The Moon & The Rainbow

This full-day photography excursion takes you to two contrasting natural wonders in the Atacama Desert of Chile: the Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna) and Rainbow Valley (Valle del Arcoiris). It is hosted by Mirko, a professional photographer specializing in landscapes and wildlife and a licensed guide. Upon leaving San Pedro de Atacama, Mirko will pull over at one of his favorite viewpoints to appreciate the sunrise over the Andes mountain range. While sipping coffee and sharing a breakfast of marraqueta bread rolls, you'll warm up your photography skills for the day by shooting the soft morning light. You will then explore the ravines and dunes of Moon Valley, coming to understand how it earned its name. After lunch at a local restaurant in San Pedro de Atacama, you'll head to the Cordillera Domeyko to study the 3,000-year-old petroglyphs of Yerba Buenas before ending the day in the multi-colored Rainbow Valley.

Mirko has selected these two locations for their contrasts. The morning is spent exploring the salt mines, rugged amphitheaters, and sweeping dunes of Moon Valley where Mirko will explain the geological anomalies. By visiting early in the day, you're spared the inevitable afternoon crowds and have a more relaxed photographic experience. The afternoon takes place at two of the Atacama Desert's hidden treasures: Yerbas Buenas and Rainbow Valley. Yerbas Buenas (Hierbas Buenas) is an open-air exhibit of pre-Columbian rock carvings which provide insight into ancient Indigenous cultures. Mirko will explain the symbolism behind the petroglyphs and how these served as more than pretty pictures! In Rainbow Valley, the mountains are painted hues of red, green, white, yellow, and blue as a result of the oxidation of different mineral deposits over millions of years. You will arrive in time to catch the soft light of the waning sun. Lunch in town serves as a way to chat informally with Mirko.

Mirko Andrei Rebolledo is a licensed guide and professional photographer with a deep connection to Chile’s breathtaking landscapes. He has spent the last five years capturing the raw beauty of the Atacama Desert, where he works as both a wildlife photographer and a certified tour guide. Before moving north, he honed his expertise in the rugged terrains of Chilean Patagonia. Whether leading photography-focused excursions or sharing his extensive knowledge of the desert’s unique geography, Mirko transforms each experience into an unforgettable journey through one of the most otherworldly places on Earth.

Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses. Comfortable and warm clothes: bear in mind that temperatures fluctuate throughout the day and you may experience low temperatures, intense sunshine, and strong winds. Trekking boots. Camera: this can be a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone. Extra lenses and tripods are encouraged. Binoculars are recommended.