Explora Atacama

Location: San Pedro de Atacama, Atacama Desert, Chile

Explora Atacama is a true oasis amidst the rugged landscapes of the Atacama Desert, located near the town of San Pedro de Atacama. The lodge is beautifully designed to match its vast desert surrounds. The large main building houses the communal areas – a huge lounge, dining room serving gourmet regional cuisine, open-style kitchen, bar, an ‘Explorer’s Room’ for briefings – with spacious terraces stretching along three sides. The 50 guestrooms feature understated décor with native wood and slate tile accents and contemporary furnishings. Additional facilities include 4 connected outdoor pools, a spa, an onsite observatory and private riding stables. Venture out to explore the salt flats, volcanoes, geysers, windswept dunes and more that make up the vast Atacama Desert. There are nearly 50 guided explorations available including horse rides, biking, hiking and high-elevation climbs.

Everything is Included

To ensure you have a relaxing, immersive holiday, everything at Explora Atacama is included. Accommodation, transport, excursions, meals and beverages are all taken care of so you can fully enjoy your break.

Experienced Guides

Trained at the Explora School of Guides, Explora Atacama’s guides are deeply familiar with the region and its traditions and have an unyielding passion and knowledge for the Atacama Desert. They are bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish, and are passionate advocates for conservation of this special desert.

Exceptional Gastronomy

The menu at Explora Atacama blends tradition with innovation, focusing on local flavours and ingredients in every dish. Each dish is complemented by a selection of fine Chilean wines, available at both the bar and dining room. All meals are included, including those enjoyed during full day explorations.

Luxury Amenities

Explora Atacama offers four interconnected pools which are the perfect place to relax in the quiet of the desert. Each pool is heated to a different temperature. Nearby in a traditional adobe house, visit the spa with a range of treatments as well as a sauna, steam baths and outdoor hot tubs. The lodge also features an onsite observatory from which to stargaze.

Beautiful Architecture

Designed to match this spectacular destination and immerse you fully in it, the lodge offers award-winning architecture. Soaring spaces, sweeping views and locally sourced furnishings define the grounds and interiors, while common areas, such as the dining room and lounge spaces, invite opportunities to enjoy relaxing, socializing, or quiet contemplation.

Excursions for All

Choose from more than 49 explorations designed and operated exclusively by Explora to discover the best of the Atacama Desert, with opportunities to hike, bike, climb and even stargaze. Every adventure is customised daily to match with your skills and interests, and they are run in small groups of no more than eight guests.

Tulur Rooms

There are 19 Tulur rooms at Explora Atacama, each measuring 33 square metres and featuring views of the beautiful hotel grounds. In each room, enjoy a king size bed or two twins, large windows, and a bathroom with jetted bathtub and shower.

Yali Rooms

There are 27 Yali Rooms at Explora Atacama, each measuring 33 square metres and offering views of the lovely gardens. The bed can be configured as a king or two twins, and the rooms feature a bathroom with jetted bathtub and shower.

Catur Suites

There are only four Catur Suites at Explora Atacama, each measuring 50 square metres. In each suite, enjoy a balcony, a king size bed or two twins, a sitting area, a bathroom with jetted bathtub and shower, and stunning views of the countryside.

ASTRONOMIA ANDINA

STARGAZE | EASY | HALF-DAY

 Begin with a briefing of basic concepts under the open sky. Then learn about orientation, distances, and local culture under one the world’s clearest skies. In Explora’s own observatory, watch stellar objects in the solar system and deep space. You can even capture real-time images of the cosmos: a window into the universe, framed by the desert sky.

DOMEYKO

HIKE | MODERATE | HALF-DAY

This hike takes place in the Domeyko range, amid great canyons and colors created by the different minerals that make up this mountain range. After getting lost among huge clay walls, descend some challenging steps where you will have to use your hands, product of the erosion caused by ancient seasonal rivers.

CEJAR

OVERLAND | EASY | HALF-DAY

The Atacama Salt Flat is an endorheic basin with highly saline water outcrops, one of which is the Cejar Lagoon. Venture into the northern part of the salt flat, surrounded by the vastness and accompanied by the Andean volcanoes. Once at Cejar, enter its waters and float in the middle of the driest desert in the world.

LARI

HORSE RIDE | EASY | HALF-DAY

Begin the journey by vehicle toward the surroundings of the Valley of Mars, where you will start your horseback ride through desert and eroded landscapes. The reddish tones of the rock formations evoke distant horizons as you ride through dunes and ravines. Guided by the Andes, return to the lodge on horseback.

OASIS

BIKE | EASY | HALF-DAY

Uncover the ancient settlements of the Licanantay culture in the Atacama Desert via E-bike. Discover sites like the Tulor settlement in the Ayllu de Coyo, the Puribeter Elemental Reserve, and the Desert Library, blending history, nature, and local culture.

PURITAMA

HIKE | MODERATE | HALF-DAY

Take a van to Guatín where you will begin an ascending walk. Walk for almost 30 minutes along giant cacti up to the Puritama River creek. There, descend to walk along the river, through rock walls and vegetation. Arrive to the Puritama Hot Springs were you will have some time to relax.

EXPLORA RAPA NUI (CHILE)

EXPLORA SACRED VALLEY (PERU)

For more information on Explora Atacama and to start creating your tailor-made itinerary, call 1300 784 794 or email contact@satc.com.au.