The Moon & The Rainbow

This full-day 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). Upon leaving San Pedro de Atacama, you will begin with a sunrise breakfast overlooking the dunes and ravines that make up the Valley of the Moon. Once inside the park, you will visit Las Tres Marías and the Great Dune, learning about the geological history of this unique territory. After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll head to the Cordillera Domeyko to wander among the multi-colored Rainbow Valley and explore the 3,000-year-old petroglyphs of Yerbas Buenas. This is an opportunity to learn about the history and worldview of the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited the Atacama Desert for centuries and who continue to honor their past.

Mirko and Nicolás have selected these three locations for their contrasts and for how they unite human culture with impossible nature. The morning is spent exploring the salt mines, rugged amphitheaters, and sweeping dunes of Moon Valley. By visiting early in the day, you're spared the inevitable afternoon crowds and have a more intimate experience with the landscape. The afternoon takes place at two of the Atacama Desert's less-visited treasures. In Rainbow Valley, you'll see how the mountains are streaked with red, green, white, yellow, and blue as a result of the oxidation of different mineral deposits over millions of years. After coming to understand the natural landscape, the day concludes with a lesson in living human heritage and Indigenous culture. Yerbas Buenas (Hierbas Buenas), an open-air exhibit of pre-Columbian rock carvings, provide insight into the ancient Indigenous cultures that have called this region home for over 11,000 years.

Mirko and Nicolás are friends, certified guides, and business partners operating tourism experiences in the Atacama Desert. A professional landscape and wildlife photographer, Mirko has devoted his career to capturing the raw beauty of the Atacama Desert and the rugged terrains of Patagonia. Nicolás is a cultural project administrator specializing in ecotourism. As a local, Indigenous guide, with extensive knowledge of the Atacama’s territory, culture, history, and natural heritage, his experiences focus on Indigenous peoples and the natural environment. Your experience may be hosted by Mirko, Nicolás, or one of two certified guides. If you have a particular interest in photography and wildlife, you may prefer to book Mirko. If you are interested in Indigenous culture, you may wish to book Nicolás. Please feel welcome to write to the Experience Makers via Fernwayer Chat before booking your experience.

Sunscreen, sunhat, lipbalm, 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. Layers are recommended. Trekking boots. Camera: this can be a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone. Extra lenses and tripods are encouraged. Binoculars are recommended.