Luxury Hotel
Chile

Explora Atacama
The Atacama Desert

Road in Atacama desert - Moon valley
Observatory
Suite Catur , Explora Atacama, Chile

Highlights

  • Guided Adventures: Explora offers over 40 unique explorations, such as trekking through lunar-like valleys, mountain biking to remote lagoons, and horse riding across salt flats.
  • Stargazing: Witness the clearest night skies in the world at Explora’s private observatory, featuring high-powered telescopes and guidance from skilled astronomers, offering an unforgettable view of the Milky Way.
  • Sustainability Focus: The lodge integrates eco-conscious design, using locally sourced materials and renewable energy to minimise its environmental impact while protecting the desert ecosystem.
  • Luxurious Accommodations: Stay in beautifully appointed rooms and suites with minimalist design that enhances the natural beauty of the desert. All rooms offer serene spaces, private terraces, and views of the Andes or Licancabur Volcano.
  • Cultural Experiences: Participate in immersive cultural excursions, including visits to pre-Columbian archaeological sites, traditional villages, and ancient petroglyphs.
  • All-Inclusive Dining: Savour gourmet cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, blending traditional Chilean flavours with modern culinary techniques. Meals are paired with fine Chilean wines, allowing guests to enjoy a refined yet relaxed dining experience.
Hike Valle de la Luna, explora atacama, chile

Excursions

Explora Atacama offers a wide range of excursions designed to immerse guests in the breath taking landscapes and rich culture of the Atacama Desert. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Hiking Through Diverse Terrains: Explore the striking desert landscapes, from the lunar-like Valle de la Luna to the vast salt flats, with guided hikes that cater to all experience levels.
  • Mountain Biking: Ride along rugged trails through canyons, dunes, and remote paths, experiencing the desert’s unique beauty from an exhilarating new perspective.
  • Horse Riding Expeditions: Journey by horse across ancient indigenous trails, connecting with the desert’s history while taking in stunning views of vast plains and hidden oases.
  • Geysers and High-Altitude Lagoons: Witness the dramatic El Tatio Geysers at sunrise and explore high-altitude lagoons, home to vibrant wildlife like flamingos, against the backdrop of towering Andean peaks.
  • Cultural and Archaeological Tours: Visit ancient ruins, petroglyphs, and traditional villages, learning about the Atacameño culture and the region’s rich archaeological history from expert guides.
  • Stargazing Tours: Experience the Atacama’s famously clear skies with guided stargazing sessions, using powerful telescopes to discover distant planets, galaxies, and constellations.

Good to know

How to get there

Explora Atacama includes scheduled, shared transfers to and from Calama Airport and the lodge. The journey time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and their vehicles carry no more than six passengers.

They can also arrange transfers to and from the Argentinean border for an additional cost.

Are children welcome?

Yes, children are welcome at Explora Atacama.

Giving back

Explora Atacama has a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Some key sustainability policies include:

  • Water Conservation: Located in one of the driest places on Earth, the lodge implements advanced water-saving technologies and recycles grey water for use in irrigation.
  • Renewable Energy: Explora uses solar panels and other renewable energy sources to reduce its carbon footprint and reliance on non-renewable energy.
  • Local Sourcing: The lodge prioritises sourcing food and materials locally, reducing transport emissions and supporting local economies.
  • Sustainable Architecture: Built with locally sourced materials, the lodge’s design minimises environmental impact and blends harmoniously with the desert surroundings.
  • Waste Management: Explora follows strict waste management practices, including recycling and composting, to minimise waste and environmental its impact.
  • Wildlife Preservation: The lodge actively engages in conservation efforts to protect the fragile desert ecosystem and its unique wildlife, collaborating with local communities and organisations.

What's included

A stay at Explora Atacama includes room, all meals and drinks, guided excursions and activites, round trip airport transfers, and access to the hotel’s pools and spa, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation in a stunning desert setting.

Why we love Explora Atacama

Explora has one of the best private observatories in Chile for stargazing, offering guests breath taking views of the night sky with expert guides and advanced telescopes in one of the clearest skies on Earth.

Caroline Maber
Caroline Maber

Specialises in

Latin America, The Caribbean and Polar Regions

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