Luxury Hotel
Chile

Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa
The Atacama Desert

pool area, Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa, Atacama Desert, Chile
Spa massage, Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa, Atacama Desert, Chile
Corridor, Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa, Atacama Desert, Chile
Catarpe Room Terrace, Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa, Atacama Desert, Chile

Highlights

  • Stunning Location: Nestled in the Catarpe Valley of the Salt Mountain Range, the hotel offers breath taking views of the surrounding desert landscape. Its remote and picturesque setting provides a perfect escape for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty.
  • Unique Architectural Design: The lodge is designed to blend seamlessly with its environment. Built using local materials and inspired by traditional Atacameño architecture, the structures harmonise with the desert landscape, providing a sense of immersion in the natural surroundings.
  • Comprehensive Experience Programme: The lodge offers a wide range of excursions tailored to various interests and fitness levels. Guests can explore the desert’s geysers, salt flats, valleys, and archaeological sites, providing an in-depth experience of the region’s diverse attractions.
  • Sustainable Practices: Committed to sustainability, Alto Atacama implements eco-friendly practices throughout its operations. The lodge uses solar power, recycles water for irrigation, and supports local conservation efforts, minimising its environmental footprint while promoting responsible tourism.
  • Gourmet Cuisine: The lodge’s restaurant serves delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients, offering a taste of regional flavours. The culinary team creates dishes that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the area, ensuring an authentic and memorable dining experience.
  • Stargazing Opportunities: The Atacama Desert is one of the best places in the world for stargazing due to its clear skies and minimal light pollution. Alto Atacama takes full advantage of this, offering guided astronomical tours and access to powerful telescopes, allowing guests to explore the wonders of the night sky.
excursion, alto atacama, atacama desert, chile

Excursions

Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa offers a diverse range of excursions that allow guests to fully experience the unique landscapes and cultural heritage of the Atacama Desert:

  • Valley of the Moon: Venture into the surreal, lunar-like terrain of Valle de la Luna, characterised by dramatic rock formations, vast sand dunes, and salt flats. This excursion often includes a sunset visit, where the changing light casts an otherworldly glow over the landscape.
  • Tatio Geysers: Early morning trips to the Tatio Geysers reveal one of the largest geyser fields in the world. Witness powerful steam columns rising from the ground as the sun begins to warm the chilly morning air, creating a spectacular and ethereal scene.
  • Atacama Salt Flats: Explore the extensive salt flats of Salar de Atacama, the largest in Chile, home to vibrant flamingo populations and other wildlife. The salt flats offer breath taking vistas, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the sky reflects off the salt-crusted ground.
  • Altiplanic Lagoons: Travel to high-altitude lagoons such as Miscanti and Miñiques, situated over 4,000 meters above sea level. These lagoons are known for their deep blue waters, surrounded by volcanoes and stark desert landscapes, providing a serene and picturesque setting.
  • Puritama Hot Springs: Relax in the natural thermal waters of Puritama Hot Springs, set in a stunning desert canyon. The series of terraced pools, fed by geothermal waters, offer a perfect retreat after a day of exploring, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Atacama.
  • Stargazing: Take advantage of the Atacama Desert’s reputation for having some of the clearest night skies on Earth. Guided stargazing sessions with expert astronomers and high-powered telescopes offer an unparalleled opportunity to observe constellations, planets, and distant galaxies.
  • Cultural Tours: Engage in cultural excursions to uncover the rich history of the Atacama region. Visit ancient archaeological sites, explore traditional villages, and learn about the indigenous cultures and traditions. These tours often include visits to petroglyphs, ancient ruins, and local markets, providing a deep understanding of the area’s heritage.

Good to know

How to get there

To get to Alto Atacama you will first fly into Calama Airport. There are many flights from Santiago, and the duration is approximately two hours. On arrival, the lodge provides scheduled, shared transfers to and from the property and the journey will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Are children welcome?

Yes, Alto Atacama is family friendly. The lodge provides a range of activities and amenities that cater to families with kids, making it a great choice for those travelling with children.

Giving back

Alto Atacama is committed to sustainability and has implemented a variety of eco-friendly policies and practices. These include:

  • Energy Efficiency: The lodge utilises solar power to generate a significant portion of its energy needs. This reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources and minimises the carbon footprint.
  • Water Conservation: In the arid environment of the Atacama Desert, water is a precious resource. The lodge employs advanced water management systems, including water recycling for irrigation and the use of efficient fixtures to reduce water consumption.
  • Waste Management: Alto Atacama has a comprehensive waste management programme that includes recycling and composting. Efforts are made to minimise waste production and ensure that waste is disposed of responsibly.
  • Community Engagement: Alto Atacama actively engages with the local community, supporting local businesses and employing staff from nearby areas. This fosters economic development and ensures that tourism benefits the local population.
  • Cultural Preservation: The lodge is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Atacama region. It offers educational programmes about the local culture and history, and incorporates traditional Atacameño design elements into its architecture and décor.

What's Included.

Your stay at Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa includes full board, featuring local and sustainable ingredients, and a wide range of shared, guided excursions.

You will have the opportunity to explore geysers, salt flats, and archaeological sites, as well as enjoy cultural tours and educational experiences. The lodge also offers stargazing opportunities, thanks to the clear, unpolluted desert skies.

Additionally, access to the on-site Puri Spa, swimming pools, and other amenities ensures a relaxing and immersive experience.

Why we love Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa

Built using local materials and inspired by traditional Atacameño architecture, the lodge harmonises with the natural environment, offering guests an immersive experience that respects and enhances the beauty of the Atacama Desert.

Karen Chapman

Specialises in

Latin America, The Caribbean and Polar Regions
View, Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa, Atacama Desert, Chile

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