chelyabinsk meteor.

2. R.P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum: This museum contains one of the largest pre-Columbian artifacts collections in Chile, including pottery, ceramics, textiles, and other objects. The artifacts span the Atacama region’s history from 10,000 BC to the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century.

Off-the-beaten-path Suggestions

For the travelers looking for unique and unusual experiences, here are a few lesser-known options:

1. Termas de Puritama: This is a series of eight geothermal pools, surrounded by stunning desert landscapes. These pools are perfect after a long day of exploring San Pedro de Atacama.

2. Guatin Canyon Hike: From San Pedro de Atacama, you can take a short trip to the Guatin Canyon, where you can go on a beautiful hike with stunning views of canyons and the surrounding mountains.

3. Moon Valley by bicycle: Rent a bike and cycle out to Moon Valley instead of going on a guided tour. It is a perfect way to explore the area and save some money.

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, has so much to offer its visitors, from stunning natural wonders to unique cultural experiences. This insider’s guide is a great starting point in your journey of this incredible destination.