EXPLORA Atacama
ATACAMA, CHILE
The Personalities
Desert explorers. Stargazers. High-altitude hikers. Photographers. Adventure seekers. Reflective travellers.
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. Salt flats stretching to the horizon. Flamingos wading in turquoise lagoons. Hot springs steaming under a cobalt sky. Bicycle rides across volcanic valleys. Night skies so clear they feel infinite.
Best Visiting Months
The best time to visit is from March to May and September to November, when temperatures are mild, skies are clear, and the desert feels boundless. Summer days are bright and dry, while winter nights bring crisp, starlit clarity, perfect for celestial exploration.
Cost
Why stay
Rising from the Pacific Ocean to the base of the Andes, Explora Atacama sits in the Ayllu de Larache near the village of San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis in the middle of the desert at 2,500 metres above sea level. Choose from 50 beautifully designed rooms with views of the Salt Mountains, rolling desert plains, or the surrounding countryside. Nestled within otherworldly landscapes, the hotel offers a gateway to one of the most arid yet mesmerizing environments on Earth. Its architecture blends seamlessly with the natural terrain, framing uninterrupted views of volcanic peaks, desert valleys, and salt flats from every corner.
Relax in one of the hotel’s four interconnected pools, surrounded by lush native vegetation. During the cooler months, warm up in the sauna or steam room, or unwind in the open-air jacuzzi after a long hike. With some of the clearest skies in the world overhead, the hotel’s Observatory invites celestial exploration and stargazing that feels truly infinite. Every detail—from materials to layout—is designed to immerse you fully in the desert, making Explora not just a place to stay, but a portal into the Atacama itself.
Why wander
The Atacama Desert is the driest place on Earth, a land of stark contrasts, endless horizons, and surreal landscapes that feel lifted from a National Geographic spread. Explora Atacama offers 37 different guided explorations, allowing you to tailor your adventure to your preferred pace and difficulty. Wander on foot, horseback, or bicycle, and embrace both physical and inner journeys alike.
Recommended excursions include the Puritama hot springs, Guatín-Puritama (half-day hike), and Quebrada de Nacimiento (full-day hike). For high-altitude thrill, climb Cerro Toco (half-day ascent). Horseback riders will thrill to Quebrada del Diablo, while cyclists can traverse Piedra de la Coca. Don’t miss Salar de Atacama—the largest salt flat in Chile—where the vast Altiplano opens up with wetlands, salt lakes, and geysers. Each exploration is a mix of wonder, discovery, and unforgettable desert magic.
Indulge in
Chilean wine over meals inspired by local tradition. Traditional BBQ in the old adobe house, featuring spit-roasted lamb, beef, and fish. Every meal celebrates the desert’s local flavours and centuries of Andean culinary heritage.
Getting There
Fly into Santiago, Chile, then take a two-hour connecting flight to Calama. From there, an Explora team member will drive you approximately one hour through desert vistas to reach the hotel, where your Atacama adventure begins.
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