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