Explora Atacama

Please Note: This transfer to and from is included. Please speak to your consultant for further arrival transfer information.

Please Note: This is a suggested itinerary, you can choose what excursions you would like to do. 

Located in the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, explora Atacama was built in a 17-hectare plot as a base from where to explore the desert, the Andes highlands, and its surroundings. Huge sand dunes, salt pans, impressive volcanoes and cloudless skies inspired the design of each of our explorations. Designed to blend in with the landscape and with views to the gardens, our hotel’s comfortable rooms ensure our travelers a deep rest after a day of exploration.

explora Atacama was designed as the perfect base from where to explore the desert, the Andes highlands and many surrounding natural areas. Through more than 40 explorations that can be completed hiking, by bike, by van, horseback riding or in our observatory, you’ll be able to discover the deepest mysteries of the desert: its contrasts, geography, the sky, wildlife and culture. Surrounded by pampas grass and other local flora, our four pools are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the quiet of the desert after a demanding exploration.

Inclusions:
- Accommodation in explora Atacama
- Transfers to and from Calama airport
- All meals and drinks
- Menu of more than 40 exploration routes
- Entrance fees to National Parks

Day 1: Arrival into Calama and settle into explora Atacama

Upon arrival at Calama airport, the explora hotel representative will meet you and escort you to the hotel. Once there, settle into your new luxury surroundings and enjoy your first dinner. Our dishes have been designed to enable guests to perform various explorations and still feel light, agile, and healthy. Furthermore, based on our luxury of the essential, we seek to offer pure flavors from quality ingredients. Bringing out the best of each product is our motto.Our dishes are always accompanied by a superb Chilean wine. We also carry a menu of Premium wines for those that would like to try other alternatives.

Located in the stunning Atacama Desert, Explora provides all-inclusive programs which cover accommodation, meals, transportation and excursions. Free WiFi access is available in common areas. 

Our base is a hotel built for linking man to temporary space- present and past- and the mysteries of nature. explora Atacama is located in the Ayllu de Larache (initially a kin-based community of the ancient Aymara people), near the village of San Pedro de Atacama.

The 17-hectare (42-acre) grounds comprise 20 indigenous parcels, some with timeworn pathways and buildings that explora is committed to preserving out of a profound respect for the area’s original inhabitants.

Designed to blend in with the landscape and with views to the gardens, our hotel’s comfortable rooms ensure our travelers a deep rest after a day of exploration. Surrounded by pampas grass and other local flora, our four pools are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the quiet of the desert after a demanding exploration.  

At Explora Atacama guests may choose from over 40 exclusive expedition options on horseback, bicycle or foot. Explora has an in-house stable with specially trained horses as well as an in-house observatory where guests can explore the night skies from.

Wake up surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Atacama. Today is yours to select from a large range of excursions provided by Explora. You may want to go horseback riding in the Mars Valley. Ride among typical desert landscapes: dunes, reddish sedimentary rock formations and clay grounds. This exploration is perfect to get an idea of the geography and origin of the Salt Ridge. 

Or choose to go for a hike to Toco. We take a van to an old sulfur plant located in the Andes Mountain Range, one hour away from explora, where we begin ascending. We take a steep trail up to the summit with views to Bolivia, Argentina, and the surrounding volcanoes. 

This evening, you can take part in an astronomical observation session developed in our own observatory, a different way of exploring the Atacama Desert that has one of the clearest skies in the world. We begin in the open sky with a brief explanation of the stars and the main constellations to then observe them using a telescope.

Today is another day to explore this beautiful landscape. you can choose to relax in the morning and enjoy the spa amenities explora has to offer and then in the afternoon head off on another excursion. The hike to Puricamar and Moon Valley is one not to miss. Once there, we begin walking throughout this reserve, among moon-like landscapes with rock formations, natural sculptures and huge sand dunes. We end up with a 360° view of the desert. 

Or head to the Puritaman hot springs. We'll take a van to Guatín where we begin an ascending walk. We walk for almost 30 minutes along giant cacti up to the Puritama River creek. There, we descend to walk along the river, through rock walls and vegetation. We arrive to the Puritama Hot Springs were we will have some time to relax.

On your last morning here, you may want to wake early and head to the Tatio Geysers for an unbeatable sunrise. Along the way, see an important part of the Andean Plateau fauna –including vicuñas, flamingos, foxes, and others. We'll walk across the reserve with views to the Andes Mountain Range and the hot water springs from where steam rises.

You will then bid farewell and head to the airport for your onward flight. 

Please Note: Please speak to your consultant for further departure transfer information.