Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs
Discover ancient rock carvings and charming wildlife at Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs, a historical gem near San Pedro de Atacama.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures
Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient rock carvings and charming wildlife at Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs, a historical gem near San Pedro de Atacama.
"A very interesting place that I would definitely recommend, with lots of petroglyphs and friendly staff."
Cash Only Entry
Be prepared to pay the entrance fee in cash (CLP). ATMs are not available on-site. :moneybag:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trails involve walking and some stone steps, so sturdy footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Rock Carvings
Main Carving Area
Discover thousands of intricate petroglyphs etched into volcanic rock, depicting animals and ancient symbols.

Wandering Alpacas
Throughout the site
Enjoy the charming presence of alpacas and other local wildlife grazing peacefully among the petroglyphs.
Scenic Walking Trails
Various paths
Explore well-maintained trails with stone steps, offering easy access to different sections of the petroglyph site.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Yerbas Buenas
Navigating Yerbas Buenas
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cash Only Entry
Be prepared to pay the entrance fee in cash (CLP). ATMs are not available on-site. :moneybag:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trails involve walking and some stone steps, so sturdy footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Combine with Rainbow Valley
This site is a great addition to a visit to nearby Rainbow Valley for a full day of exploration. :world_map:
Wildlife Encounters
Keep an eye out for alpacas, foxes, and flamingos roaming freely around the site. :llama:
Tips
from all over the internet
Cash Only Entry
Be prepared to pay the entrance fee in cash (CLP). ATMs are not available on-site. :moneybag:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trails involve walking and some stone steps, so sturdy footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Combine with Rainbow Valley
This site is a great addition to a visit to nearby Rainbow Valley for a full day of exploration. :world_map:
Wildlife Encounters
Keep an eye out for alpacas, foxes, and flamingos roaming freely around the site. :llama:
Check Google Maps Accuracy
The Google Maps location might be slightly off; follow signs once you're in the vicinity. :round_pushpin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs for its well-marked trails, fascinating rock carvings, and the friendly, informative staff. The presence of alpacas and other wildlife adds a unique charm. While some minor markings exist, the main areas are well-preserved and offer a great historical experience for a modest entrance fee.
"Great! The route is well marked and there is a variety of carvings to see. The person at the entrance explains its history very well and was extremely friendly. It was a very interesting place that I would definitely recommend.
Yes there are some drawings made by not so intelligent visitors, but the main area doesn’t have any. That is the most interesting and the biggest part anyway."
Zewitshe 360
"Lot of lama’s. But also some foxes, chayotes and flamingo’s. 5.000 entrance fee, 2.000 for students. Not busy at all!"
K. vD.
"This site is well worth a stop and you can see a lot for the $5pp entry fee. The first area right after the gate is incredible. Lots of petroglyphs just in this one spot and it’s a fun walk with stone steps. There’s no explanation of the site on the right but it’s still kind of interesting. The last location at the end of the road is also worth the walk. There are bathrooms at the gate house."
LS Sheldon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs is located near San Pedro de Atacama. Many visitors combine it with a trip to Rainbow Valley. While Google Maps can guide you, be aware that the pinpointed location might be slightly inaccurate, so follow local signage once you're in the area.
The site is generally well-marked once you are close, especially if you are heading towards Rainbow Valley. Local tour operators will know the exact route.
Yes, you can drive to Yerbas Buenas. The roads are generally accessible, and there is a designated entrance area where you can pay the fee.
Many tour operators in San Pedro de Atacama offer excursions that include Yerbas Buenas, often combined with other nearby attractions like Rainbow Valley.
Renting a car or joining a guided tour are the most common ways to travel between San Pedro de Atacama and Yerbas Buenas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically 5,000 CLP per person, with a reduced rate of 2,000 CLP for students. Payment is usually required in cash.
No, advance booking is generally not required. You can pay the entrance fee in cash upon arrival at the site.
The site is typically open during daylight hours. It's best to check with local tour operators or information centers in San Pedro de Atacama for the most current hours.
While not always mandatory, there is often a friendly attendant at the entrance who can explain the history of the site.
No, payment for the entrance fee is typically cash-only (CLP). It's advisable to have the exact change or small bills.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of petroglyphs etched into volcanic rocks, depicting animals, symbols, and ancient figures. The main area is particularly rich in carvings.
The main areas of the site are generally well-preserved, with minimal vandalism. Some minor markings by less considerate visitors may exist, but they don't detract significantly from the main attraction.
Yes, the site has well-marked trails with stone steps, making it suitable for walking and exploring the petroglyphs. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
Visitors often spot alpacas, foxes, and flamingos roaming freely within the petroglyph site.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the gatehouse or entrance area of the site.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the textures of the petroglyphs and the surrounding landscape. Mornings can also be good with softer light.
Generally, photography is allowed, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the site and avoid using flash directly on the carvings if it could cause damage.
You can capture close-ups of the intricate petroglyphs, wide shots of the landscape with the carvings, and candid shots of the wildlife like alpacas.
Yes, the petroglyphs are quite distinct and offer excellent photographic opportunities, especially when the light highlights their etched surfaces.
Consider using a tripod for low-light conditions or for sharper images. Experiment with aperture settings to control depth of field, especially when photographing wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Budget Explorers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Art of Yerbas Buenas
Visitors often remark on the clarity and variety of the etchings. The site is designed with walking trails, some featuring stone steps, making it accessible for exploration. The person at the entrance is often noted for being friendly and informative, providing valuable context about the history and significance of the petroglyphs. While some minor markings by less considerate visitors might be present, the core of the site remains remarkably intact and awe-inspiring.
Beyond the petroglyphs themselves, the natural beauty of the area adds to the experience. The presence of local wildlife, such as alpacas and foxes, grazing peacefully among the ancient art, creates a unique and memorable atmosphere. This blend of history, art, and nature makes Yerbas Buenas a truly special destination for those interested in archaeology and the cultural heritage of the Atacama region.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
Comfortable footwear is a must, as you'll be walking along marked trails that include some stone steps. Many visitors find it beneficial to combine a visit to Yerbas Buenas with the nearby Rainbow Valley, as they are often offered as a package tour or are easily accessible from each other. While Google Maps can provide directions, some travelers have noted that the exact location pinpointed on the map might be slightly off, so paying attention to local signage is recommended.
The experience at Yerbas Buenas is often enhanced by the presence of friendly staff who can share insights into the site's history. Additionally, the opportunity to see local wildlife, such as alpacas and foxes, adds a charming element to the visit. Planning for these details will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable exploration of this fascinating historical site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit