Tierra Atacama

ATACAMA, CHILE

THE PERSONALITIES

Design Lovers. Photographers. Explorers. 

MOMENTS

Landscapes that make you emotional. Unobstructed views of Licancabur Volcano. Moon-like valleys. Clear night skies. Millions of stars.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

September to March.

COST

WHY STAY

Tierra Atacama is a boutique desert hotel located 2,407 metres above sea level in Northern Chile. Enjoy views of the Andes mountain range nearby volcanoes, and the infinite desert.

All the rooms are inspired by Atacama landscapes with nude and cocoa accents; include Tierra’s signature outdoor showers, and private terraces with stunning views of Licancabur Volcano or the Cordillera de Sal. The scenery is reflected in the indoor and outdoor design of the hotel for a true nature-inspired experience. 

Visit the Uma Spa for unique treatments, like Reiki & Crystal Massage, complimented with rica rica herbal tea or chilled cucumber water or spend the afternoon in a wicker hammock under ancient desert trees. 

WHY WANDER

Atacama Desert is every explorer's dream, where you can wander on foot, horseback, bike or 4x4. Hike Cordillera de la Sal through surreal moon-like landscapes and sand dunes of Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley). Take a rewarding soak in the hot springs of Puritama. Discover the colourful Rainbow Valley (Valle Arcoiris). Hike Licancabur Volcano, where you will stumble upon across flamingoes or llamas. Have lunch at Salar de Tala (salt flats). Take part in unique stargazing experiences in the place with the clearest sky in the world.

INDULGE IN

Local Chilean cuisine. Handmade empanadas. Sweet kuchen cake. Chilean wine. Try the signature Rica Rica Sour cocktail.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Santiago, Chile following a two-hour flight to Calama. A transfer from there will be arranged with the hotel.  

WILD INITIATIVES

Tierra Atacama was the first hotel in South America to produce solar-powered electricity. This stunning desert retreat, nestled within the rugged beauty of the Atacama Desert, places a strong emphasis on minimizing its environmental impact and fostering a deep connection to the natural surroundings. The hotel's architecture integrates seamlessly with the desert landscape, using local materials and eco-friendly design elements. It's powered by solar panels, reducing its carbon footprint and reliance on conventional energy sources. Tierra Atacama also focuses on conserving water, a precious resource in this arid region, and employs various eco-friendly practices in waste management and recycling. Furthermore, the hotel engages in local community initiatives, supports local artisans, and offers cultural experiences that celebrate the heritage of the Atacama region. Visitors to Tierra Atacama have the opportunity to connect with the desert's unique ecosystem while knowing they are treading lightly in this fragile and beautiful environment.

*Images property of Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa

AWASI ATACAMA

ATACAMA, CHILE

THE PERSONALITIES

Explorers. Photographers. Travellers looking for a unique natural experience. 

MOMENTS

Warm bathrobes after soaking in the springs. Picnics on salt flats. Wine in the Death Valley.    

BEST VISITING MONTHS

September to March.

COST

WHY STAY

Awasi Atacama, a remarkable retreat in the heart of the Atacama Desert, is defined by its harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape. The experience here is not only about indulgence but also about an authentic connection to the land and the local culture, making it an exceptional destination for those seeking adventure, tranquility, and ecological responsibility.

Set against a backdrop of dramatic landscapes, this unique hotel showcases architectural excellence, seamlessly blending with the natural surroundings. Each individual guest villa is built with local materials - stone, adobe and wood, and designed to harmonize with the environment while providing privacy and breathtaking views of the desert, mountains, and night skies.

The hotel's philosophy extends to promoting wellness through its holistic approach to hospitality. The serene natural surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for stargazing and meditation in this tranquil desert environment.

WHY WANDER

Awasi Atacama offers tailor-made, private tours perfect for anyone wanting a luxurious wilderness experience. You will be assigned your own guide upon arrival, to built a custom itinerary - whether its mountain biking and sandboarding, stargazing, or hiking the unique Chilean landscapes. 

Visit the Moon Valley and the Death Valley. Hike to the hot springs of Puritama for a rewarding soak. See Geiser de Tatio smoking in the early morning light, or have lunch at Salar de Tala (salt flats). Discover the colours of the Rainbow Valley (Valle Arcoiris). Don't skip a visit to the Licancabur Volcano. Don't be surprised to come across flamingoes or llamas.

INDULGE IN

Native Atacama ingredients, like purple potatoes, quinoa, or chañar (a meaty, sweet fruit). Try Patasca - a stew made with tripe, veal, potatoes, stewed corn and peppers. 

GETTING THERE

Fly into Santiago, Chile following a two-hour flight to Calama. A transfer from there will be arranged with the hotel.  

GREEN FACTOR

Sustainability is paramount at Awasi Atacama, and the property is committed to responsible tourism practices. It harnesses solar power for its energy needs and employs water-saving techniques to respect the desert's fragile ecosystem. The hotel was built with respect to the environment from local materials (adobe, stone and wood). Awasi promotes sustainable, non-invasive tourism and keeps cultural traditions alive.

*Images property of Awasi Atacama

EXPLORA Atacama

ATACAMA, CHILE

The Personalities

Explorers, Hikers, Photographers, Riders, Astrologists. 

Moments

"A place so vast, that time and direction seem to have no meaning". Deep desert silence. Feeling small and significant at the same time. 

Best Visiting Months

Anytime - each season has its own charm. 

Cost

Why stay

Rising from the Pacific Ocean up to the base of the Andes, Explora Atacama is located in the Ayllu de Larache near the village of San Pedro de Atacama. You will find yourself in the oasis in the middle of the desert, 2500 above sea level. Choose between 50 beautiful rooms with views of the Salt Mountains, the desert landscape, or the countryside. Nestled within the otherworldly surroundings, this hotel offers a gateway to one of the most arid yet mesmerizing landscapes on Earth. Its architecture is carefully designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, providing guests with uninterrupted views of the desert.

Relax in one the hotel's four interconnected pools, among lush native vegetation. During the cooler months, enjoy the sauna and the steam room, or an open-air jacuzzi after a long hike. Atacama has some of the clearest skies in the world, so make sure to visit the Observatory for celestial explorations and stargazing.

Why wander

Welcome to the Atacama Desert - the driest place on Earth. You will feel like you are on a National Geographic expedition, with 37 different ways to discover Atacama offered at Explora. Choose a guided hike with your preferred level of difficulty. Explore on foot, horseback or bicycle. Inner journeys are encouraged as much as physical ones. The recommended explorations are the Puritama hot springs, Guatín-Puritama (half day hike) and Quebrada de Nacimiento (full day hike), Cerro Toco (half day high mountain ascent), Quebrada del Diablo (half day horseback ride), Piedra de la Coca (half day bike ride). Do not miss Salar de Atacama - the largest salt flat in Chile. Above the salt flat, sits Altiplano - vast open plaines filled with wetlands, salt lakes, and geysers - an unforgettable experience.

Indulge in

Chilean wine. Traditional BBQ in the old adobe house featuring spit-roasted-lamb, beef and fish.

Getting There

From Santiago, take a 2-hour connecting flight to the city of Calama. A member of the Explora team will pick you up and drive you to Atacama, approximately one-hour away.

WILD INITIATIVES

The hotel's dedication to sustainable practices, including solar power generation and efficient water management, ensures that your exploration of this extraordinary landscape is done with the utmost respect for nature.

“Atacama Andean student residence: Internado Andino. The Puritama hot springs highlight any Explora Atacama trip, but they are much more than just that. For ten years, Explora has supported the Andean Student Residence in Calama, for young Lickan Antay students from rural areas where high school education is not available. With the support of Explora and other organizations, the managing body (the Atacamenian Peoples Council) has been able to keep the boarding school open, giving accommodation and catering to 25 local and regional students per year.”

*Photos property of EXPLORA ATACAMA